Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye out for around the baseball world throughout the day:
1. World Baseball Classic kicks off:
The World Baseball Classic is officially kicking off in Tokyo later today. At 10pm ET, Australia will face off against Chinese Taipei. Team Australia features White Sox infielder Curtis Mead and Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 draft. Outfielder Stuart Fairchild, righty Chih-Wei Hu, and infielders Tsung-Che Cheng, Yu Chang and Tzu-Wei Lin are all current or former big leaguers representing Taiwan. Prospects Hao-Yu Lee (Tigers) and Yu-Min Lin (D-backs) are on the roster as well, and fans surely recognize bullpen coach Chien-Ming Wang.
At 5am ET tomorrow morning, Czechia will face off against Korea. Of the four teams kicking off the WBC in these first two games, South Korea’s roster carries the most familiar names to the average MLB fan. Former All-Star Hyun Jin Ryu, now 38 years old, is one of the leaders of the pitching staff. Right-handers Dane Dunning and Riley O’Brien have considerable big league experience as well. Position players with major league experience include Hyeseong Kim, Jung Hoo Lee, Jahmai Jones, and Shay Whitcomb. Czechia’s most recognizable player for MLB fans is former Orioles infielder Terrin Vavra.
2. Suspensions impacting the NL East:
Yesterday, it was announced that Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use. Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas reportedly faces an 80-game suspension for failing a PED test of his own. Profar served an 80-game suspension for PED use last year. This is the first offense for Rojas. Both suspensions are expected to be appealed.
The pair of suspensions leaves both Atlanta and Philadelphia somewhat in limbo regarding their outfield plans. For the Braves, Profar’s likely suspension opens up DH at-bats for a non-roster invitee like Dominic Smith, Ben Gamel, or Tristen English. The Phillies will now lean even more heavily on top prospect Justin Crawford ahead of his likely big league debut on Opening Day, with Pedro León and non-roster invitee Bryan De La Cruz among the possible fourth outfield options.
3. Could Profar’s suspension change things for Atlanta?
The Profar suspension could have significant ramifications in Atlanta. Profar wouldn’t be paid his $15MM salary, and the Braves would also be spared another $3MM in luxury taxes as a result. With early injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, Atlanta is running low on starting pitching. They haven’t been inclined to pursue right-handers Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell yet, but perhaps the sudden influx in cash would change that approach. Both seem like a better bet to provide stability in the rotation than current fifth rotation candidates like Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz and José Suarez. It’s also possible the Braves could look to bring in another bat to help with the DH and corner outfield mix in the wake of Profar’s likely removal from the roster.
Tsung-che Cheng, that’s my guy!!
I am expecting another gambling issue to come out before the season as well.
It would surprise me if there is not be multiple.
With at least two MLB players involved. That’s usually the pattern. Meanwhile…
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@Acoss1331
Just let them bet on their games. Honestly, if you still think Baseball isn’t rigged like WWE then you’re still living in a dream.
You forgot to post the odds.
@Spaced-Cowboy
USA: -110
Japan: +330
Dominican Republic: +450
Venezuela: +900
Puerto Rico: +1800
Mexico: +2200
Canada: +5000
South Korea: +6500
Italy: +8000
Cuba: +8000
Colombia: +8000
Panama: +10000
Netherlands: +10000
Chinese Taipei: +10000
Israel: +25000
Great Britain: +25000
Australia: +25000
Czech Republic: +40000
Nicaragua: +40000
Brazil: +40000
Come on Atlanta–give McCutchen a job!
He would be a decent replacement, but I really don’t think he would play for anywhere besides Pittsburgh at this point. Who knows though, the way they treated him he may have a change of heart.
Hoping I can catch most of the WBC this time, even though I fully support it (big World Cup fan) I tend to somehow always miss most of the games.
Low key rooting for Team Italia! 😀
And Japan, because I’m a fan of all things Japanese!
And USA of course…
@Salzilla
How can you not cheer for Czechia? I’d like to see that electrician strikeout Ohtani, again.
Great highlight of 23! lol
I want Pedro Leon to unlock all his potential with the Phillies because I was a big fan of him in Houston and I was quite sad to see him go. He still has options left.
50% of Bryce Elder’s starts last year were quality starts. I think that is very good for a 5th starter…and he makes less than $1 million.
When Elder is on, he’s good, but the problem is the inconsistency and when he’s bad, he pitches BP. I’m not kidding. His stuff is so hittable that the game gets out of hand in a hurry, going to your ‘pen. I’d be fine with less QS if it meant he could work through those bad IP.
Twins legend Tzu-Wei Lin
Dylan Moore can platoon vs lefties. They probably go with Leon though.
Going to see Team USA vs the Rox today. Should be a fine day at Salt River Fields.
Zack Littell to the Braves feels like a big win for the Braves if that happens, a straight up trade of Profar for Littell would be a great trade for ATL. I suppose it is a potential silver lining to the Profar drama?
Littell’s a free agent. Nobody has to trade anything for him.