Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. World Baseball Classic continues:
After Team Italy’s shocking 8-6 victory over Team USA last night, the World Baseball Classic enters its final day of Pool Play with plenty at stake. At 3pm local time in San Juan, Canada and Cuba will face off to decide who will join Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals. That game will be followed up at 6pm local time in Houston, when Italy and Mexico will face off to determine not only their own fates, but also the fate of Team USA. The United States can be eliminated if Mexico beats Italy while scoring four runs or fewer, as all three teams would finish with 3-1 records and move on to a runs-based tiebreaker. The final game of the evening will occur at 8pm local time in Miami, where the Dominican Republic and Venezuela will face off for seeding purposes after both clubs already clinched their quarterfinal appearance.
Outside of the excitement of the games themselves, this year’s WBC has already brought considerable intrigue and drama off the field. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa conducted an interview pregame where he seemingly did not realize that his club had not already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, and Chad Jennings of The Athletic notes that MLB.com appears to have taken down the footage of DeRosa’s mistaken comments after Team USA’s loss. Meanwhile, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale was among those to discuss possible discontent in the Mariners’ clubhouse after star catcher Cal Raleigh declined to shake hands with Mariners teammate and WBC opponent Randy Arozarena during the game between the U.S. and Mexico yesterday.
2. Teel exits due to hamstring issue:
In other WBC news, a damper was put on Italy’s victory when catcher Kyle Teel was pulled from the game due to tightness in his right hamstring. As noted by Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com, Teel figures to be replaced on Italy’s roster by bullpen catcher Andres Annunziata. Annunziata is a 20-year-old who plays in Italy’s Serie A league. Perhaps more pertinent than Teel’s WBC status is whether or not he’ll be hampered headed into the regular season for the White Sox. He’ll surely get imaging done on his ailing hamstring to determine the severity of the issue, and the White Sox will be able to formulate a plan for Teel from there. Fortunately for them, Edgar Quero and Korey Lee are available as a capable catching tandem even if Teel misses the start of the season.
3. Carroll returning to the lineup:
Corbin Carroll has missed the bulk of Spring Training so far due to a hamate fracture that ultimately required surgery, but Alex Weiner of the Arizona Republic relayed yesterday that the Diamondbacks’ star outfielder will be back in the lineup today as a DH. With a little over two weeks left to go before Opening Day, Carroll should have just enough time to ramp up before the season begins and avoid starting the year on the injured list. His return to the field begins at 1:10pm local time in Arizona, when Ryne Nelson will be taking the mound opposite Luis Morales and the Athletics.
Pretty sucky that there’s a good chance a 3-1 team is going home today.
Yes let’s change the rules so the biggest teams get second chances
then go 4-0 and it’s not an issue
Agreed, regardless of who goes home, it will be unfortunate to see a 3-1 team go home.
horace – All three of the 3-1 teams easily beat both Great Britain & Brazil.
So look at it as 1-0 Italia, 1-1 USA and 0-1 Mexico.
If Mexico wins tonight, one of Italia & USA & Mexico deserve to go home.
Well said…
Usa deserves to lose esp w that idiot Dero at the helm.
He shpuld be coaching his last game.
Just irresponsible to not know the rules, put out a B lineup, and let the game get out of hand cuz he didnt make any changes
Rooting for something like a 3-1 victory for team Mexico over team Italy tonight because it would be really funny.
Mama Mia!
Congrats (?) to the apparently clueless manager of Team USA, Mark DeRosa, who (prior to this incident) I had a really solid impression of. But he may have cost USA because he thought they had already clinched so he didn’t play his best lineup yesterday. Now he’s saying his comments were taken out of context. No way and for the manager of such a high profile team like this to not understand that his team had not yet clinched is a fireable offense IMO.
Last night’s starting lineup:
Bobby Witt
Gunnar Henderson
Aaron Judge
Kyle Schwarber
Will Smith
Roman Anthony
Paul Goldschmidt
Ernie Clement
Peter Crow-Armstrong
Dont blame the Manager, talk to McLean, Yarborough and Keller (8 runs, 3hrs, 4bb, 1 Big Error). Stuff happens.
Yeah, the lineup was solid and produced enough to win. The pitchers spit the bit.
Keller’s throw to second, ugh. But it is odd to put Goldschmidt in just to give him playing time. Nonetheless, they scored enough to win. Pitching has to be better.
Clement and Goldschmidt should never be starting when you have Turang, Bregman, and Harper sitting. Yarborough should have never come into the game either. I genuinley don’t think he knew that this was a potential do-or-die game until like the 5th inning.
“Clement and Goldshmidt should never …”
So youre going to invite guys to the WBC and never give them any meaningful ABs? Easier said than done. After all, this isnt the World Series.
Also, those 5 Abs (1-5, 1 run) didnt cost the game nearly as much as giving up 8 runs in 6 innings.
Sure, but this was a potential do-or-die game. I get giving guys ABs, but you need to be putting your best players out there.
One loss and you can be out, they’re all do-or-die.
@Breslow: You invite them because you need a well-rounded team with depth. You don’t invite them to start, and you especially don’t have Goldschmidt batting against RHP when he’s one of the worst at it. Goldy had a .619 OPS against RHP last year. @mlb1225 is right. He should *never* have been in there and the only reason he was is that DeRosa thought they’d clinched already.
The bench players still have to get playing time so they are ready for the MLB schedule.
It was pretty embarrassing, also when Rosenthal was interviewing him mid-game and he was flubbing on the names of his bullpen.
“Bobby Witt asked [Mark DeRosa] if he should be stealing while Judge is batting, and he said ‘just do whatever you can'” bro he’s asking you to manage the team
We need a Coach K
DeRosa’s probably never getting a manager job now
Always loved the guy, but he’s bench coach material, not manager. He’s a modest guy, with much to be modest about.
Always came off as a meathead, to me at least.
I don’t know why the USA can’t have a retired manager like Bochy or Dusty manage the team. There are a ton of good candidates that fit this bill I would’ve landed on before DeRosa. Hell, what’s Mike Matheny doing these days?
Bochy would be managing Team France if he was managing in the WBC.
Well, he WAS a cub.
Sad news about Teel. He looks like a great player.
Today’s games should be super exciting. Would love to see Mexico and Italy win simply because they are both fun teams to watch and they look like they’re having fun. Wish the American team played with a little more energy.
Really? I felt like the US team was super energized. They were flat to start last night but the fire has been there.
Forza Italia! Loving this run by them. Tonight should be awesome vs. Mexico!
Awesome seeing Carroll, Lindor, and Holliday all looking like they’ll make it back in time for the season after that rash of hamate bone injuries.
The handshake thing is a joke, a nothingburger cooked by the media. The Teel injury could be more serious, though the catcher didn’t look too badly hurt. As for DeRosa, if the U.S. makes it out of the pool stage and winds winning the tournament, all will be forgiven. If the team gets eliminated today, they’ll have a new manager for the next WBC.
What is the end date for the WBC?
17th, I believe.
Can’t come soon enough for those of us who think it’s an annoyance, a gimmick, and an impediment to spring training.
Be sure to mail your grievances to the WBC suggestion box to claim your free box of Kleenex.
Alan has gotta be one of the most miserable people on this forum.
Lloyd, did you really mean to add “one of” in your statement?
Good point, Steelers.
ABSOLUTELY. The way the media and meatheads out there that this thing is a “THING” is humorous.
Rather see other EXHIBITION games with top 100 minor leaguers playing. WAY more interesting.
And what a massive F’up by DeRosa….
He knew the answer Horace. He knows everything.
So if Mexico loses USA is in? Or if either team blows out the other team USA is in? I think USA has a total of 11 runs given up. I think Mexico is 5 and Italy is 6. So any scoring over 6 puts USA in I take it? Confusing stuff
Italy wins or Mexico scores more than 4.
If Mexico scores more then 4 and still loses that puts a nail in their own coffin? Ha, crazy!
It’s a moot point now with Italy up 7-1….
Keller so overrated. Would not have picked him for any all star type team. Can’t believe the Phils gave him a decent contract.
Bad inning last night, that is for sure.
He’s a pretty darned good reliever normally. Not so good as a starter though.
…and now you know why Mark DeRosa will never be a Major League manager.
Who knew freaking Lorenzen was such a world beater?!?
Reminded me of the Ryder Cup. So much talent, but it feels like the opponent just wants it more.
One other thing. The game last night was between two U.S. teams. It’s just that one team had a requirement of some Italian ancestry somewhere along the way. So the “Team Italy” moniker is kind of silly. But it was still a fun game to watch.
Yeah, Team Italian-Americans and Team Brazilian-Dominicans, etc. would be more appropriate. Seriously, the 16-team tourney is a farce. It should be like hockey with the 4-Nations. All we need to see is the USA, Japan, Dominican-Republic and Venezuela. Come on….
The aspiring players in Montenegro and Uzbekistan will not appreciate that comment
Not really. While I disagree with Raleigh’s stance, he already said he wasn’t going to shake hands. Randy Arozarena decided not to respect another man’s boundaries and test them.
Jerk move…as far as you know.
Did Cal say something at the moment like, “nah dude, not today”/”see you back in camp” with that competitive talk players all have?
I dunno, neither do you. Best to reserve judgement, me thinks.
Fun? Would you be having fun in 8-0 deficit? If they were still goofing around and laughing down 8-0, then what would you say, can’t imagine.
Yes, Italy was having a blast. They earned it.
“You know team USA wouldn’t give a standing ovation to pitcher that blanked them”. — Classy statement about classless acts. Thanks Black Kettle.
Jort — First you call Cal a jerk, when you don’t know nothing about them, their relationship, or even what Cal had said before hand.
Then you call Team USA boring, not enjoying themselves, and classless.
No dude, what the heck are you talking about? Please.
Jort — I said you don’t know it all, you reply you do. Good deal.
You conjecture about team USA’s character, I say different. Sweet.
Just be honest with yourselves and finally admit baseball is no longer America’s game. Hockey is. Basketball is. Even Track and Field is. Not baseball
Very true to some extent.. Forgot the one that is though and always will be… NFL…
Only American Football is uniquely American now. Hockey and basketball are increasingly international sports with many international stars populating US professional leagues and many of the best college teams.
Rugby makes football look like a quilting bee.
Rugby League. Way more of a tougher and exciting non stop spectacle than Rugby Union. It’s a key distinction. If you are going to go down a rugby path…. choose league.
BASKETBALL??? COLLEGE basketball is up there, but the National Chinese Association is barely above Lacrosse at this juncture.
Not to worry, Mexico and Italy are both taking game seriously… Mexico has the ghosts of Fernando, 1986 Teddy Higuera and Soria to close for them… Italy has chef boyardee, Spicolli, Mario and brother Luigi playing the infield third to first as Jack Brickhouse would say…Have to wonder though… So hell bent on redemption that you don’t know for SURE if you advanced already , with a team of super expensive superstars… oh wait we’re not in yet??!! Wink wink darn my bad….
The AL Central look good last night for team Italy with Teel, Cags, and Antonacci going 5-7 with 7 runs, 5 RBIs, 2 walks and 3 home runs.
DeRosa won’t be managing Team USA or any other team than his kids after this. Not knowing the rules of a tournament is crazy. Convoluted as they are.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic notes that MLB.com appears to have taken down the footage of DeRosa’s mistaken comments
==================
That’s incredibly weak. If you make a mistake, just own it.
Reminder that ESPN now runs MLB.TV and no doubt had some say in it, as if ESPN can’t be more of an embarrassment.
The Mariner clubhouse drama will be fun to watch this season if this is actually real….
I’m paying way more attention to the Paralympics but that’s because I know someone competing. Kind of love-hate the WBC. Don’t care who wins. Only checking on the injuries. I wish they would do it after the season is over. Give the injured players time to recover and rest.
wh
“I wish they would do it after the season is over.”
Maybe more injuries. Having players
1) play another month after the season.
2) some players would have to ramp down and then ramp back up
Serious question if anyone can answer…tiebreaker rule says team with lowest quotient of runs given up to defensive outs advances.
Since USA is at eleven and Italy is at 6….doesnt the possibility of Mexico winning the game 5 to anything in EXTRA INNINGS open the possibility that both USA and Italy have give up eleven…but Italy had more defensive outs.
Isn’t giving up 11 runs in 19 or 20 innings better than giving up 11 in 18???
If someone like Derosa doesnt know the rules I certainly have no issue saying I dont understand them.
Can anyone decipher why I am reading that USA advance if Mexico wins and scores 5? Thanks.
WBC rules once again are stupid after thinking they “fixed” it by making it even more complicated. Mexico would be wise to not score more than 4 runs if they’re winning late to force the better opponent out of the playoffs. System doesn’t account for A) Teams being dumb or just want to rest guys who should be in spring training and B) Teams manipulating via run scoring.
Team USA lost to Italy because the best USA starters are unavailable and in Arizona or Florida in Spring Training getting ready for the MLB Season.
Skubal and Skenes started two of the games won by Team USA.
If Team USA was serious about winning this tournament, then they would have lined up a better pitching and more clutch hitting for the WBC Tournament.
McLean and Yarborough are not elite starters/pitchers at this point in their MLB careers. They are not even in the top 10 or Top 20 of MLB pitchers.
McLean looks promising for the Mets and could become an elite starter, but it is too early in his young career to rate him as “elite”.
This was a “must win” game, like all of the WBC games, for teams interested in winning the WBC Tournament.
MLB is loaded with great starters who could pitch for team USA.
Skubal discussed a 2nd possible WBC start, but discussions with the Tigers, his agent and his trainers lead to his decision to focus on Spring Training for his 2026 free agent walk year. It was not worth risking injury when Skubal needed to get ready for the marathon 162 game schedule + playoffs.
Where are the top USA starters like:
Blue Jays Trey Yesavage?
NYY Max Fried ?! Cam Schlittler?
Red Sox Garret Crochet?
Phillies Christopher Sanchez?
I understand that MLB players are under contract and their primary motivation and responsibility is to their MLB teams,, to get ready in Spring Training for a long season and to stay healthy. Over use of playes, especially pithcers, in the WBC could lead to injuries and lost MLB seasons. A full Spring Training is crucial to MLB players to get healthy and tuned up for a long 162 game season + the playoffs.
But, to say this World Baseball talent is presenting the best baseball talent that the USA has when many of the USA’s best players are in Arizona and Florida training and getting ready for the MLB season, is just not accurate.
It is like holding a MLB All Star game and having 50%-70% of your best baseball talent declining to participate.
And, I can understand why.
The WBC is played before most MLB players have had the training and conditioning that they get yearly in Spring Training after their long off season layoff/break.
Many players have played in the WBC and become injured and missed playing time during the regular season that follows the WBC.
Missing Spring Training or parts of it may be a big reason for the injuries.
You want to represent Team USA, but you are paid to play for your MLB team and players do not want to jeapardize that and/or their careers.
I agree with you on McLean not being ready to be “elite”. But how do you know Yesavage or Schlittler would have been any better? Yesavage pitched 14 innings in the regular season. Let’s see how they all pitch in a full season.
The jerk store called, and they’re running out of catchers!
You’re gonna be invited to this year’s Festivus celebration with that comment
It’s a Christmas miracle!
Put a wooden stake into this pathetic TV event. It serves absolutely no purpose except waiting for the inevitable “who will get a season ending injury next, and hurt your REAL team”.
:eye roll: