WBC
The WBC is now in its second running after a successful championship in 2006 saw Japan win the whole thing with a thrilling victory over Cuba. The WBC was conceived by Major League Baseball, who had been trying for years to grow the sports internationally. There was some resistance from the MLB players union, as well as the players unions from other countries, to the WBC. They were afraid their players would get hurt in the tournament and be unable to play in their league, the reason they are paying the players. The players union is also part of the reason why the games take play when they do, so as to not interrupt baseballs regular season.
The same 16 teams that took part in the first WBC will be back for a second round. Thee countries are: China, Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Cuba, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Mexico, United States, Panama, South Korea, South Africa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
In the 2006 World Baseball Classic Japan was able to beat Cuba in the WBC Finals. In that edition, the United States WBC team came in 8, failing to qualify for the Semifinals. The complete standings of the 2006 WBC are:
1. Japan 5-3
2. Cuba 5-3
3. South Korea 6-1
4. Dominican Republic 5-2
5. Puerto Rico 4-2
6. Mexico 3-3
7. Venezuela 3-3
8. United States 3-3
9. Canada 2-1
10. Italy 1-2
11. Netherlands 1-2
12. Chinese Taipei 1-2
13. Australia 0-3
14. Panama 0 3
15. China 0-3
16. South Africa 0-3
We will see if the US is able to better represnt to country that invented baseball in this edition. Luckyliy the Yankees will let Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez play, however they wont let CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Jorge Posada represent their country, understandably opting to protect their considerable investments. (Even though there is insurance for teams whose players are injured).