Who is ready for baseball that matters? I am, so that means it's prediction time!The World Baseball Classic kicks off in just a few hours -- at 9:30 p.m. MST on MLB Network, to be exact -- when Australia and Chinese Taipei square off at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan.
This weekend features Pool A (Fukuoka, Japan) and Pool B (Taichung, Taiwan). Below you will find a brief preview and prediction of each of the Pool A and Pool B first round games that run through Wednesday
Pool's C and D will get under way on Thursday with the United States squaring off against Mexico on Friday night in a Pool D contest at 7 p.m. MST in Phoenix, Ariz.
For a complete look at the 2013 WBC schedule, click here
POOL A
Japan vs. Brazil (Sat, 3 a.m. MST)
Brazil comes into the classic ranked 20th in the world and doesn't get any favors as they draw Japan in their opening game.
Japan is the two-time defending WBC Champion and also the host site for all Pool A games.
While the Japanese will be without the big names of Ichiro and Hiroki Kuroda, this will be no match for them as they will start defense of their title with ease.
My Prediction: Japan 6, Brazil 1
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Cuba vs. Brazil (Sat, 8:30 p.m. MST)
As was the case for Brazil in their opener, things don't get easier as they go up against the world's No. 1 team in Cuba.
The Cubans are the favorite to win this years classic and should breeze through this one.
My Prediction: Cuba 8, Brazil 2
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China vs. Japan (Sun, 3 a.m. MST)
Japan, ranked third in the world, and one of the favorites to win the WBC will see a tougher test than they did in their opener but shouldn't have any problems with an up and coming Chinese squad.
China will be without the services of Bruce Chen, who played the previous two classics with Panama, after he couldn't provide proper documentation to be eligible for a spot on the Chinese roster.
My Prediction: Japan 5, China 0
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China vs. Cuba (Mon 12:30 a.m. MST)
This could easily be a trap game for the Cubans with Wednesday's showdown with Japan looming.
I think Cuba gets the job done but not without some tense moments as china keeps things interesting.
My Prediction: Cuba 6, China 2
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Brazil vs. China (Tues, 1 a.m. MST)
This will be the most winnable game for both as Brazil and China will likely both come in at 0-2.
I think Brazil will prevail in a slugfest as both squads will likely be running out of arms at this point.
My Prediction: Brazil 10, China 6
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Japan vs. Cuba (Wed, 3 a.m. MST)
This by will be far and away be the best game of the Pool. T
With two of the top thee teams in the world already likely having a spot in the next round locked up, it will be interesting to see how these two play it with each of them likely playing on Friday, March 8th in the second round.
My Prediction: Japan 3, Cuba 2
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POOL B
Australia vs. Chinese Taipei (Fri, 9:30 p.m. MST)
While neither one of these teams will likely figure into the final four mix come mid-march in San Francisco Friday nights opening round game should be a competitive affair and fun to watch.
While neither squad boasts much major league talent, Chien-Ming Wang is slated to take the hill against the Aussies Friday night and I think that will give Taipei the edge.
My Prediction: Chinese Taipei 6, Australia 2
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Korea vs. Netherlands (Sat, 4:30 a.m. MST)
Korea lacks major league name power but boasts the #4 ranking in the world and should get past the Netherlands on Saturday.
The Dutch will look to former Atlanta Brave slugger, Andruw Jones, to provide an offensive spark but lack strength in their pitching staff.
My Prediction: Korea 4, Netherlands 2
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Netherlands vs. Chinese Taipei (Sat, 11:30 p.m. MST)
In what shapes to be one of the toughest pools of the tournament, Chinese Taipei will look to silence the Netherlands bats as two of the worlds top-10 square off.
I think the Netherlands offense gets the best of Chinese Taipei in this one and pulls the minor upset
My Prediction: Netherlands 6, Chinese Taipei 5
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Korea vs. Australia (Mon, 3:30 a.m. MST)
The Koreans stay undefeated in pool play here as they squeak past the Aussies.
My Prediction: Korea 4, Australia 3.
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Australia vs. Netherlands (Mon, 9:30 a.m. MST)
The Netherlands, one of the "sleeper" picks by many in this years' classic should have no trouble with the Aussies as they would put themselves in great position to advance to the second-round with a win here.
My Prediction: Netherlands 3, Australia 1
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Chinese Taipei vs. Korea (Tues, 4:30 a.m.)
A Korea win in the final game of Pool B action would lock up a spot in the second round for them and the Netherlands.
Korea gets the job done, but barely, as they just get by the host country.
My Prediction: Korea 6, Chinese Taipei 5 (10 innings)
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Source: images courtesy www.worldbaseballclassic.com and rankings courtesy of International Baseball Federation
