I’ve noticed a trend in the WBC. In the 14 games played so far, there have been two one run games, one three run games, and one four run game. All the other games have been won by 7 or more runs. Three games have ended early due to the “Mercy Rule” (which I don’t think any red-blooded baseball fan should agree with). It seems as if the offense is either exploding or falling completely silent. For example, the US, Japan, Korea, and Australia (Australia?) have combined for over 80 runs in 8 games played. It’s been pretty exciting, as long as you’re on the right side of the bat. I’m sure that Venezuela, China, and Mexico didn’t think it was all that exciting. Here are my favorite moments of this shindig so far:

The Underdogs

I do love me an underdog. But when the Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic, the commentators on ESPN and MLBN immeadiately started calling it a “magical run”. I scoffed, but now I’m thinking they might be right (though they still only said it to create a story and grab ratings). Not only did they beat the mighty Dominican Republic team, but they’re currently beating Puerto Rico. It’s loads of fun, but not as much fun as Australia beating Mexico 17-7. Let me just say that again…Australia beat Mexico 17-7…in Mexico. The game had to be ended in the 8th inning because of the Mercy Rule. This was by far the most hilarious moment of the tournament (as an fan of US Soccer, I have a great affinity for anyone who beats Mexico at anything).

Pudge

I never got to see Pudge play when he was on steroids in his prime. I think I’ve gotten a glimpse of it in these two games. He’s been phenominal. I’m sure the phone started ringing this morning.

Adam Dunn’s Panic Attack

During what was by far the most exciting and best played game in the tournament so far, the US and Canada went at each other for nine full innings and it wasn’t clear who would win until the last out had been recorded. During the ninth inning, when it seemed as if the Canadians might tie the game…again…Adam Dunn was sitting on the bench taking his pulse. Made me smile.

Mario Chiarini’s Wardrobe Malfunction

An Italian outfielder named Mario Chiarini made a spectacular diving catch, robbing Bobby Abreu of at least a double. That wasn’t the great part. The great part was that when the kid got up, his belt was broken. No one could accuse Italy of not taking this thing seriously. They were playing their pants off.

Watching all those American Boys Run

I’m obviously a little biased about this one, but watching the Americans in nearly constant motion on Sunday night made me a very happy little Yank. The Canada game was still the better game, but seeing 14 runs on your team’s side of the scoreboard is never a bad time. It was also fun to be able to say things like, “6-4-3: Jete to Pedroia to Youkilis” or even more fun to say “Aramando Galaragga just made Curtis Granderson ground out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera”. That one almost gave me a headache.

At the time of this writing, the Netherlands is still beating Puerto Rico and Italy is beating Canada. Japan, Korea, and the US are going to the next round.

*On a more personal note, I’d like to say with no small amount of pride that I’ve been featured on the front page of MLBlogs twice in the past couple of weeks. Once for my Manny post and once for my post about the WBC the other day. Thanks to whoever chooses those blogs and thanks to anyone who reads these nonsensical ramblings I call a blog. 🙂

~K