Get Ready-Some Of The Best Baseball Stars In The World Will Shine In The World Baseball Classic

This week, some fantastic baseball stars return to the world stage.

The highly anticipated World Baseball Classic will feature teams from 20 countries, an addition of four countries since the Classic was last played in 2017.

The United States won the last World Baseball Classic in 2017, defeating Puerto Rico for the title.

Beginning with the first edition of The World Baseball Classic in 2006, the games are gaining both in popularity and in the marquee names appearing.

The Classic has seen the following winners so far:

2006-Japan defeated Cuba

2009- Japan defeated South Korea

2013- Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico

2017- United States defeated Puerto Rico.

This year, odds makers have targeted the United States and the Dominican Republic with the best chances to win it all.

The United States is in Pool C, along with Canada, Colombia, Great Britain, and Mexico.

All Pool C games will be held at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Dominican Republic is in Pool D, along with Israel, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.

All Pool D games are scheduled to be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Pool C and Pool D games will be played between March 11 and March 15.

Two teams will advance from each Pool.

About The Dominican Republic’s Entry:

The Dominican Republic will feature some of the game’s biggest stars.

To begin, how about an infield that features Manny Machado (Padres) Rafael Devers (Red Sox) Wander Franco (Rays) Willy Adames (Brewers) and Jeremy Soto (Astros)?

Would you take this group for your star-studded outfield? The Dominican Republic will be playing Julio Rodriguez (Mariners) Juan Soto (Padres) Eloy Jimenez (White Sox) and Teoscar Hernandez (Mariners) as outfielders in the Classic.

Pitching? Not too shabby, either. Led by Sandy Alcantara (Marlins) Luis Garcia (Astros) Johnny Cueto (Astros) and Christian Javier (Astros).

The Dominican bullpen is also loaded. They will be able to trot out Camilo Doval (Giants) Carlos Estevez (Angels) Jose LeClerc (Rangers) Gregory Soto (Phillies) Hector Neris (Astros) Rafael Montero (Astros) Enyel De Los Santos (Guardians) and Yimi Garcia (Blue Jays) to name a few relievers.

Catchers include free agent Gary Sanchez and Francisco Mejia (Rays).

The United States Rolls Out Some Stars of Their Own:

The United States roster will try to compete with the Dominican Republic by using a very balanced approach in all positions.

The starting pitchers include Adam Wainwright (Cardinals) Miles Mikolos (Cardinals) Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks) Lance Lynn (White Sox) Nick Martinez (Padres), Kyle Freeland (Rockies) and Brady Singer (Royals).

The United States bullpen features Devin Williams (Brewers) Brooks Raley (Mets) Ryan Pressly (Astros) Adam Ottavino (Mets) Jason Adam (Rays) Daniel Bard (Rockies) David Bednar (Pirates) and Kendall Graveman (White Sox).

JT Realmuto (Phillies) Will Smith (Dodgers) and Kyle Higashioka (Yankees) will handle the catching.

The infield includes stars like Pete Alonso (Mets) Tim Anderson (White Sox) Jeff McNeil (Mets) Bobby Witt (Royals) Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals) and Nolan Arenado (Cardinals)

Outfielders on the United States team include Mookie Betts (Dodgers) Kyle Tucker (Astros) Kyle Schwarber (Phillies) Cedric Mullins (Orioles) and Mike Trout (Angels).

If it comes to a Dominican Republic-United States final, baseball fans may get to witness an incredible array of the game’s best and brightest, playing against each other for World bragging rights.

Interesting World Baseball Classic Rules and Tidbits:

New MLB rules and regulations will not be used in the World Baseball Classic. So look for those three-hour plus games that we often saw in the recent past. Bases will revert to the size they were before this spring training-15 inches square.

If, however, a game is tied after nine innings, a runner will begin each half inning already on second base, similar to MLB’s regular season rule.

In an effort to protect their arms, all World Baseball Classic pitchers will be on strict pitch counts. A pitcher will have a maximum of 65 pitches in one game during the Pool rounds.

A pitcher can throw a maximum of 80 pitches in one game during the quarterfinal rounds, and 95 pitches during the semifinals.

A pitcher must have a maximum of four days rest after a 50-pitch game, and one day rest after a 30-pitch game.

A pitcher may not pitch three consecutive games under any circumstances.

A pitcher must face a minimum of three batters or end an inning before he can be removed, which is similar to Major League Baseball.

Managers will be permitted to request one replay review during Pool play and the quarterfinals. That number increases to two replay reviews in the semifinals and finals.

During Pool play, if a team is leading by 15 or more runs after five innings, or 10 or more runs after seven innings, the game will be called. However, in all other rounds, no “mercy” rules will be implemented. Teams will be given a chance to get back in the game.

Conclusions:

Some of MLB’s greatest players will participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

For this writer, a potential clash between the Dominican Republic and the United States would make for an incredible final series.

Can a United States team with Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Bobby Witt, Paul Goldschmidt and more stars from a similar galaxy get the best of players from the Dominican Republic like Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Rafael Devers?

We’ll soon find out.