With just a few weeks remaining until the start of the World Baseball Classic on March 5, it’s time to break down the double-elimination opening round. This week, it’s Pool B, being played in Mexico City. (Part five in a seven-part series)
AUSTRALIA
2006 finish: Eliminated in pool play
Key players: RHP Grant Balfour, 1B Justin Huber, OF Chris Snelling
Strength: Pitching
Weakness: Run production
Outlook: The darkhorse of the pool could sneak into the next round, likely with an upset of the host Mexicans.
Prediction: 1-2
CUBA
2006 finish: Lost final
Key players: RHP Pedro Luis Lazo, OF Frederich Cepeda, IF Yuliesky Gurriel
Strengths: Experience, cohesiveness
Weakness: Defections
Outlook: Runner-up at the inaugural WBC and the Beijing Olympics, the Cubans are itching to get back to the top step. Think: Close but no cigar.
Prediction: 3-0
MEXICO
2006 finish: Eliminated in 2nd round
Key players: 1B Adrian Gonzalez, LHP Oliver Perez, RHP Joakim Soria
Strength: Young arms
Weakness: Outfield
Outlook: The rotation is full of live arms. The problem for Vinny Castilla’s club will be matching up with some of the tournament’s loaded lineups.
Prediction: 2-2
SOUTH AFRICA
2006 finish: Eliminated in pool play
Key players: 1B Brett Willemburg, SS Anthony Phillips, RHP Barry Armitage
Strength: Best team in Africa
Weaknesses: Pitching, outfield
Outlook: A team with one-time save record holder Lee Smith as its pitching coach is unlikely to need a closer.
Prediction: 0-2