Classico

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The biggest lesson we all learned from the first version of the World Baseball Classic in 2006 was to expect the unexpected.

That should not be the case come 2009. When next year’s tournament rolls around, the  world will have a better idea of what to expect from the 16 teams, its players and its fans. But just in case you needed a reminder, here are a few things to reflect on from 2006 and to look forward to in 2009.

In 2006, players expressed their concerns about the timing of the World Baseball Classic. It was said to have interfered with the players’ usual Spring Training regimen and if you recall, there were a few players during the season that blamed poor starts and average seasons on their participation in the Classic. I understand. I really do.

With pitchers, that is. Pitchers definitely need their time to get ready and I’m not ignoring the fact that hitters need to face live pitching in order to be ready for the season. I’m just not buying the notion that the Classic did more harm than good as sometimes portrayed back in 2006.

It should be different in 2009. The players that want to play in the World Baseball Classic will play. They will know about the training schedule and its advantages/disadvantages. I really believe there will be fewer complaints this year because the people that really want to participate will be there. Those that don’t won’t. Coaches and managers know how it works this time around and will likely adjust players’ workout routines in order to get the guys better prepared for the competition and the 162-game MLB season that follows. If all goes according to plan, players should be able to look back at World Baseball Classic 2009 and say it helped them prepare for the regular season.

How many players blame the Caribbean Series for poor starts? That’s right. Zero. They see it as an advantage and those that do not, do not participate.

Speaking of expectations, here’s something else to think about: the United States and the Dominican Republic should not automatically be considered the favorites. That’s not a knock on the USA or the D.R. but Japan won the first World Baseball Classic and you can argue Korea had a team that was just as good or better. The view from my seat during all three rounds in 2006 showed me very capable teams that were capable of beating each other on any given day. Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Canada and Mexico should not be ruled out of championship contention because the level of play is high and the quality of players is top notch. Panama could be Cinderella story of 2009 or maybe the surprise of the tournament comes from the Far East.

Why not consider Cuba as the favorite? We’ve now been exposed to the talent level and style of play coming from the island and don’t forget that it was the Cubans that eliminated the Dominican Republic. Cuba lost to Japan in the finals. They are no longer the mysterious team from 2006.

Here's another thing to keep an eye on. The high level of play in 2006 should have surprised no one, but I’m sure it did. That will be different in 2009. Any team that does not take the tournament seriously will likely be eliminated early. These are not just exhibition games. These games mean something on a personal and professional level. It’s about country pride. Are you listening Team USA?

Expect wild fans in the stands. Expect more coverage of the event on a national and international level. Expect the biggest stars to participate in the tournament once again.

If you ask me, expect a team from Latin America to win the tournament. Then again, I’ve also learned to expect the unexpected so anything can happen.