Morning everyone!
The WBC finally comes to an end tonight with the finale set up between the USA and Venezuela. While many expected the US national team to be here, this is Venezuela’s first time reaching the final round of the competition. And of course with world events going on right now you can’t help but feel the added sense of importance for players on both squads.
The Americans are set to send Mets right-handed Nolan McLean to the bump this evening for what’ll be his second start of the tournament.
His first one didn’t go all that smoothly as he got tagged for three runs in three innings of work. Team Italy seemed to get the jump on the young righty so he’ll be hoping to turn his and his squad’s fortunes around in this winner-take-all matchup. This is likely going to be the biggest game of the 24-year-old’s young career so let’s hope he got a good night’s rest as is ready to take on the impresses Venezuela lineup.
Team Venezuela meanwhile has Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez getting the nod for the final game of the tourney. Like McLean he also got hit hard in his lone start during the WBC, but unlikely McLean Rodriguez is a seasoned veteran. This is going to be for all the marbles now. Let’s see who wants it worse.
And of course we have some A’s baseball to look forward to this afternoon as well when the Athletics take on the Chicago White Sox. Opening Day is fast approaching and it’s nearly time to start getting the roster officially set. The A’s don’t have seemingly as many roster questions as they’ve had in recent years but there’s always tough decisions to be made around this time of year. Let’s hope manager Mark Kotsay makes the right calls early and gets our team started strong for what could be a surprising year for people not familiar with our group of guys.
Have a good Tuesday A’s fans!
A’s Coverage:
- A’s Shutout the Angels 3-0
- Eyeball Scout Wowed By 12— Win: Lots To Love
- March Reminder: Opening Day Rosters Matter More To The Fans
- A’s Lose To Texas 7-6 in Spring Training Matchup
- Can Muncy’s glove catch up to his bat at third base?
- A’s Slug Their Way To Fifth Straight Cactus League Victory
- What Have We Learned So Far In Spring Training?
- Jacob Wilson Has a Message For A’s Fans in the Bay Area
- Young, talented Athletics need veterans to show the way
MLB News and Interest:
- Venezuela beats Italy in WBC semi-finals, sets up showdown with USA
- Japan manager Ibata steps down after WBC loss
- Phillies outfielder Rojas receives 80-game suspension
- Latest on Angels’ second base competition
- Yamamoto set to start Opening Day for Dodgers
- MLB set to test check-swing rule in Triple-A
- Travis Bazzana will not make Guardians’ Opening Day roster
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Big game tonight:
Love to see it:
Any chance we see him as soon as April?
