Tuesday night we saw two powerhouse teams go head to head in the World Baseball Classic Final as Team USA and Team Venezuela squared off to see who could call themselves best in the world. Team USA was always going to be a juggernaut, but Venezuela beat out several other teams that were predicted to do better in the series. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, considering the dominant talent that has come out of Venezuela for decades.
In the winner-take-all final, it was ultimately Team Venezuela
that came out the champions. The final score was 3-2. Bryce Harper made a valiant effort to tie the game in late innings, but it wasn’t enough to keep Venezuela down. This is Venezuela’s first WBC championship.
With the WBC now finished, focus will return to the final weeks of Spring Training as teams gear up for Opening Day and the dawning of the new MLB season.
WBC years are always such a treat, getting to see the best of the best go head-to-head is a wonderful showcase for baseball talent on a broader stage.
Now let’s get into the rest of today’s links.
Detroit Tigers News
- We love a good stat.
- When Miguel Cabrera gives you advice, you take it.
- Hey, we know him!
AL Central News
MLB News
- Some experiment rules we might see tested in the minors this season.
- How baseball really is sometimes just a children’s game.
- What can the Brewers expect from their new pitching rotation?
- Providing context for the Texas Ranger statue at Globe Life Field.
- Team Venezuela finally found their pitching groove, but was it in time to tackle their biggest rival?
- The Red Sox have signed old friend Tommy Kahnle to a minor league deal.
- All the previous MVP winners of past WBCs.
- Alex Rodriguez is very bad at making comparisons.
- A sweet moment between Clayton Kershaw and his son.
- Team USA were rocking a lucky charm on their way to the WBC final.
- The WBC has succeeded in creating a consistent buzz around baseball ahead of the regular MLB season.
- Shohei Ohtani will make his Spring Training pitching debut today.
- Gerrit Cole is also poised to make his return today for the Yankees.
- How much do WBC winner stand to make? ($)
- Why would Team USA lean on a rookie pitcher with the biggest game of the WBC on the line? ($)
- A very important update about the Mariners’ ferry boat.
- Some great moments from WBCs past.
- Oof, bring on the ABS, please.
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
- Sun 7-10pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Mon-Wed 10am-1pm: Mike Rutherford
- Mon-Wed 5-8pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Thursday 9am-12pm: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
