World Baseball Classic: USA vs. Puerto Rico Preview

Instant Replay

Phil: With the instant replay rule in WBC, we have had a glimpse as to what the world may look like without limits. We have seen 11 instant replays over the course of just two games. With that said, I believe that we will more than likely see another six tonight. How many do you see coming our way?

Jim: I can’t decide whether it’s sadder that you set the over/under at six replays tonight or that I’m actually considering taking the over. I’m usually very pro-replay, and the crews have done a pretty good job at being efficient with their decisions, but it is a little bit absurd. That said, I’ll take the over, and I’ll take not actually caring that it goes over because one or two of them will make a major impact on the game’s outcome.

Who wins?

Jim: Probably unsurprisingly, I see this game as one that will come down to the wire. I think Puerto Rico gets off to a hot start, scoring a couple runs in the first few innings but settling down after that. I see a Blonde Bearded Carlos Beltran (TM) giving them a 3-1 lead in the fifth before the U.S. comes storming back in the seventh. A Christian Yelich double followed by a Jonathan Lucroy single, and a Nolan Arenado (potentially lower in the lineup) redemption shot into the fourth row of the bleachers to put the U.S. up 4-3.

From there, the U.S. bullpen puts it into lockdown mode and although Puerto Rico threatens in the ninth (a Javier Baez double before he gets caught stealing third), the U.S. of A holds on for the historic win. What about yourself, Phil? How do you see this one playing out?

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Phil: Wow, that sounds like something that was stolen straight from a movie. Will this be the “Miracle on Ice” of our era? Probably not as extreme. All alliteration and trademarks aside, I agree with Puerto Rico touching up Stroman a little early for two or three runs.

Team USA will not be able to touch Lugo while he is in the game. Once it gets to the bullpen, I think I sense a Yelich and Hosmer bashing coming up. Yelich will get on base in true Yelich fashion, a hard-hit line drive opposite field. Then after a traditional Arenado strikeout, Hosmer goes deep. The score will be 3-2 going into the eighth, when Adam Jones will find some way to tie up the ball game. It’s what he does.

In the bottom of the eighth Yadier Molina will put Puerto Rico up by two after doubling home two runs with two out, making the score 5-3. Edwin Diaz will come on to close out the game allowing one run. With the U.S. threatening, Diaz will close out the game and Puerto Rico will take it all home. That’s not how I would like the game to go, but you know, Devil’s Advocate and all.

Jim: I can not believe you just picked against the U.S. I guess I’m just going to have to ship 1,000 bald eagles to your home before the game starts tonight to change your mind.

Next: USA Defeats Japan, Advances to Final

Regardless of who wins tonight, we have truly been treated to a wonderful couple weeks of baseball that has captured the attention of baseball viewers world wide. Best of luck to both teams. You can tune in to the WBC Championship tonight at 9 pm EST. #ForGlory