The World Baseball Classic

The WBC is a personal favorite event of mine, what does everyone else think? I think the Classic has the potential to grow into a World Cup type event. The key is that the best players buy in and are truly playing for their national pride. If it means something to the players, I think fans will follow. I do think the timing (during spring training) is a bit of an issue. What does everyone like or dislike about it?

Seth, to each his own. I think the WBC is yet another totally contrived marketting tool by the TV industry. The motivation among the players and the quality of play make a mockery of the term "classic" -- a term which, incidentally, is absurd for any newly-contrived event in sports or anywhere else. Got to call 'em as we see 'em, right? Cheers, -- Goddard

It could be good, but it won't be. Given the nature of the MLB season, it just won't happen.

In order for the WBC to become the equivalent of the World Cup for baseball, they'd need to play it in June or July (when everybody is in top shape), and they'd need to get the best players from each country. The MLB owners would never go for that because: (1) they'd lose a month's worth of revenue every three or four years and (2) they'd risk serious injury to some very good players in the middle of the season, which would make it difficult to replace those players if they had to.

I agree with Bretzky's comments on the event's inherent logistical limitations. That said, I enjoy it. I'm certainly enjoying watching the games more than I'd be enjoying watching normal early spring training games. Personally, I think the key is to enjoy the tournament for what it is but not expect much more from it.