Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose
We have not covered the World Baseball Classic too much except a mention here or there about Phillies players that were active in the tournament, but there was some amazing baseball played over the last few weeks. The Phillies' one glimpse into the class was an exhibition game between the Phillies and the Dominican Republic national team on March 6. That powerhouse team went on to win the World Baseball Classic tonight with a 3-0 defeat of Puerto Rico.
Take a look at Erik's preview from March 6. This lineup featured a current or ex-All-Star in positions 1-7 in the batting order. And Alejandro De Aza just may join them soon. The Phillies half-minor league lineup had no chance. One thing I observed that day beyond the fact they pummeled the Phillies 15-2 was that the team was full of national pride and on a mission. The big salaries and fame in the United States were not enough: they wanted to represent their home country.
The lone Phillies representative on the Dominican team is former second baseman and current first base coach Juan Samuel. Just traded to the Angels Michael Cisco and Lehigh Valley Iron Pig Tom Cochran, and minor league inventory Juan Sosa were extras off of the roster, but no major leaguers played in this classic.
Robinson Cano took home the MVP honors for the tournament. He was hitless during the final but hit over .500 the rest of the way and had some highlight-reel defensive plays. Also probably a close runner-up would be closer Fernando Rodney. He had seven saves en route to the Dominican title.
It will not be until 2017 that we have another World Baseball Classic. Already there is much talk of changing it for the better. I'll have a few thoughts about that and how the United States can field a more competitive team. However, in 2013 the Dominican Republic certainly put on quite the showing and they will be the reigning World Baseball Classic champions for the next four years.
