The United States lost to Japan in the 2009 World Baseball Classic semi-final last night, and for the 2nd time in the WBC short history the U.S. fails to win the tournament. I think the U.S. needs to either send their best Major league players or just use amateurs in 2011.
The U.S. should have sent some of their top-notch pitchers (Hamels, Lincecum, Sabbathia). Instead, aging "tired" pitchers like Roy Oswald and Jake Peavy had to bear the burden of starting pitching throughout the tournament. I give those guys kudos for accepting the "honor" of pitching for the United States.
Also, let's get a competent manager and not use a re-tread like Davey Johnson. If Johnson is so good, how come he can't get a job as a major league manager ?
In a critical spot last night with one out in the 8th inning, against a hard throwing right hand Japanese pitcher, Johnson calls back switch hitter, Shane Victorino from the on deck circle and replaces him w/ right handed Evan Longoria. Johnson most likely did that because he felt bad Longoria had not played yet and may not get a chance to hit again. What is this tee ball ? Longoria struck out swinging.
The U.S. should either be "all in" during the next WBC and reclaim the role of the World's baseball leader or just admit that the major league season is more important than winning a title for the United States.
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