BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: WBC Championship: Japan vs. Cuba

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Monday, March 20, 2006

WBC Championship: Japan vs. Cuba - 9:00 PM EST (ESPN)

Both teams are playing it close to the vest, and not announcing their starting pitcher for the game.

Though most pundits expected the U.S. and Domincan to be duking it out tonight, instead we get two of the traditional powers in international baseball - Cuba and Japan. Since baseball became a full Olympic sport in 1992, Cuba had medaled four times, clocking three golds and a silver, and Japan has brought home three medals - two bronze and a silver.

Though national pride will be on the line (and the chance for Cuba to jab the U.S. in the eye for our idiotic trade policy toward their country), there’s also a big chunk of cash at stake. While 50% of the profits from the WBC will go to “baseball development” under Bud Selig’s close, personal supervision, per Neil deMause, the winner of tonight’s game will get 10% of the total kitty, the loser - along with the rest of the tournament field - gets 1%. Also per deMause that leaves 25% unaccounted for.

Sean McNally Posted: March 20, 2006 at 04:14 PM | 563 comment(s)
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1. Richard Gadsden Posted: March 20, 2006 at 05:31 PM (#1908913)

Support Cuba for more money to the Katrina victims!

2. Urban Faber Posted: March 20, 2006 at 05:37 PM (#1908919)

That financial split reads like something out of The Producers.

3. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 07:02 PM (#1909025)

Didn't Cuba pretty much agree not to take any profit in exchange to actually get to play? More money for the Katrina victims.

4. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 07:16 PM (#1909030)

Remember, if Cuba wins I am changing my name to Yobernal Diaz for the rest of the month.

5. The Clarence Thomas of BTF (scott) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 08:03 PM (#1909073)

yeah, if cuba wins, the money goes to aid for hurricane victims. they won't make a dime.

6. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 09:48 PM (#1909285)

Last chance for the Cubans to defect in front of a live TV audience.

7. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 09:49 PM (#1909288)

This is the game that shows whether Communism works in practice. Of course, it didn't work too well for mainland China.

8. JH (in DC) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:02 PM (#1909302)

Grr....OT in the college hoops game is going to hold up the baseball.

9. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:02 PM (#1909303)

Crap. Mic-ND is going into overtime. Not good. I sure hope NIT is sent into ESPN Classic or 2 or U.

10. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:03 PM (#1909305)

I HATE Notre Dame!!

11. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:05 PM (#1909308)

I can't believe they're going to show us overtime in the National Incompotents' Tournament instead of baseball. This is crap.

12. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:05 PM (#1909309)

Oh no! Overtime?! Come on, it's the f'ing NIT.

13. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:06 PM (#1909310)

Good thing that the actual WBC game doesn't start until 9:15... I think.

14. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:08 PM (#1909316)

This is retarded. ESPN has assraped the WBC. There coverage has been terrible at best.

15. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:09 PM (#1909317)

Uncle Bud really needs to rethink the scheduling of the WBC. Most of the games weren't televised on national tv (cable or otherwise) because of March Madness, and the championship game is being held up by an NIT team game that few people outside the Rust Belt care about.

16. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:09 PM (#1909320)

They never would have thought it would get good ratings. MLB didn't offer them the rights until ESPN had already been locked into a NIT contract.

17. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:11 PM (#1909322)

ESPN has assraped the WBC.

I'm not sure we can blame ESPN. They've had a long-standing commitment to college basketball during conference tourney time, and the NIT during that tournament. Contracts were probably in place long before the WBC was announced.

18. Urban Faber Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:12 PM (#1909323)

Did they really think the NIT game would only take two hours?

19. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:12 PM (#1909324)

ESPN has assraped the WBC.

I'm not sure we can blame ESPN. They've had a long-standing commitment to college basketball during conference tourney time, and the NIT during that tournament. Contracts were probably in place long before the WBC was announced.

Yes. In the future, ESPN will likely be able to restructure both contracts to fit it a bit.

20. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:13 PM (#1909328)

I was more referring to the games being shoved to Deportes and tape delay than tonight.

21. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:15 PM (#1909330)

The WBC has been snakebit somewhat. Triple-overtime wouldn't surprise me.

22. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:16 PM (#1909332)

Somebody win, somebody win, somebody win.

Somebody go to ESPN Deportes or Gameday to make sure the game hasn't already started.

23. Gamingboy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:18 PM (#1909336)

CRAAAAP!

24. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:18 PM (#1909337)

DAMMIT

25. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:18 PM (#1909338)

#############! #############! CAN'T ANY OF THESE ############# SCORE?!

26. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:18 PM (#1909339)

I really HATE Notre Dame!!

27. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:19 PM (#1909340)

ok...time to move the basketball game to ESPN2

28. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:19 PM (#1909341)

OH IT ####### STARTED!!!

ESPN CAN SUCK MY DICK.

29. JH (in DC) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:19 PM (#1909342)

Posted by Bud Selig:

::throws chair:

30. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:19 PM (#1909343)

I am so glad the nanny didn't catch that.

31. Gary Hoggatt Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:20 PM (#1909346)

The WBC game's started, and it's double overtime for the NIT game. Wow, this blows.

32. Carl Spongberg Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:20 PM (#1909347)

Here I am, staying up until 3 in the morning to watch … basketball? Something’s not right here. I want to see Matsuzaka.

33. Urban Faber Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:22 PM (#1909350)

If the U.S. had been playing in this game, they would have almost certainly moved the NIT game to ESPN U or someplace else.

34. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:22 PM (#1909351)

Neither of these teams was good enough to be considered worthy of playing meaningful games in March. So why are we watching this meaningless BS? ESPN is teh suck.

35. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:23 PM (#1909352)

I blame Bob Davidson

36. Tim M Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:23 PM (#1909353)

Why don't they at least show the thing on ESPN2? Have you seen what they're showing over there? (!)

37. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:25 PM (#1909357)

I am so glad the nanny didn't catch that.

You can't talk about dog breeding or combat between male roosters, but you're welcome to invite faceless corporate entities to perform fellatio on you.

38. WillieMays Haze Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:25 PM (#1909358)

This is the weirdest baseball game I've ever seen!

What the hell?!

39. Greg Franklin Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:25 PM (#1909359)

ESPN Radio is covering the game live while TV sleeps.

Ichiro! draws a walk!! Men on first and second, 1 out (I think).

40. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:25 PM (#1909360)

You can't talk about dog breeding or combat between male roosters, but you're welcome to invite faceless corporate entities to perform fellatio on you.

Yup, aint it great?

41. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:26 PM (#1909362)

Have you seen what they're showing over there? (!)

C'mon! Somebody dunked in one of those games yesterday! Twice! Women's basketball is relevant!

In all honesty, I think this NIT game is what oughtta get bumped. At least the other game has some kind of meaning.

42. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:27 PM (#1909364)

EVERYBODY STOP FOULING!

43. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:29 PM (#1909366)

The announcers: "I think everyone's getting a little exhausted now."

Yeah, this is great tv.

44. Bob "Jugement" Dernier Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:30 PM (#1909367)

Well, if we actually got to see any of the first-ever true World Championship baseball game, a bunch of Notre Dame fans would be calling up ESPN and going all Heidi on their posterior. So we must bow to the power of the subway alumni.

45. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:30 PM (#1909368)

This is even better than when my local CBS affiliate decided not to follow cutaways to more competitive games while UConn was beating Kentucky.

46. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:31 PM (#1909370)

If this were a football game, I might actually be interested. Especially if this were 1993 or so.

47. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:31 PM (#1909372)

Timeout???? ######

48. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:32 PM (#1909373)

I don't care about a tournament to determine the 66th place team in the nation. Give me baseball.

49. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:32 PM (#1909374)

Bases loaded in the Top of the first, and we're watching a BASKETBALL GAME.

Ugh.

50. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:33 PM (#1909376)

"Don't forget the World Baseball Classic Championship is already happening while we show you this crap!"

I have the sinking feeling that this is going to go to another overtime.

51. Carl Spongberg Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:33 PM (#1909377)

Loaded bases with one out. Who wants to see that? How many overtimes can this game have?

52. El Hijo del Ron Santo (Alan Keiper) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:33 PM (#1909378)

The Cubans pulled their pitcher, according to MLB's Gameday. Man those guys have a quick hook.

Of course we miss the drama to watch more ILLEGAL SCREENS!

53. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:34 PM (#1909381)

Ever read "The Iowa Baseball Confederacy"? This is like "The Michigan Basketball Conspiracy".

54. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:34 PM (#1909382)

I have the sinking feeling that this is going to go to another overtime.

No. For the love of God, no.

55. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:34 PM (#1909383)

#### ESPN

56. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:34 PM (#1909384)

Romero better defect because Castro's gonna kill him once they get back.

57. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:35 PM (#1909386)

Please god, make two or none. Two or none, you scrawny little vagina.

58. JH (in DC) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:35 PM (#1909385)

This guy is so go to only hit one of 2. Bud is snakebit, but, hey, we're not the intended audience!

59. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:35 PM (#1909387)

Its not like ####### Rudy is going to go out there and make a game winning 3 for ND. ####

60. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:35 PM (#1909388)

"The Iowa Baseball Confederacy"

Yeah; I've got it in my room, somewhere; it's on my "I plan to read it someday" list.

COME ON! ####!

61. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:36 PM (#1909389)

Why are we ####### around with the clock? This game might as well be an exhibition.

62. Joshemy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:36 PM (#1909390)

Japan scores... apparently!

63. Carl Spongberg Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:36 PM (#1909391)

HBP RBI. It just isn’t as much fun when you can’t actually see it.

64. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:36 PM (#1909392)

ONE OUT OF TWO? #### YOU!

65. Joshemy Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909394)

DEON HARRIS I LOVE YOU!!!

66. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909393)

Thank God!

Nice shot, though.

67. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909396)

THANK GOD

68. El Hijo del Ron Santo (Alan Keiper) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909398)

Michigan scores, apparently.

69. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909399)

FOR THE SWEET LOVE OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD SOMEBODY WIN THIS ####### GAME

YES! YES! YES! YES! THAT GUY IS MY HERO!

(omg, they're looking at the clock)

70. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909397)

Count it! You better count it!!

71. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909400)

That HAD to be in time.

72. WillieMays Haze Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909401)

That was a miracle.

73. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909402)

ITS GOOD< GO TO THE ####### BASEBALL ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

74. Carl Spongberg Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909403)

Finally. Now show us some baseball. Please. No celebrating. Baseball. No replays. Baseball. Now.

75. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:37 PM (#1909404)

Miracle shot to save the WBC.

76. JH (in DC) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909405)

It's good. We got it. Let's go.

77. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909406)

That was a-maize-ing

78. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909407)

OH come on, lets go!!!!

79. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909408)

Okay, enough ####### postgame, right?

ESPN: A squad of ##############.

80. Tim M Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909410)

Yes! I have never cheered so hard for a college buzzerbeater. Because now we get to watch baseball instead.

81. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909411)

Gotta have 3 minutes of commericals first.

82. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909413)

FINALLY

83. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:38 PM (#1909414)

I am suprised they don't interview the coaches.

84. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:39 PM (#1909415)

. . . and now, the insight and subtle wit of Joe Morgan.

85. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:40 PM (#1909416)

Geez, and we compain TLR has a quick hook; I don't think even he's ever pulled someone in the first inning.

86. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:40 PM (#1909417)

That guy has the best first name in the history of the world.

87. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:41 PM (#1909418)

Japan and Cuba are so different from each other in everyway but baseball.

88. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:41 PM (#1909419)

If this game gets out of hand, I wanna see Sadaharu Oh pinch hit.

89. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:41 PM (#1909420)

Now to watch the baseball game.

90. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:42 PM (#1909421)

Imae has a Jeff-Bagwell-on-crack bating stance.

91. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:43 PM (#1909423)

Geez, and we compain TLR has a quick hook; I don't think even he's ever pulled someone in the first inning.

Used to be quite common back in the day, though. Stengel did it all the time.

There are some long-ass swings in this Japan lineup. It just doesn't look quite right.

92. Bernal Diaz has an angel on his shoulder. Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:43 PM (#1909424)

Is the official name Chiba Lotte Marines Bobby Valentine's Club?

93. JH (in DC) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:43 PM (#1909425)

It's nice that we missed the important part of this game.

94. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:43 PM (#1909426)

Game over. Go back to basketball...

95. WillieMays Haze Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:44 PM (#1909428)

. . . and now, the insight and subtle wit of Joe Morgan.

I haven't been in the Game Chatter for the Miller-Morgan games so I want to say this now. I really think he is worse than ever right now. Has anybody else noticed this? Perhaps it's because he doesn't even know the players in these games but man, in the Japan-Korea game when the guy (I think it was Fukudome) hit the homer to open up the game the first thing he said was "how about manager Sadaharu Oh. He's not just another great hitter!" I wanted to turn the game off. WHAT THE ### IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?

96. SABRJoe Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:44 PM (#1909431)

Castro's gonna pitch next.

97. Dewitty_Pun Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:45 PM (#1909432)

Abajo Castro. Cuba's two best pitchers aren't available.

98. PhillyBooster Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:47 PM (#1909433)

Cuban players are all thinking ahead to their upcoming defections. Don't have their heads in the game.

99. The Milton Bradley Effect (Voxter) Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:47 PM (#1909434)

Is the official name Chiba Lotte Marines Bobby Valentine's Club?

I think officially it's "The Chiba Lotta Marines, a Bobby Valentine Baseball Club", but I'm just nitpicking.

I really think he is worse than ever right now.

I agree. He gets shriller and more irrelevant every day, but something seems to have happened over the winter that's really accelerated the process. When I heard his voice, I almost changed the channel, just by instinct. I had to remind myself that there wasn't a Mariners game on Fox Sports.

100. Matthew Rich Posted: March 20, 2006 at 10:47 PM (#1909435)

I hope this game isn't boring. You gotta root for Cuba to get out of it just so they keep it close and keep the game interesting.

BTW Bernal, I hope this is the first of many chatters with you this season.

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Monday, March 20, 2006

WBC Championship: Japan vs. Cuba - 9:00 PM EST (ESPN)

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