WBC News 2-25 and game results AND Mexico preview

The link is to last night’s post on the Roster Reveal.

Scores and games from yesterday:
The Orioles beat Italy in a scrimmage by the score of 4-0. Italy walked Matt Wieters, because they obviously know everything I said is true about him. Bonus Matt Wieters fact: Matt Wieters has already been awarded the 2013 WBC MVP award. And even if he doesn’t participate, he’ll still win, since having Matt Wieters come from your country alone gives you a 4 run lead to start the game.

The Netherlands national team took on University of South Florida and tied 4-4. Now a quick note on the Awful Aruban, Sidney Ponson:

After sitting the Netherlands down in order in the top of the first, the Bulls collected three runs on three hits off of current free agent and former Yankee and Oriole Sidney Ponson.

“It doesn’t matter who you play against, when you step in between these two white lines, you have to be able to play,” said Ponson. “These guys are pretty good. They have good fundamentals. This program is going to be very good for this school.”

Still, better to tie than to lose. China lost to Polk Community College 6-1.

Across the sea exhibitions:
Japan defeated Australia again, 11-2. Ichiro went 2-5 with 2 runs and an RBI, but Dice-K had a bad day, going only 1 and 2/3 innings and giving up five hits and two runs.

The Chinese Taipei/Taiwan team lost to the CPBL President Lions in a exhibition, by the score 7-5. The link has video!

And now, the Mexico preview! You can find Mexico’s roster here.

Mexico didn’t get past the second round last time around, but they did eliminate the United States, and now Vinny Castilla has taken over the National Team, and no doubt wants to put on a show in front of the Mexico City crowd. Speaking of which: Will the balls in Mexico City be in a humidor?

The Mexican team is a eclectic bunch. While there are only a few stars on the team, like Jorge Cantu, Adrian Gonzalez and Joakim Soria, most of the team has played in the bigs at one point or another, and are boosted by ringers of Mexican descent (although I must ask: How are the Hairston Bros. Mexican?) and/or residence. A name you may know on the team who is no longer in MLB: Karim Garcia of Korea’s Lotte Giants (best known for his involvement in the incidents at the 2003 ALCS). Oliver Perez will likely be the ace.

So what is my prognosis on the Mexicans? They have home-field in the first round, and any deficiencies they may have in the starting rotation likely will disappear into the thin air of Mexico City. Cuba will likely be the biggest challenge in the pool and Australia could surprise, but barring the aforementioned Australian surprise, the Mexicans are basically guaranteed of advancing.

The Mexicans will win the WBC if: Luck and clutch hitting propel them on a unexpected run past more Major League level rosters.

The Mexicans will get past round 2 if: They are able to catch Japan or Cuba on a bad day, and are able to beat Korea.

Mexico will get past round 1 if: They are able to defeat Australia. Bonus if they are able to beat Cuba in front of the home crowd.

Worst-Case scenario: An Australian surprise.

Most likely scenario: Knocked out of tournament in Round 2.

My prediction: After a homer-filled Mexico City round, the Mexicans lose in the second round.

Next team: Korea.