I think the game would be better if top guys from other countries (Felix Hernandez being one) played. However, the intensity between Japan and Korea last time around was pretty awesome. Though I don't know, I imagine they have a complicated history, so I think the WBC is source of pride for individuals in those countries. I can enjoy that stuff, kind of like watching a hockey game between Canada and Russia.

I agree with every word of this. I love it, too.

I'm just saying the WBC would be better with the US as a bully. That wouldn't diminish Japan-Korea or any of the rest, I think it would elevate it.

Well, this is interesting:

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The fallout from Canada's bench-clearing brawl with Mexico at the World Baseball Classic won't spill over into Sunday's crucial game against the United States.

World Baseball Classic officials have decided not to take further action against any if the players involved in the fight that occurred in Canada's 10-3 rout of Mexico on Saturday. Three Canadian and four Mexican players were ejected after the melee.

"We are extremely disappointed in the bench-clearing incident that marred the conclusion of today's game between Canada and Mexico. The episode runs counter to the spirit of sportsmanship and respectful competition for which the World Baseball Classic has stood throughout its history." World Baseball Classic, Inc., said in a statement.

"Because at least one club -- and potentially both -- will not advance to the second round, WBCI has determined that disciplinary measures would not have a meaningful corrective impact. Thus, discipline will not be imposed beyond today's seven game ejections. It is our firm expectation that the members of Team Mexico, Team Canada and all the tournament's participating teams will learn from this incident and set a better example -- one that befits the sport they share -- in the future."

One thing the WBC needs is a better website. The official website is like a training course in how not to deliver scores-and-standings information. Not only are the brackets and scores confusing, but their "pools and venues" page currently shows Brazil seeded into the second round and the finals.

Thats one long history of sportsmanship.

I wish we had a 50-game suspension for throwing a beanball; instead, we get one for steroids.

Yeah, player safety is paramount.

Thirdly, this is baseball. If the Marlins can score 8 runs in the 8th inning of a playoff game, you also have a chance to do the same off whatever A or AA relief pitcher Canada will be sending to the hill.

Which is why Team Canada should have kept Mark Prior in there longer, regardless of the consequences.

I wish we had a 50-game suspension for throwing a beanball; instead, we get one for steroids.

50 games? The poor guy wouldn't get to participate in a WBC game until he was 78!

So, if your team isn't advancing, anything short of murder doesn't get a suspension? Could make things even worse in the future.

I think this sergio romo character should be banned from all future competitions, and possibly monitored with an ankle tether.

I agree. It looks like he might be illegal.

you can watch the 2009 final or the Japan vs Taiwan game just a few days back to see if that's awesome baseball, you don't need to be the most talented guys ever to put up the greatest games ever. (for example, the great WS game every probably involved a light hitting 2B hitting a walk off HR in game 7 against the Micky Mantle Yankees...) There were a boatload of people who literally had a heartattack watching that game in both Taiwan and Japan.

I wish we had a 50-game suspension for throwing a beanball; instead, we get one for steroids.

Yeah, player safety is paramount.

That'd be one way of keeping Pedro Martinez out of the HOF.

58 - as one of the BA guys put it: the WBC needs the players more than the players need the tourney.
Want to suspend guys: you run afoul of the teams that contributed players (particularly non-suspended pitchers who face inning limits)
Fine them: they won't pay, won't play in the tournament again