The Wake

The World Series of baseball, an annual October tradition that brings to mind the pinstripes of New York, the jokers from Beantown and most recently the overachieving lads from the Windy City.

But why are the victors considered the World Champions? Granted there are players from around the world participating in the event, but aside from a Toronto surge in the mid-’90s, all teams were based in the good-old United States.

Perhaps it’s time for the ultimate baseball showdown to prove which country is the true World Champion. Players lured to the United States by big contracts could return to their homelands to play for national pride. And the question of whether U.S. players are truly the cream of the crop could be answered.

Luckily for baseball fans around the world, the chance to witness such a historic event will turn from pipe dream to reality in just a few days.

The 2006 World Baseball Classic, the first of its kind, will kick off March 3 and will see 16 teams face-off for the World Baseball Classic crown. When it is all said and done, 39 games will be played in an 18-day period.

The United States’ pool includes Mexico, South Africa, and Canada. Games will be played in Arizona at Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium.

In anticipation of the event, it’s time to take a look at the U.S. roster and pool to try to determine just what the tournament holds for our players in the red, white and blue.

United States

This is our national pastime, so it is only natural the United States will take the crown, right? Not necessarily. Let’s not forget how many great foreign players make up Major League Baseball and that our own Olympic team failed to qualify for Athens in 2004.

That said, the star-laden U.S. squad is still the clear-cut favorite for the tournament. This international event will be the first to feature Major League players, which separates it from the lower-level pro ranks of Olympic baseball.

Projected starters: 1B Derek Lee, 2B Chase Utley, SS Derek Jeter, 3B Alex Rodriguez, CF Johnny Damon, LF Ken Griffey Jr., RF Vernon Wells, C Jason Varitek.

With batting statistic averages of .303 AVG 26 HR and 83 RBI in the 2005 season, this is perhaps the most talented lineup ever assembled in the history of baseball. A truly daunting task for opposing pitchers.

Projected rotation: Roger Clemens, Dontrelle Willis, Jake Peavy, C.C. Sabathia.

These starters posted an average of a 2.85 ERA with 183 SO in the 2005 season. With this rotation, hitters throughout the tournament must be prepared to be blown away.

Featured relievers: Billy Wagner, Huston Street, Mike Timlin, Scot Shields.

These relievers posted an approximate average of a 2.05 ERA and should have no problem eating up middle innings until the closers can shut the door on the opposition.

Closers: Chad Cordero, Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan.

All three closers for the United States were lights-out in 2005, posting an average 2.27 ERA and 44 SV, and should have no pressure closing blow out victories.

Prediction: There is no one to pitch around on this team, nor is there a pitcher anyone can sit back and tee off on. I envision the United States bringing home the World Baseball Classic crown, unless the egos of these superstars collide.

Mexico

A tough road lies ahead for the Mexican squad. Mexico’s chances to advance will hinge on whether they can get strong pitching from their deep staff and pick up a few key hits along the way. After aging, Nomar Garciaparra declined to be part of the Mexican roster, no household names will be found here.

Outfielders: Extremely thin, with not one player currently on a Major League roster. Sadly, Karim Garcia, a former Major Leaguer now playing in Japan, will lead this crew.

Infielders: Fast-rising star Jorge Cantu will be the main feature of the infield after hitting .286 AVG with 28 homers and 117 RBI with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005. The infield will also feature Major Leaguers: Vinny Castilla, Erubiel Durazo, Adrian Gonzalez, Oscar Robles and Juan Castro.

Pitchers: This is perhaps the strongest point for the Mexican team. It features Oakland’s Esteban Loaiza who posted a 3.17 ERA with 173 Ks in 2005. Also included are Pittsburgh’s Oliver Perez, Baltimore’s Rodrigo Lopez, Washington’s Luis Ayala and St. Louis’ Ricardo Rincon.

Prediction: Starting pitching may keep games close for a few innings, but this squad will lose out to the United States and Canada for advancing to the second round.

Canada

Canada will definitely be an underdog in the Classic, but its mix of young talent and grizzled veterans may come together in tournament-style play to surprise a few teams.

Outfield: Features Pittsburgh’s young slugger Jason Bay, who hit .306 AVG with 32 HR and 101 RBI in 2005 and Royals’ veteran Matt Stairs, who still has some pop left in his bat.

Infielders: Up-and-coming Twins’ first baseman Justin Morneau will lead the infield, batting .239 AVG with 22 HR and 79 RBI in 2005. The infield also features former-Twin and current Brewer’s third baseman Corey Koskie.

Pitchers: The pitching squad features Twins’ relief pitcher Jesse Crain who posted a 2.71 ERA in 2005 and Orioles’ starter Erik Bedard who started 24 games and posted a 4.00 ERA with 125 K in 2005. Also included are the Rockies’ Jeff Francis, Marlins’ Paul Quantril, Braves’ Chris Reitsma and Phillies’ Rheal Cormier.

Prediction: This team, talent-wise, is in the top third of the teams in the tournament. They will join the United States in advancing to the second round, but will have trouble getting beyond that.

South Africa

If you’re the type of baseball fan that loves Cinderella stories, then this is your team. South Africa will perhaps be the biggest underdog in the history of baseball when they face-off against the United States on March 10.

Team: Not one player on the South African team has played at the Major League level, and the roster even includes some high school players.

Prediction: If you’ve ever dreamt of a high school or college team facing off against the best baseball players in the world, this is your chance to witness just that. Miracles do happen, but unfortunately not in 2006 for this South African team.

So to all the flag-waving baseball fans around the world, get out or tune in, as the globe crowns the true World Champions of baseball.