rank the four wbc pools

[west coast orange and black]

the players actually participating is not yet settled.
heck, the participating teams is still up in the air.

but based on the following 16 teams in these 4 pools, which pool is the toughest? how do you rank 'em?

pool a: china, chinese taipei, japan, korea

pool b: canada, mexico, south africa, usa

pool c: cuba, netherlands, panama, puerto rico

pool d: australia, dominican republic, italy, venezuela

[Edgartohof]

the players actually participating is not yet settled.
heck, the participating teams is still up in the air.

but based on the following 16 teams in these 4 pools, which pool is the toughest? how do you rank 'em?

pool a: china, chinese taipei, japan, korea

pool b: canada, mexico, south africa, usa

pool c: cuba, netherlands, panama, puerto rico

pool d: australia, dominican republic, italy, venezuela


I would probably go with pool A, with Japan, China, and Korea - I don't know much about Taipei. Any pool with the USA can't be too far behind as well. And as I look at it now, I think you had it right the first time:

1. Pool A
2. Pool B
3. Pool C
4. Pool D

[west coast orange and black]

edgar, i lifted the 4 pools from this page (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/index.jsp) at mlb.com; they are not my own designation.

i rank the 4 pools as you do, :
1: a
2: b
3: c
4: d

also, please cast your vote on the actual poll. thanx.

[Edgartohof]

edgar, i lifted the 4 pools from this page (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/index.jsp) at mlb.com; they are not my own designation.

also, please vote on the poll. thanx.


1. I knew where they came from

2. Thanks - I just voted

[west coast orange and black]

ok, and thanx.

[Dizzy]

Going to have to go with:
1. Pool A
2. Pool B
3. Pool C
4. Pool D

[Mike_Piazza]

I think Pool C is the more balanced and the toughest,the pool D will be very easy for Venezuela and DR.

[Perseas]

I agree about pool C. It is the toughest to predict. I think, with the odd one out being the Netherlands (sorry Yankees_rule :) ), all of the remaining three teams can battle it out for the 2 spots going to the next phase... The next toughest would be pool A, although I see Japan and Korea grabbing the two spots rather easily. Pool B is the next toughest I think (but it's in Canada's hands to get the second spot - I see the USA making 3 wins easily). In pool D, Venezuela and DR won't have a problem... I see them both easily through.

So my order:
1. Pool C
2. Pool A
3. Pool B
4. Pool D


You have to understand though, that in a tournament like this, the schedule plays a very significant part... For example:

In pool A, Japan has to play the two weakest opponents first (theoretically). So, going into the 3rd game with Korea, they might have already secured their next round spot. Korea on the other hand, has to play Chinese Taipei first (a possible contender for the #2 spot - they have a very good international representation). If Korea "trips" in their first game, and assuming they beat China, they would have to go "all out" against Japan for that spot. And assuming they beat Japan, you will have 3 teams ending up with a 2-1 record. What happens then? Does anyone know the rules for breaking up tie situations?

You might be surprised on teams being left out on account of "one less run scored" or "one more run scored against them".

[Baseball Guru]

I think Pool C is the more balanced and the toughest,the pool D will be very easy for Venezuela and DR.

It may be easy for those 2 teams but having those 2 teams in that bracket makes it a pretty good bracket... Those are 2 of the best teams in the pool...

I'm just looking at it as far as strength of teams and not overall balance....

[Andruw]

I think pool B is a tough pool the US are favorites but anything can happen even an early exit for the Americans.

[runningshoes]

I went with B. It's surely going to be a tough time for Canada, South Africa and Mexico to beat the US.

[Licey Fan]

I think pool B, NOT because of team USA; but for second place... I think Mexico and Canada are both pretty similar, and the winner of their matchup is the one that's gonna pass

[west coast orange and black]

Perseas: Does anyone know the rules for breaking up tie situations?

pretty sure that i read that mlb rules will apply to games, but i have seen nothing about tiebreakers.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

IF Cuba is going to participate, pool C will be the toughest.

Otherwise it will be pool A.

[Cubano100%]

Pool D.

Australia has had good results in International tournaments.

Italy won't be easy with all the USA base players. I won't be surprise if either Venezuela or the Dominican Republic don't advanced to the next round.

[Guiduccio8921]

I agree with Cubano on this. I think pool D is the hardest. Italy, although it is not a powerhouse, is not a team to be taken lightly. They have a solid team of players that may not be the best but can still play good. Also do not underestimate the Australians either. They have a very good team. And of course you have the two powerhouses of DR and Venezuela.