World Baseball Classic: Five Upsets to Lookout For
Mar 4, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Sam Fuld (23) hits in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports. World Baseball Classic.
The World Baseball Classic is the Holy Grail for international baseball fans. Every four years we are graced with some of the best talents in the world. Now, heading into the classic, who are five upsets that could shock us all?
I am beyond excited for this World Baseball Classic. The last classic was the first I really latched onto, as I was 14 at the time, and I instantly fell in love. Now, four years later, the same unpredictability and mystique has returned. Of course, we all expect the United States, Dominican Republic, or Japan to win it all. However, there are some shockers, some upsets, that we should also expect. Some of these upsets are realistic as they may actually win it all, and some may only happen when pigs fly. However, if the Cubs can win it all after 108 years, anything can happen.
Israel – Bovada Odds: +20,000 (200/1)
Honestly, a week ago I would not have regarded Israel as a potential upset to win it all. They have some notable big league talent, but nothing spectacular. However, after their two victories in Pool A, they look to be in prime position to make a push and have gained much traction. I am sure I'm not alone in saying that I root for Israel to make it as far as they possibly can, being the least favored team to win it all must leave some sort of chip on their shoulder.
Riding off of two consecutive wins Israel finds themselves atop Pool A in the perfect position to advance to the knockout stages. First, Israel upset South Korea with a 2-1 win in extra innings. Then, Israel jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Chinese Taipei en route to a 15-8 victory. Now, Israel leads in their pool and has a very slim chance of not advancing into the next stages.
An Israel upset would be monumental. Having the highest odds in the tourney, 200/1 odds at that, causes Israel to be everybody's favorite. Much like other sports upsets in the past (Leicester City for you soccer fans) this would be one of the greatest moments in sports history. Someone, somewhere out there likely put a small ten-dollar bet on this Israel squad. Lets all hope they can win it all and they can win an easy $2000.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Colombia – Bovada Odds: +15,000 (150/1)
The Colombian national team for the World Baseball Classic has perhaps one of the best 1-2 punches in the tournament. This 1-2 punch I am speaking of is the duo of White Sox ace Jose Quintana and Braves ace Julio Teheran. They are joined by former big league closer Ernesto Frieri to close out games, and former Marlin Donovan Solano in the infield. While they may not have as much depth as other teams in this tourney, they do have formidable guys.
A big name to look out for is the Phillies catching prospect Jorge Alfaro. According to MLB.com Alfaro is the third ranked prospect in the Phillies organization, and the 72nd ranked in all of baseball. On top of all that Alfaro is the third ranked catching prospect in all of baseball. With Alfaro seemingly on his way to the big leagues next season, it should be interesting to see him man the back stop for a national team.
Outside of that the Colombian World Baseball Classic roster is pretty thin on MLB talent, but you never know how these Colombian guys will do. Fans have this tendency to only credit MLB players, for all we know these Colombian guys could shock the world and out hustle these MLB players. With some good MLB leadership the Colombian team may have a chance, they just need to get out of their stacked pool.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports. World Baseball Classic.
Netherlands – Bovada Odds +2800 (28-1)
We may be long out of the extreme betting odds like Israel and Colombia, but it would still be considered an upset in my book if any of the following teams won it all. The Netherlands squad has been known for its ability to put up a fight, and fight they will. Already coming off of a win against South Korea, Netherlands looks in good shape for pool A. Although Israel is currently leading, it is likely Netherlands will win the head to head match-up, therefore leading to the pool victory.
As for the talent this team possess, well it is a good amount. Andrelton Simmons, who is arguably still the best fielding shortstop, mans the middle of the infield for the Netherlands team. Alongside him are veterans Jonathan Schoop and Didi Gregorius. Although the pitching may be their biggest blow, it would not be surprising at all to see the Dutch thrive in this setting. Although they currently don't have their best player in Kenley Jansen the team could thrive.
If they do secure the top spot in the pool they will find themselves in tough waters, but it isn't to say it can't be done. The Netherlands squad just four years ago placed fourth in the entire tournament. Granted, this Netherlands team is different from four years ago, but that same heart and resilience is still present.
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports. World Baseball Classic
Mexico – Bovada Odds: +1800 (18-1)
Right now Mexico's odds are listed at 18-1 which ties them for the seventh best odds in the tournament. Seventh best seems great and all but you have to take into consideration there is only 16 teams involved. Essentially, Mexico is a middle of the pack team who aren't expected to hang with the powerhouses.
This ideology though that Mexico perhaps doesn't belong with the likes of the USA and Japan are confusing to me. Some guys that Mexico boasts is Adrian Gonzalez, Sergio Romo, and Yovanni Gallardo. Add in one of the top prospects in baseball with Alex Verdugo and the Mexico team looks ready to compete. Sure, they may not boast the almost entire MLB roster like USA or Dominican Republic – or have players in the Nippon Professional Baseball League.
Despite all of this however I think Mexico could give these teams a serious run for their money. They should have no problem getting out of their pool with the second best record (behind another team on this list that is yet to come). Then, once Mexico hits the second round anything can happen. All they need is a few big hits and good performances on the bump and they could find themselves winning it all.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports. World Baseball Classic.
Puerto Rico – Bovada Odds: +1200 (12/1)
I know, 12/1 odds do not seem like any odds to consider as an upset. I also know that Puerto Rico made it to the finals in the last World Baseball classic. However, Puerto Rico has only the fifth best odds in the tournament, in my mind they should be top three. The talent they boast is outstanding, and I think they have just as good if not better odds than the favorite United States. Sure, 12/1 odds may not be your typical upset, but it is in this setting.
This team is stacked, really stacked. The team's core revolves around the young trio of stud shortstops – Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, and Javier Baez. Baez will undoubtedly play second, and Correa likely third. Not only that though, Puerto Rico also has leader Yadier Molina at their disposal and outfielders Carlos Beltran and Angel Pagan. Their pitching is a bit thin, with Hector Santiago arguably being their best starter, however they do have young stud Edwin Diaz for late game situations. Regardless, the offense of this club should carry them very far in the tournament.
The group stage should be a breeze as their only real threat is Mexico. Then, outside of the first round, it is hard to find any team that can convincingly beat this squad. Yes, the argument can be made for any of the four teams ahead of them, but none of those teams can convincingly beat them. Every game that Puerto Rico plays they have a fairly good chance of winning, which should give them far better than 12/1 odds.
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