Lucky us, it’s one of those years when MLB runs its World Baseball Classic. While baseball betting aficionados may be looking forward to plunking down some money on the WBC odds, don’t count me among those who will be watching.
The World Baseball Classic Has Been Watered Down
This isn’t like Olympic basketball or hockey. You don’t get the best of the best playing in the WBC. This is due to a variety of factors. First of all, it takes place before the MLB season, meaning you aren’t getting guys at their peak ability. Some players are rusty, while others will have their playing time/pitch count monitored. It’s like a boxing match with only one arm per fighter. It’s a watered down product.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the end of the issues that I have with this tournament. You don’t even have some of the players taking part! Case in point, due to insurance concerns and other factors, Team Canada won’t have Russell Martin, Joey Votto or Jameson Taillon playing for them. As a result, retired players like Ryan Dempster and Eric Gagne are suiting up. Are you kidding me? We may as well change this to a softball tournament. Ridiculous.
So while there will be some good players at the WBC, the play just won’t be at a consistent enough level for me to enjoy it. But if you are going to watch…. enjoy?
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.