2017 World Baseball Classic [Part 6]
Yes, I'm holding off the USA until the finale.
Today, we'll touch on every other team I haven't done yet.
Israel was the shocker of the tourney. After opening with their win over Korea, they put the world on notice with their 15-7 thumping of Taiwan. They wrapped up their sweep with their 4-2 win over the Netherlands. Round 2 saw the win streak continue with a 4-1 victory over Cuba. Then reality smacked them in the face when a resolved Netherlands in an 8 inning mercy rule shortened game destroyed them 12-2. The Pool E finale put them in a do or die matchup with the undefeated Japan, where they fell for good 8-3. A 4-2 overall showing was an amazing job considering how few of their players are MLB caliber.
Kelly would be a very tough sell with that 5 on-base. You won't regret passing on him.
His chart demands a better control. Not a bad price, but not a good fit for a bullpen.
When a pitcher with a 0 control gives up doubles, you should run far away from him.
Pool A MVP (hence the super season designation). DH is always tough to justify on a roster, especially when they can't go deep.
I have a soft spot for the Australian team. I watched them sweep their way through the qualifiers for the 2017 tourney and hoped they could pull off an Israel style run. But alas, it was not to be. They did demolish China an a 8 inning mercy shortened 11-0 showing, but it was sandwiched between a 4-1 Japan and 3-4 Cuba losses.
Australia also has it's own professional league, but Warwick made the rounds for Detroit in 2017. Not a great reliever, but he can control an inning if his 1 control can keep the advantage.
Jorge can start for some teams, his chart and speed (far a catcher) justify that with his 8 on-base, just be ready to replace him defensively with a better arm.
A 1 control with 19-20 doubles is a huge red flag, even with half his chart being strikeouts.
Better than average for starters. There are worse options for the back end of your rotation.
No homers but lots of doubles. The strikeouts are a bit concerning. Not a bad price if you wanna take a chance with him.
Control of 2 and a decent chart...you can see why he had so many near no-hitters.
Yankee fans might be shocked to see Gio Urshela as a not-Yankee. Prospect Gio clearly needed more seasoning.
Italy led off Pool D with a thrilling come from behind 10-9 win over Mexico. It was all downhill from there. They lost 11-10 in 10 innings to Venezuela, then 9-3 to Puerto Rico. They qualified to play in the tie-breaker game where they again fell to Venezuela 4-3 and out of competition.
+2 for a catchers arm isn't doing you any favors. Neither is your low on-base and that chart.
On-base of 5 better bring with it an impressive power chart....Cecchini doesn't offer that.
Cervelli offers himself as a nice cheap bench option. That +4 arm won't make him a good idea in every game though.
Meh, an outfielder with 7 on-base and a pedestrian chart isn't turning heads, so this utility player really should only garner interest if you need a 2nd baseman. Shouldn't be your first choice in that regard either.
Control of 3 for 5 innings is playing with fire when you have a chart like that.
I can swallow a 15+ baserunners for a control of 4...but not at 40pt and that little for strikeouts.
Nimmo is the standout hitter for Italy, and that isn't saying much. Fast and full outfield eligibility make for a decent pinch-runner, and the 9 on-base serves good if he ends up at the plate after...just don't look for him to deliver too many big hits.
DH with an on-base of 5 and no homers? Don't bother.
