MLB Showdown Obsession

 The United States of America were the unfortunate victims of the tie breaker procedure in 2006, bowing out in the 2nd round. They were back to do better in 2009, but for the the first (and so far only) time, they'd have to play round 1 on the road. Usually, one of America's cities will play host for one of the four round 1 locations, but in 2009, Canada would play the host team for pool play while America would host the rest of the competition starting in round 2. The US would have no issues qualifying for round 2; first with a 6-5 win over host Canada (paying them back for a loss from 2006) then 15-6 over Venezuela. Venezuela got the last laugh when they won the losers bracket, then beat the US 5-3 in the round 1 finale to claim the winning seed going into round 2. The setbacks continued in round 2 where Puerto Rico thumped the Americans 11-1 in 7 mercy rule shortened innings. With their backs against the wall, the US eliminated the Netherlands 9-3 before winning the rematch ...

 I've discussed this about a year ago, that despite how the Los Angeles Angels spent time with not one but two of the biggest names in baseball they still couldn't even sniff postseason play. This was best encompassed in their infamous game on August 4, 2022 when they hit 7 Home Runs and still lost. I go into greater detail there, but long story short: they always found a way to lose despite any advantage they had. One defense to the Trout/Ohtani failure has always been "It's not their fault. The Angels just have no one around them to win with!" So let's take a look at that claim... In 2022, all of baseball got a late start from the previous winters labor strike, but the Halos still had hope entering the season. Not only did they still have Trout and the 2-way threat Ohtani, but they were going into year 3 of Joe Maddon as Manager. Maddon had a Hall of Fame worthy resume already by guiding the Rays to their 1st pennant as Manager, not to mention being the guy...