2013 World Baseball Classic - Mexico

 There are some moments in sports history are just so surreal that you just have to sit back and admire the absurdity of it all. One such moment was when Canada and Mexico, while playing in the United States, got into a major benches clearing brawl towards the end of their 1st round matchup. But I get ahead of myself...

Mexico entered pool play with the expectation that they would advance to the next round like they did in '06 and '09. That expectation took a major hit when they lost 6-5 to Italy. They recovered with a 5-2 win over the United States. With a 1-1 record, they entered the game against Canada needing a victory to have a chance to advance. Italy already had 2 wins and it was very likely that the US could beat both Canada and Italy. Just one win wouldn't cut it.

Canada took a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning, and while Mexico cut it to a 4-3 game, the Canadian offense pulled away in the late innings to make it a 9-3 game in the 9th. While the game was by no means over, Mexico took offense to Canada's 9th inning approach. Perhaps they were upset that their WBC journey was pretty much over, or felt disrespected that a team up by 6 runs was still playing for more runs, but there was a clear instruction.

Chris Robinson opened Canada's half of the 9th with a surprise bunt that Mexico wasn't ready for. Unacceptable behavior, apparently. When Luis Cruz fielded the infield hit, he immediately motioned to pitcher Arnold Leon that the next guy needed to get plunked in retaliation. That poor fool was Rene Tosoni. Leon tried to be subtle with his first pitch of the at bat, but didn't hit Tosoni. The next one missed as well, but Tosoni was catching on and had a few words to shout about it. The Umpire also issued warnings. Mexico cared not, and pitch #3 found it's mark and the fireworks commenced.

Benches and bullpens emptied, punches were thrown, a fan even got in on the action by chucking a water bottle at one of the Canadian coaches. After things calmed down and ejections were handed out, everyone remembered there was a baseball game to finish, where Canada would add one more run and win 10-3. Mexico finished 1-2, and despite beating the Americans, they were sent home early for the first time.

A Starter who only goes 5 innings, or any pitcher that allows homers on his own chart are both huge red flags. 

Gonzalez here remains a very solid option at 1st Base. Puts the ball in play a lot and has the +1 on defense that you crave.

Cruz being so frustrated at that bunt that he openly called for the next guy to get hit...and you can be just as frustrated if you put a card with that kind of poor on-base and chart on your team.

If you don't mind the occasional homer allowed, then Estrada's 5 control and otherwise ok chart might find a place at the back of your rotation.

Gallardo has a chart which serves as the only justification for such poor control. A bit more strikeouts and I would've leaned towards recommending him.

Luis Mendoza brings a control of 2 with a chart that demands a control of 4 or 5. And at only 5 IP, you can safely move on.

Navarro is one of those "very little playing time" guys that the Bot does the best it can with and creates an elite pinch hitting option. 13 on-base with no power means you can wait for when you really need a baserunner. And his A speed means he can start some trouble after a walk.

Ramiro Pena has good coverage in his chart, 8 on-base and a lot of defensive options. A valuable bench option and perhaps an occasional starter against the right opponent.

Perez is about average as Relievers go. That high strikeout total makes him stand out, however.

Ramos goes a bit above average by comparison. Not as many strikeouts, but higher control and no doubles are worthy tradeoffs.

Fresh off a World Series title, Romo would lend his ability to Mexico next. A bit of a compromise of the above pitchers, this Closer brings the strikeouts with a very stingy chart.

Salas trends back towards the average Reliever type.

Gil Velazquez could double up his defense and I'd still turn my nose up at his 4 on-base, no chart, C speed card.