Japan may have been the 2 time champions going into the 2013 WBC, but neither time were they unbeatable. The Dominican Republic had a chance to dominate in a way that no other country would be able to say that "they got lucky!"
The Dominican Republic began by beating Venezuela 9-3, followed with a 6-3 win over Spain then just to flex handed Puerto Rico a 4-2 loss to sweep Pool C. Round 2 began with a 5-4 nailbiter win over Italy, then came the United States for the biggest test yet in the tournament. DR passed the test with a 3-1 win, punching their ticket to the semi-finals. Pool 2 play ended with a rematch against Puerto Rico, which DR won again 2-0 to sweep yet another group of games.
As the only undefeated team remaining, Dominican Republic pushed aside the Netherlands 4-1 to lock up a spot in the championship game. Japan, meanwhile, finally lost a game that mattered as Puerto Rico set up a third battle, this time with more than just bragging rights on the line. Edwin Encarnacion opened scoring with a 2-RBI Double in the 1st inning and the DR never looked back, as 5 pitchers combined to shutout Puerto Rico for the 2nd time, giving the Dominican Republic a 3-0 win for the WBC championship. They went a perfect 8-0, including 3 wins over Puerto Rico by a combined score of 9-2.
WBC MVP (And All-WBC 2nd Baseman) Robinson Cano led his country to victory, setting a WBC record for Hits. The Yankee 2nd Baseman makes a perfect fit for your lineup so long as you don't mind the defense being just +2.
Nothing usable about Aybar. His +1 is unacceptable at Shortstop, and his on-base and chart don't even make up for it.
Castilla can handle buisiness for you out of the pen.
Another All-WBC member of the Dominican Republic squad, Cruz will be a good power threat while still being more than a defensive liability.
And here we have a defensive liability with Alejandro here. The basic chart and 8 on-base doesn't make up for his weak fielding.
Deduno got the start in the title game and he stepped up with 5 Ks in 5 scoreless innings. Those strikeouts are impressive with his barren chart for strikeouts.
This is the 15th and final season of Octavio Dotel's career, so that terrible chart is not indicative of his prior ability.
Another All-WBC hero, Encarnacion has the on-base and the chart to show why he was able to knock in the 1st inning runs that would turn out to be the game winners.
Garcia is a hit or miss utility bench guy that might make things interesting with the triple potential on his chart...assuming he can get the advantage with that 5 on-base.
Herrera might not be the smartest choice out of the bullpen, but he can get a nice amount of strikeouts if he gets the advantage.
Hanley Ramirez would be a good choice to start. Fast, 10 on-base and a chart that can do some damage...all while he won't hurt you defensively.
Reyes might hurt you a little bit defensively, and his chart is a downgrade from what Ramirez brings, but he's still fast and brings great on-base, and he gets the added flex of the All-WBC status.
No Closer put in the work during the WBC more than Fernando Rodney, who saved 7 of the 8 DR victories, including the title clinching win. And his card shows why he was trusted so easily to bring the Dominican Republic to the top.
If your starter can only go 5 innings, he better have some extra control in case things go wrong so you don't kill your bullpen.
While Carlos Santana is yet another C/1B guy, his +0 at Catcher means he is the opposite of the other examples where you do NOT let him play Catcher for you. His chart is pretty ok for a 1st Baseman anyway.
I could understand if you pass on Sierra since he offers no homer potential, but all those double can make up for it with his 9 on-base.
Simon could find a place in your bullpen if you have the budget for it. Stat wise, he looks great, it's just the price tag for a 1 inning guy.
Speaking of price tag, Strop to me seems like a great option compared to other 10pt pitchers. The no putouts makes him vulnerable to the bunt (for those of you that even acknowledge that rule) but he's a good option only if you're desperate for a bargain.
Tejada is not who he used to be here. But for a guy who never tasted World Series glory in his career, it's nice to see him get some sort of title before he left baseball after 2013.
Veras is a pretty solid option to close games, but he was no Rodney.
Another 5 inning Starter with not enough extra control to save your bullpen many innings of work.
