Punto and Butera will Team Italia over Mexico!

[notoriousgod71]

That was a great game. The WBC isn't everyone's cup of tea but I absolutely love it. Unlike spring training games there is an actual urgency to win games and most of the non-US countries go all out to win.

[notoriousgod71]

That was a great game. The WBC isn't everyone's cup of tea but I absolutely love it. Unlike spring training games there is an actual urgency to win games and most of the non-US countries go all out to win.

 

I should clarify. I think the US tries their best to win during the games, but I don't think the commitment to be on the team is as high as other nations.

[Highabove]

Butera should be fighting to keep his job back in Twins Training Camp.

Scholarships do have their advantages.

[Thrylos]

Butera should be fighting to keep his job back in Twins Training Camp.

Scholarships do have their advantages.

 

Methinks that playing with team Italy made Gardy upset, so he started saying those things about not necessarily carrying 3 Cs. We shall see...

 

OP: Colabello too.

[Seth Stohs]

Methinks that playing with team Italy made Gardy upset, so he started saying those things about not necessarily carrying 3 Cs. We shall see...

 

OP: Colabello too.

 

Not even a little bit. Gardy has always been supportive. Colabello told Gardy that if he wanted him to stay in camp, he would, but Gardy told him to enjoy the WBC, take it in, opportunity doesn't come around every year. They know what they have in Butera, and good for him on the Home Run today off of Aceves!, so it doesn't affect his status either way. They would be seeing if Escobar could be an emergency catcher regardless.

[JB_Iowa]

It was a fun game to watch -- nothing like a little late inning drama to whet the appetite for regular season ball.

[Pius Jefferson]

I should clarify. I think the US tries their best to win during the games, but I don't think the commitment to be on the team is as high as other nations.

 

 

It's unfortunate because I think most guys would like to play for their country.

 

The Team USA lineup is out and Joe Mauer is hitting clean-up?

[Gernzy]

That game was insane! Let's hope the rest of the WBC is the same.

I'm looking forward to our first game againist Mexico tonight. Mexico is going to be hungery after that loss yesterday.

[JB_Iowa]

And Colabello with a 3 run HR today.

[Guest USAFChief]

I love the idea of the WBC, but hate the way it's set up, although there really isn't a good time to hold it. That being said, amazing game, and good for LNP, Butera and the rest of the "Italian" team.

[adjacent]

Hey, Italy is beating Canada. Great chance to make a splash and go to the next round. Now it is getting interesting.

[Guest USAFChief]

Son of Sal with a two run double in the 7th, capping a rally started by Colabello's single. Italia up 9-4.

[JB_Iowa]

Sweet Drew hopes the WBC never ends.

[notoriousgod71]

Team Italia ten run rules Canada!

[Pius Jefferson]

Is anyone a little annoyed that U.S. born Adrian Gonzalez is playing for Team Mexico?

[Ultima Ratio]

Is anyone a little annoyed that U.S. born Adrian Gonzalez is playing for Team Mexico?

 

Only if he was asked to play for USA and declined. Then yes, that's unpatriotic at the very least.

[Thrylos]

Is anyone a little annoyed that U.S. born Adrian Gonzalez is playing for Team Mexico?

 

About as much as US born Drew Butera, Chris Colabello or Nick what's his name are playing for Team Italy.

 

(interesting aside - and this is not a political comment - : the qualification on whether you can play for a team is exactly the same as the qualification for being a minority in the US: if your great grandparent is/was a citizen of a particular place, you are it)

[Ultima Ratio]

About as much as US born Drew Butera, Chris Colabello or Nick what's his name are playing for Team Italy.

 

(interesting aside - and this is not a political comment - : the qualification on whether you can play for a team is exactly the same as the qualification for being a minority in the US: if your great grandparent is/was a citizen of a particular place, you are it)

 

Did Butera, Colabello and everyone else decline to play for the US and only then go on to play for another country? No. Perhaps Gonzo didn't either, just because he's been playing for Mexico since 2006... and if so, it's not so egregious.

[Badsmerf]

I don't mind it if they are direct descendants of a country. When it is their great grandparent that is the only link... I think that is pushing it a little.

[Pius Jefferson]

When the country is usually an also ran like Italy the great great great grandfather connection doesn't bother me.

 

I believe Team USA players are suppose to volunteer to be on the team. Mauer mentioned talking to Joe Torre last year about playing. Other than Prince Fielder there's a pretty strong argument that Adrian Gonzalez was the best US born first basemen available. So it wouldn't surprise me if he was indirectly asked at some point.

[Shane Wahl]

Colabello the dominant Italian so far.

[glunn]

Colabello the dominant Italian so far.

 

Looking at the highlights, it seems like he has a lot of potential. I am rooting for him to get a chance in the majors at some point this year.

[Seth Stohs]

Wouldn't it be funny if Mauer, Morneau and Perkins are back in Twins camp before Butera and Colabello. As a Twins fans, I would be quite happy!

[kab21]

I find it a little silly at how loose the rules for the WBC are regarding country eligibility but I don't have a problem with AGon playing for Mexico.

 

His parents were born in Mexico and he grew up on the border and is still very connected to his Mexican heritage. He has also played on the previous 2 Mexican WBC teams with his brother and his father was on the Mexican national team once. As long as he's not switching sides every WBC then it's okay.

 

The Asian WBC games have been outstanding this year. Some upsets and some close games.

[notoriousgod71]

And a listless performance from the U.S. Also facing elimination one day into this.

[notoriousgod71]

Mexico and Canada brawl after Tosoni gets drilled one pitch after warnings were issued. Actual punches thrown.

[glunn]

And Deduno looks good in a WBC start -- see here for highlights.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Is anyone a little annoyed that U.S. born Adrian Gonzalez is playing for Team Mexico?

 

It wouldn't surprise me at all if a few of these guys were encouraged to play for non-US teams. The WBC is about getting other countries excited about baseball, not US citizens.

[notoriousgod71]

Colabello hits another BOMB! Off Volquez. 4-0 Team Italia in the first!

[JB_Iowa]

Gotta love it. Italia is a fun team to watch.