I wasn't interested to begin with, but my stepson has watched a bunch of games and I've actually enjoyed rooting for team USA, as well as some of the other teams! It's amazing to see how many players in the MLB are from around the world. I knew there was a lot but this puts it in perspective seeing them playing for their countries.

I didn't even know the Netherlands had a baseball team, and they somehow beat the Dominican Republic. I don't recognize anyone from their team. The D.R. however... how does such a small place produce so much talent?

Is anyone else interested in the Classic? I'm probably the only one, but like I said I wasn't interested at first. Maybe I can interest some of you other baseball fans as well.

Zzzzzzz......

Me too. In fact, I had posted last week that the WBC wasn't too interesting, but watching the games with my son got me hooked. I was pleasantly surprised how well they were playing this early in spring training. The USA had impressive wins over a very good Canadian team and a loaded Venezuelan team, and they're playing this year with a sense of purpose. Washington has to be thrilled with the play of Adam Dunn.

Don't be too surprised by the Netherlands' win. Their players come from Curacao, which has produced major leaguers and have been dominant in the Little League tournaments the past decade. Baseball is popular there.

I also enjoyed Korea's 1-0 win over Japan. either of those teams is capable of winning it all.

who does US face next anyway?

I've only watched Team USA twice. I've been looking forward to this since 2006. I enjoy it and think it's a good idea and wish all the critics will just shut up and give it a chance. It's only the SECOND time it's being done. Of course it'll never replace the World Series or be as important as the World Cup.

I didn't follow it in 2006, but from what I hear it was all about the individuals instead of the team. So I'm sure it was easy for critics to bash them for that because it was a joke to the players. But this year, all these guys seem happy to take a back seat to another player if that's what's best for the team.

I was trying to figure that out as well. If I'm reading the Schedule right it looks like the winner of Italy vs. Canada will next play Venezuela. Then the winner of that game plays USA. USA has already made it to the second round so they don't have to win this next game.

Italy beat Canada, so it looks like they need to beat Venezuela to move on.

Hooray for the Dutch beating the Dominican Republic - twice - and knocking them out of the tourney. The major league payroll of the D.R. team is $84 million; the Dutch....$400K. Talk about David slaying Goliath.

Yeah, that was pretty amazing! Was the D.R. just taking things for granted? They were supposed to be one of the favorites to win the whole thing.

I was hoping to watch some of the classic today but none of the games are on TV. Looks like a lot tomorrow though on ESPN2.

Netherlands are playing Venezuela right now, I'm rooting for the Dutch as far as they go!

I think Davey Johnson's brain is going soft from all the comedy he played with the '86 Mets.

Whoa, the USA got spanked by the Puerto Rico team 11-1. They invoked the 10 run mercy rule after 7 innings. How embarrassing! The 3-4-5 hitters (Jeter being one) went 0-9.

I was rooting for the Netherlands, but now it's win or go home for them and USA this evening.

After seeing Venezuela make K-Rod get a 4-out save, I'm hoping any teams left that have Mets on them lose so they can get back to normal spring training.

Do you think it will have any negative effect on players? It seems like an alternate spring training to me.

I can't say for sure, but I do know teams do not throw their closers out there in 8th inning looking for a save, in a spring training game. Most teams won't even use their closer in the 8th inning during the regular season.

come on, that was K-Rod's only 4 out save in almost 2 years!

But this early in the season? I can understand Lou's concern. Although I do think he'll be okay.

Another 4 out save for Rodriguez.

it's good for him. he'll have a much harder time in NY than just collecting those easy saves for the Angels.

and what about last night's game? I officially enjoy the WBC now!

It was outstanding. It was great to see the enthusiasm in the ninth inning heroics.

I went to bed in the 8th inning with USA down by 2 runs. Imagine my surprise this morning when they won

Mets fans should be proud of David Wright!

The finals are set up very nicely. It will be great if USA beats Japan this evening, but if Japan wins, it will continue the huge rivalry between Japan and Korea. Either way it will be an interesting game.

Well, I'm picking the Koreans over the Japanese. The Americans are a little disappointed, but they played well in the tournament. Japan's bullpen looks like they're in midseason form. Baseball is a game, packed with variables and nuance where these double elimination tournaments require a bit of good fortune. But I guess that adds to the excitement. I'll be watching tonight.

I'm glad that Rollins is back with the Phillies. He had a very good Classic, going 4 for 4 in the final game.

Korea just tied the game with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th! A guy named Bum Ho Lee (Geoff should appreciate that name) drove in the run.

Ichiro, the Japanese stud.