World Baseball Classic

I like it. In fact, I like it quite a bit.

I still can't believe though that the Koreans pitched to Ichiro with 1st base open and 2 on in the 10th innning thus sealing their fate. Apparently, the Korean manager couldn't quite believe it either. After the game, he said, “I don’t know why the pitcher tried to pitch directly to Ichiro."

From the NY Times:
During the memorable at bat, the usually focused Suzuki said his mind was cluttered.

“I really wish I could be in a state of Zen,” Suzuki said. “I kept thinking of all the things I shouldn’t think about. Usually, I cannot hit when I think of all those things. This time I got a hit. Maybe I surpassed myself.”

From another article:
In a reference to the benefit his erratic form has had on opposition sides, he quipped: “I had worn South Korea’s uniform, Cuba’s uniform and the uniforms of various other teams. But finally I wore Japan’s uniform.”

"I've got it, you know. God descended on me," an exalted Suzuki told Japanese television after the nail-biting showdown at Dodger Stadium on Monday night.

"I knew everyone in Japan was focused on me and I was making play-by-play comments to myself at the plate," he added, all smiles.

Ichiro may have broken this Jewrean's heart but at least he remains the preeminent quote machine.

But now that is over, I have a suggestion for Bud Selig.

March is not the right time to play the whole shebang.

This is the way to do it.

In 2013, break it into two parts.

The first part will be at the end of spring training. Continue the practice of having the games all over the world. The rest of the world is more into it than we are. The American rounds should be out of the country as well - somewhere like the DR where people like it.

The second part should be in July. There will be no all star game because of it. The players can take a 10 day break in the middle of the season. Hell, shorten the season to 154 games during the years that the Classic is played. Lower the ticket prices. Matt Army told me that the cheapest tickets at Dodger Stadium this year were 50 bucks for bleacher seats. Since the second half will be in July, the games can be held anywhere in the U.S. rather than only warm weather sites. Promote it all season. Fans were more into it this year than in '06. Build the momentum, Bud!

That's all.

But if you like that idea, I have even better ones for you if you're willing to listen.