It's Exciting, Even If You're Not Watching

I have mentioned on this forum and in the podcast during the last few weeks that the biggest reason why the World Baseball Classic isn't front page news in the states is simply because Americans don't care.

I still think that's true, because while I consider myself one of the biggest baseball fans on the planet I'm waiting for this tournament to end so the real season can get started.  And I know from talking to many others about this that I'm not alone.

But did you see last night's win for the Americans over Puerto Rico?

I was working last night, and when the game ended I drove to a local bar to watch the rest of the Bulls game with some buddies.  We saw the end of the baseball game, however, and it was thrilling to say the least.  The walk that sent Kevin Youkilis to the plate with the bases loaded, and the two run knock by David Wright to bring home the tying and winning runs.  I was pumping my fist in celebration to see Team USA pull the game out.  I have barely watched any of this tournament, but to see the comeback unfold, as a sports fan, was great entertainment.

There are obvious problems with the WBC, as Scott and I have pointed out before.  Not all the best players are involved in the event.  The rules limiting pitchers give some of the games a glorified spring training feel.   

But the players are going all-out at all times.  The passion and emotion they're displaying makes you forget it's March and makes you think it's October.  Granted, last night was an exciting game, and I wouldn't be making this point after the American team got clubbed a couple of nights ago by the Puerto Ricans via the mercy rule.  

Still, it was great theater and maybe more of us should be watching.  The players care, whether we do or we don't.  And it's better than watching spring training games, right?