The obvious favourite for this first ever world baseball classic, is the team from “the good old U.S.A.”

From March 3^rd to March 20^th, the very first world baseball championships will begin at four venues around the world.   Whoever is victorious at the W.B.C. at what is ostensibly baseball’s world championship can categorically claim that they are the world champions.

The WBC came into being under the auspices of major league baseball, (M.L.B.) and their association.

The purpose of the MLB is to promote the great game of baseball in non-baseball orientated countries.   This WBC inauguration allows the “punter” to bet “out of season” but ………….this new innovation is not favoured universally, and the great “Yankees” do not view this favourably.   Yankees “big boss” George Steinbrenner is stymied, and cannot prevent his players from making themselves available.

Sixteen participating countries who have some experienced International baseball representatives, have been sent invitations, and it must be noted that this is contrary to soccer’s world cup format, who have to qualify to compete.   Thus this tournament will comprise sixteen teams, each of 30 players, resulting in some of the top players in the world eager to participate, and represent their home countries.

Alas many players with great reputations and skill, have chosen not to play, whatever their reasons.

The 16 teams will play in 4 sections of 4 teams, each pool will play on a round robin basis.

The games will be played at the Tokyo Dome, Puerto Rico, (Hirm Bithorn stadium in San Juan), and the United States (Chase Field in Phoenix ; Scottsdale Stadium in Arizona, and at the Ball Park at Disneys in Orlando.)

Besides the obvious power of the U.S.A, one must not overlook the potential strength of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Korea, and Puerto Rico.   It must be realized that success can be diminished by the distance traveled by these teams, and the traveling schedule can be a great disadvantage.

One can compare the second round with that of soccer’s world cup.   This means that the teams lying first and second from each pool, will play in a round robin, and they will play at the following venues.

San Juan, Puerto Rico (Hirm Bithorn stadium), and in Anaheim California (Angel Stadium).    All this is very sensible, as some of the problems of time zones are overcome which especially involves Japan, but will still bring two time zones into play.

The side that is drawn in Anaheim, will have the advantage of playing at Petco Park in San Diego, California.   This is a compatible venue for both the U.S.A. and Japan.

There are quite a few teams with favourable chances of winning the WBC, and for the punters, here is the betting and chances of the participating countries.

At this time Cuba is quoted at 18/1.   Castro’s country can thank the U.S. treasury department for granting them permission to play in the WBC.   Their initial attempt to be included in this prestigious company was turned down by America.   However, by promising to contribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, they were then accepted, and are in Poll C. along with Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands.   This is a favourable draw for Castro’s kids, and they should emerge winners of pool C.

Albeit the bulk of their team are youngsters, and still a little wet behind the ears, if you have a bet on Cuba, you must know that defectors will not be permitted to represent their country of origin.   Names like Contreras, Livan, and Hernandes, will not be displaying their pitching skills.   The Cuban kids should still be able to end up in the top two of the initial round, if they succeed in the openers.  

Cuba will play their next round in San Juan, which means they will not have a lot of traveling to do.

The Dominican’s are quoted at 12/1, and are one of the favourites to win the WBC.   They are in Pool D.

This baseballing republic has been a nursery for many youngsters brimming with talent, and 12/1 is very generous odds considering the abundance of sheer talent in the team.

In alphabetical order you have: Adrian Belter, Rafael Furcal, Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Aramis Ramirez, and Alphonso Soriano, Martinez had a foot injury, but Bartolo Colon is ready and able.

It is a well known fact, that a good pitching staff is always preferable to a whole lot of good hitters, so this Dominican team does not cut the mustard.   However, with all their talent available, how come the good odds of 12/1 are on offer?   Something “aint” right!

They are currently quoted at 7/1.   This U.S.A. oil supplying country is one of the main crude oil suppliers to America.   They’ve got a lot of oil, and they’ve got an abundance of baseball talent.   Venezuela are in Pool D, and their strength lies in their pitching talent, certainly more impressive than the Dominican Republic.   They can boast pitchers of the caliber of Gustavo Chacin, Freddie Garcia, Johan Santana, Rodriguez , the Zambranos, Carlos and Victor. – in-fielders, Alex Gonzales, Carlos Guillen, Miguel Cabrera, and Omar Vizquel.

Their out-fielders are: Mora, Chavez, Ordonez, and Bob Abreo.   All the above names make for a great all round combination, and Venezuela must be identified as a baseballing country, with a definite chance to win the inaugural WBC.

They are currently quoted at even money, and are overwhelming favourites to win the WBC.   With pitching starts like Clemens, Sabathia, Willis, and Peavy, in-fielders the likes of Jeter, Young, Jones, Lee, Utley, and Teixera etc.

Will this star-studded galaxy be committed sufficiently to give of their best?   Their first game, according to team manager Buck Martinez, will feature, Peavy as a starter on March 2^nd , against Mexico, to be followed by Willis on March 8^th verses Canada at Chase Field.   It will be recalled that when Peavy and Clemens played on the MLB all star team, that played in Japan, they won comfortably.

The U.S. team features names like Ken Griffey Jnr. Johnny Damon, Jeff Fracoeur, Matt Holliday,Randy Winn, and Vernon Wells.

One must laud Ken Griffey Jnr. For making himself available to represent his country.

Many of his countryman, preferred not to be available, and chose to sit this one out.

Now we ask ourselves, is this team powerful enough to take on the likes of Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela, with Dominican Republic lurking together with the dangerour Puerto Rico?