The unfortunate thing in all of this is Team USA is now on the ropes.  Another loss not only sends the team packing, but I think it could be a major blow to the World Baseball Classic in the biggest baseball nation in the world.  This could be the second straight second-round exit for the Americans, the supposedly best team in the world, and lead to our fans thinking even less of the WBC than we already do.  Hopefully the players, and coaches, will take this problem seriously and not treat tonights game like any old spring training game.

The failure of the U.S.A. to put its best product on the field led to the demise of Olympic baseball.  Failure to put out the best effort (we already know some of the best players aren’t playing) will lead to history repeating itself in the WBC.

Other Takes:

Jeff Passan calls out Johnson for worrying about pitch count versus performance in not pulling Peavy.

Amy Nelson gives a good recap of last nights emotion and what lays ahead against the Netherlands.

Side Notes:

Congrats to the Trojans on winning the PAC-10.

T.J. Simers chims in on Boston’s obsession with Manny. All I’ve heard for two weeks from my Red Sox fans is how horrible Ramirez is– last time I checked he was a major piece in two World Series victories.

While I am not a Padres fan, I do like the Umpire camp they are putting on for local Marines. The Pad’s have always been great at reaching out to our men and women in uniform.