Quote:
Originally Posted by Hells Bells
Well of course, Cuba is the must win game.
I was more or less saying you don't rest any of your best position players. They're used to playing everyday, and just had an off day. The difference between USA or MEX/ITA is massive.
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Yeah, I completely agree with that - realistically they aren't beating the USA so playing Mexico or Italy gives a better chance of moving on. And the position players are fine to play both games - I actually think they're more likely to stay sharp if they don't have too many off days.
They actually have maximum pitch limits for the WBC - I wouldn't pitch anyone more than 29 pitches vs Puerto Rico because we're already depleted. James Taillon and Michael Soroka are unavailable due to the pitch count limits (pitched over 50 pitches vs Panama/Columbia, need 4 days of rest). We'll get Cal Quantrill for the start, and the Cubans have their ace on the mound (who is a top NPB pitcher).