Extra innings really would not matter for a closer but with where we are in the order now was the really the best time to use him... And that's why fata.
As for Axford, on the broadcast they said that the Brewers didn't want him playing back to back. Whitt was glad they Brewers called today and said that he was going to be allowed to use him back to back...but guessing Whitt would still go to him only incase it was close.
And now its 6-4.
Yes I think this is it, Axford can only close so he's no longer available in this game.
Which begs the question, why did he pitch yesterday!?
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
Shame, would've really like to have seen the States have to play Israel, Spain, the Germans and other nations of similar ilk, just to qualify for 2017 (though I am guessing there would be a rule change before that).
As a consolation, it's the Mexicans that have to do that now.
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So the Americans go to Miami as group winners. Where they will face the loser of Dominican Rep, Puerto Rico on Tuesday in the first double-eilmination game. The winner of that game gets Italy.
As for Canada, the loss against Italy was inexcusable which made this game a must-win. They did as well was they could but in 4 years the team needs more MLB guys on it.
In the other Group, the champions Japan have booked a place into the semis in San Francisco, Cuba and Holland have an elimination game Monday night in Tokyo to join them.
Teams qualified for the 2017 WBC. Japan, Cuba, Holland, Taiwan, China, South Korea, USA, Italy, Canada, Domincan Rep., Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Spain go back into qualifying.
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
Baseball is just not really suited to one-game knock outs. Pitching is too important, and you don't get the real measure of a team against another without going through 3-4 starters.
And I would argue - that that is the beauty of a one-game knock out... in that any club could win on any given day. You match the Canadians/US up over a 3/4/7 game series, does anyone even watch?
Don't get me wrong, I get what you are saying - a one-game playoff, the best team may not win all the time, and ultimately, that is what should happen. The best teams should win. But I get the feeling that the WBC isn't about the best teams winning, it is ratings and showcasing baseball worldwide.
They are certainly not the best team in the world but they may be the best country at caring about this tournament.
The Latinos take it very seriously. They even take their own Carribean World Series serious it's crazy. Very good baseball played there.
The Japanese have been fortunate in the first 2 tournament not having to face a powerhouse.
Defeated Korea and Cuba in the 2006 final four and USA and Korea in the 2009 final four.
I hope it's a Japan-Domincan Rep. Final this time, that'll be really good. USA is a bit stronger this time around and Puerto Rico is good too. I think Japan has to beat two good teams to win this year.
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
