Why Don't We Love The World Baseball Classic?

With the start of baseball's real world championship tourney looming on the horizon, the lack of enthusiasm by the general population is deafening.  Baseball is our sport.  We invented it and embraced it as a part of our culture for well over a decade.  And so its at least a little curious that if questioned, the average American would not be able to tell you when the WBC starts (March).

Part of it can be accounted for by the general disinterest growing for the sport by our people.  Americans have been leaning away from baseball, complaining about the game's length and slow pace.  It's a shame that people feel this way, but it is also a bit ironic.  Baseball gained popularity in the mid 1800's because it was a fast paced game that anybody could play.  Even though baseball has lost some of its steam I believe the reason for disinterest goes beyond that.

The biggest reason that we, as Americans, do not care about the World Baseball Classic is the lack of the best players on the rosters.  Look at the starting rotation for team USA and I could list plenty of MLB teams with stronger front 4's.  Dickey, Vogelsong, and Pettite are far and away the biggest names.  Good pitchers, but not the best America has to offer (Verlander and Kershaw come to mind).

Mauer and Arencibia will represent America well but it is an injustice to any potential fans for the reigning NL MVP Buster Posey to not hold down the USA catching spot.  There is no way Teixiera is a better 1st baseman than Joey Votto, he just isn't.  Aaron Hill might be better than Brandon Phillips but Phillips is an exciting player and I don't really have a problem with him being in the lineup.  Jimmy Rollins is nowhere near the best SS out of America, Ian Desmond would probably be my pick.  David Wright is a great 3rd baseman and might be the right choice, Chase Headley would be a solid pick too.  The outfield is where real starpower is lost with none of Mike Trout, Andrew McCutchen, and Josh Hamilton representing their countries.

The point is, Americans recognize talent.  They also recognize when we aren't seeing a full display of the best ballplayers in the world.  People watching this upcoming World Baseball Classic will undoubtedly see some great baseball but the fact is that they will not be seeing the best players in the world.  Pair that with sub-par stadiums (dolphin stadium last WBC.....) and we can only hope to eclipse the average attendance of about 20,000 we had last time.  Personally I'm looking forward to watching the Dutch team, tons of good infield prospects.

Its snowing in Ohio and we lost to Akron, the world is falling apart.

P.S.  I hate Ray Lewis

I'm excited for baseball!

Irrelevant Dickey gif but I never get tired of it