Extra Innings’ 2013 World Baseball Classic Power Rankings (Mar. 12)

No one was eliminated on Mar. 12, but there were three big games which get us one step closer to a new world champion. How did that affect the rankings? Check previous editions here and look for a new chart tomorrow!

  1. Japan (5-1): Japan had a more difficult time with the Netherlands this time, didn’t need to bring their ‘A’ game.
  2. Dominican Republic (4-0): Has a huge showdown with the United States tomorrow. Is their pitching better than the U.S.’?
  3. Netherlands (4-3): Another loss to Japan, though they are missing three players. Will they get a chance at a third game? And does Jurickson Profar get them there?
  4. Cuba (4-2): Víctor Mesa must be having a fit after another Dutch loss to Japan, knows he had one of the top three lineups.
  5. USA (3-1): The first real test for the Americans is coming up. Can the U.S. beat the Dominicans?
  6. Puerto Rico (2-2): Cannot seem to score runs and Carlos Beltrán doesn’t look like he’s trying that hard.
  7. Italy (2-2): Can the Italians muster just enough pitching to out-hit Puerto Rico?
  8. Chinese Taipei (2-3): Taiwan could easily be two spots lower, but keep their ranking because they advanced.
  9. Canada (1-2): Certainly has the talent, but the pitching staff did not give them much of a chance.
  10. Mexico (1-2): Has to qualify for 2017. How easy will MLB make their bracket? South Africa, a European team, and who else?
  11. Korea (2-1): Still smarting from their tiebreaker elimination.
  12. Venezuela (1-2): Well, they won a game and Cabrera hit a home run. Not much else to say.
  13. Spain (0-3): Looked very solid, and it’s a pity the team was really a Caribbean team with a token Spaniard.
  14. Brazil (0-3): Came awfully close to going 3-0, but bullpen did not have the depth.
  15. Australia (0-3): Very poor showing for a ragtag group of minor leaguers with international experience.
  16. China (1-2): Could not hit at all (.146 average) and only had a couple serviceable arms, but got really lucky.

How would you rank the teams?

About Gabriel Fidler

Extra Innings UK covers baseball around the world, focussing on the sport at the national team level, with features on prominent players, scouting reports, and occasional breaking news. We are fully credentialled by MLB and have covered the World Baseball Classic, continental championships, and the U.S. minor leagues.
This entry was posted in Asia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Europe, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, North America, Oceania, Power Rankings, Puerto Rico, South America, South Korea, Spain, Tournaments, USA, Venezuela, World Baseball Classic. Bookmark the permalink.

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