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2017 World Baseball Classic preview and prediction

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of Marlins Park during the national anthem before a game between the Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of Marlins Park during the national anthem before a game between the Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Warwick Saupold (53) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Warwick Saupold (53) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Australia

Baseball has come a long way in Australia since the game was introduced in the country in the mid 19th Century, highlighted by a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics and a gold medal in the 1999 Intercontinental Cup. The country has sent 31 players to the Major Leagues. However, the Aussies are still looking to advance out of the group stage of the World Baseball Classic for the first time. With a strong pitching staff and a favorable draw in Pool B, this could be the year.

World Baseball Classic History

  • 2006: 0-3, failed to reach second round
  • 2009: 1-2, failed to reach second round
  • 2013: 0-3, failed to reach second round

First Round Schedule (All games to be played in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan)

  • Wednesday March 8 vs. Japan, 5:00 AM EST
  • Thursday March 9 vs. China, 5:00 AM EST
  • Thursday March 9 vs. Cuba, 10:00 PM EST

Manager

Joe Deeble

Pitching

The strength of the Australia roster is definitely its pitching staff, though the team will have to play on without Oakland A’s reliever Liam Hendriks, who pulled out. Without Hendriks available, left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith, who spent five seasons in the majors with Seattle and Arizona, is the headliner.

Travis Blackley, Peter Moylan and Warwick Saupold are among the Australian pitchers with big league experience, and several players are part of major league farm systems, including twins Alex and Lachlan Wells (both of whom are top 30 prospects for the Orioles and Twins, respectively).

Lineup

The biggest stumbling block for Australia making it to the second round for the first time is its offense. Australia scored just two runs in the 2013 WBC, and that group probably had a stronger lineup than the ’17 squad.

The most recognizable name in the Australia lineup is Trent Oeltjen, a retired outfielder formerly of the D-Backs and Dodgers. Luke Hughes had eight big league homers during a three-year stint from 2010-12, Brad Harman had a cup of coffee with the Phillies in 2008, and James Beresford hit .227/.261/.273 in 10 games for the Minnesota Twins last season.

Prediction

Offense is a concern for Australia in the WBC, though the Aussies beat the Philippines 11-1 and South Africa 12-5 during the three-game qualifying stage. As for the tournament itself, a win against China wouldn’t be a surprise. However, with Japan and Cuba in the group, it will be difficult for Australia to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

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