WBC: The new March Madness?

Ok, so probably not quite, but I sure have been enjoying it. There are certainly number of criticisms you could level towards the World Baseball Classic, such as the fact that a lot of the big name stars opt not to play because of the time of year, a time when they're usually just trying to stretch out and get into playing shape and would prefer not to risk injury by trying to play at too high a level too early. And that the postseason atmosphere that is attempting to be created may be somewhat subverted by the strict pitch counts and mercy rules of the early rounds. Despite all of that, it really just feels good to be watching baseball again. Team USA is sailing right along and look good going into the second round despite their loss to a Venezuelan team that closely resembles the Detroit Tigers starting lineup. Also, like the event more commonly referred to as March Madness, the Classic has already given us a cinderella story. I mean, who'd have thought a Netherlands team with only four players that even have any major league experience could beat a Dominican squad loaded with not just major leaguers but bona fide stars (Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, David Ortiz just to name a few), let alone do it twice? So, while the Classic is certainly not the greatest athletic competition ever devised and definitely has its flaws, I'll take anything that gives me real baseball a month earlier and will be watching for the next couple of weeks. Even if my favorite player has already been injured after going 0-7 with 5 streikeouts.