March 15th 2009, the next day to live in infamy. But what team will that be in the 2009 World Baseball Classic?

The Netherlands is the Cinderella team this year. Having handed the Dominican Republic both losses in pool D to send them home, now the Dutch are teetering in following them to the airport.

But the 3-1 loss Netherlands suffered to Venezuela is respectable. The team every American stoner is rooting for gave up three runs, but only three hits. Two of the three were long balls, but the free swinging Venezuela team was shut down by the Dutch arms. Bobby Abreu went o for two with a pair of Ks.

The official team of Citgo fuel on the other hand, gave up six hits to the dutch bats. The Venezuela gloves also had two errors, while the Dutch went E free on the scorecard.

It may be the American superstars that could Que. up Boyz-II-Men “End of the road” Sunday night. The USA team lost in seven due to WBC “Mercy rules” 11-1 vs Puerto Rico. Again USA opts for Jeter to start short over 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins. Rollins the younger player, with the better bat this WBC, and better arm was forced to watch the first half from the bench.

The Americans could only gather six hits (same as the Dutch for those keeping tabs!) while letting their opponents from the tropical isle whacked the ball over thirteen times. Dunn & McCann were the hot bats both going two for three on the night for USA. Wright & Braun went one for three.

On the poor side of USA hitting Victorino, Jeter, Chipper Jones, Youkilis, & DeRosa all went 0 for three on the night. Jimmy Rollins was brought in late to the game and did not get a official at-bat.

On the side for the Puerto Rican team, Pudge Rodriguez is showing off for MLB GM’s with a three for four night. Scoring a run and landing a RBI. The best question is what MLB team needs a good catcher?

I would say the Mets, but that ship may have sailed. A few years ago Omar would have handed him a contract for being the biggest Latino free agent at Catcher. That move may be no more for the team from Queens. But if you look at any crowd for Latino nation games this WBC pay attention to all the Mets gear fans are wearing. Clearly the Mets are becoming very popular in latin America.

Speaking of Mets, Carlos Beltran did what he never can do every September in Queens, he did well. Beltran went three for three with a walk, homered once, scored three runs, and had two RBIs. Mets teammate Carlos Delgado only was one for four and got two RBIs  on the night.

The Puerto Rican team meets Venezuela  Monday at 8PM EST. USA faces the Netherlands in the elimination game Sunday at 7:30 PM EST. It will be close, I have a feeling the Dutch will stay alive while Team USA will be back to training camp for their respective teams come Tuesday.

Also Sunday Japan faces red hot Cuba at 4PM EST. Cuba has been unbeatable so far this WBC, and is riding off a impressive win vs Mexico Thursday.

And for those who need little rest Korea will host Mexico at 11 PM EST Sunday. Mexico is coming off a massive loss to Cuba while Korea is riding high from their last win over Japan at the Tokyo Dome.

World Baseball Classic, god I love this!