FalconBlog--Triumphs and Trials in the BGSU Falcon Nation

Baseball World Cup

In concept, I think this is great, and I think it will do great things for the overall game of baseball, which badly needs a shot in the arm. Imagine, if you will, a Dominican lineup with Pedro on the hill, Soriano and Tejada up the middle, and Vladdy and Puljos in the middle of the batting order.

Or, imagine bringing Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Mark Mulder in the rotation, with AROD, Bonds, Manny and Sheffield in the middle of your order.

Puerto Rico? They could compete. Beltran, IROD, Delgado.

Canada? How do Justin Morneau, Cory Koskie, Jason Bay, Larry Walker, Rich Harden, Erik Bedard, and Eric Gagne strike you?

Mexico isn't to be taken lightly, with Jorge Cantu, Vinny Castilla, Erubiel Durazo, Esteban Loiaza, Oliver Perez, Rodrigo Lopez and Elmer Dessens.

Finally, Venezuela is going to challenge for he whole thing. CHECK THIS LINE UP OUT!

C—Ramon Hernandez (Padres)
1B—Edgardo Alfonzo (Giants)
2B—Cesar Izturis (Dodgers)
3B—Carlos Guillen (Tigers)
SS—Omar Vizquel (Giants)
LF—Melvin Mora (Orioles)
CF—Bob Abreu (Phillies)
RF—Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
DH—Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
SP—Johan Santana (Twins)
SP—Carlos Zambrano (Cubs)
SP—Freddy Garcia (White Sox)
SP—Kelvim Escobar (Angels)
RP—Francisco Rodriguez (Angels)

Wow. I just think the tournament could really rekindle excitement around the game.

There's only one thing that could ruin it. If the players don't play, ala the Olympics and the Davis Cup. Healthy players need to play in the tournament to make it successful. If it ends up being a bunch of nobodies, than the whole idea is worst than doing nothing at all.

And yes, I understand the US may not win and certainly wouldn't be the prohibitive favorite. The idea still excites me a lot.

Does anyone in baseball recognize what it would be worth in $$ to everyone in the game if the world got excited about baseball again. I mean excited?