World Baseball Classic 31 (Everything Thread)

by **Silver Beach** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:28 am

Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes(including coaches)
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes

Batting Lineup

1. Mohammed Latif. 2B, righty. Known for his speed, and is very aggressive running the basepaths. Can play short
2. Ali Zeeshawn. SS, lefty. Known for his ability to hit for average, get on base for power hitters. ‘Gold Glover’ in Silver Beach. Can play second base.
3. Hassan Hammoud. 3B, righty. Best hitter on the team. Hits for power and average. Can play short and 1st base.
4. Hussein Jeafar. DH, lefty. 1B by trade. Hits for power, and when he hits it, always hits it hard. His average is lower however, and is a streaky hitter.
5. Essam El-Shenawy. LF, righty. Has a cannon for an arm in the outfield. Can play both corner outfield spots.
6. Mustafa Al-Qarni. RF, lefty. Only 21 years old. Can play both corner outfield spots.
7. Basem Ibrahim. C, righty. Veteran, leader of this team. Captain. Full-time catcher.
8. Hazem Rabia. 1B. Gold glover at the corner, only starts when there is a DH. Can play 3rd.
9. Walid Abdullah. CF. Has lots of range in center and speed, hits for leadoff at the club level. Can play all three outfield spots.

When there is no DH, put Jeafar at first base instead of DH, and put the pitcher In the 8 spot(like Tony LaRussa). Rabia then must go on the bench.

Bench

Fareed Hawsawi. 1B/3B, righty. Very good pinch hitter.
Mansoor Al-Kassar. 2B/SS/3B. righty. Very excellent in the field. Often late defensive substitution.
Saud Al-Jassim. C/1B. righty. The backup catcher. While he can play first base if need be, very rarely does.
Omar Al-Zori. LF/CF/RF. Utility outfield player.
Mabrouk Al-Owais. CF/2B. Only plays center field when he plays the outfield, can also play second base if absolutely necessary.

Rotation.

1. Marwan Safadi. Lefty. Throws the 4 seam fastball, 2 seam fastball, changeup, and slider. Clearly the ace of the staff. A workhorse, the manager likes to let him go deep into ball games.
2. Waleed Karami. Righty. Throws a hard knuckleball(70s), a 2 seam fastball(has hit 81, usually upper 70s), a slow curve, and a slow knuckleball. The oldest player on the team at 39, he has lasted because of his knuckler, and can go deep into games because of it.
3. Khaled Al-Hamdan. Righty. Throws a 2 seam fastball(low 90s), a slider, a 12-6 curveball, and a circle change. Best hitter on the staff(relatively speaking).
4. Salman Shalout. Righty. Very young, only 22 years old. Strong.

Bullpen

LRP- Nawaf Al-Salem. Righty. Throws the 4 seam fastball, slider, and changeup. A starter in league play, he will be moved up to the rotation if anybody is hurt.
LRP- Youssef Hazazi. Righty. Throws the 4 seam fastball, slider, and the sinker. Can easily log three to four solid innings. If the game goes to extras, they throw him in the 10th or 11th usually to start logging innings.
MRP- Sami Majrashi. Lefty. Throws the 2 seam fastball, slider, a circle change, and a rarely thrown curveball he only uses on righties. Usually brought in as a 7th inning pitcher.
MRP- Samir Mouqbel. Righty. Throws just 2 pitches, a 4 seam fastball(mid to upper 90s) and a forkball. Very emotional and energetic on the mound, but can be erratic.
MRP- Shakib Al Abbas. Lefty. Throws a 2 seam fastball and a slider. Situational pitcher, almost exclusively will face lefties during the tournament. Put into the game during tough situations to get out of jams, almost never starts an inning unless a few lefties in a row are coming up.
SU- Ali Azzam. Righty. Throws a 4 seam fastball(only pitcher on the team capable of hitting triple digits) along with a curveball, a slider, and a circle change. 8th inning pitcher. The 2nd choice closer.
Closer- Hazwan Ismael. Righty. 33 year old veteran. Throws a 4 seam fastball that can hit 97 mph, forkball, and a 12-6 curveball. He is entrusted with the ball with the game on the line.

Coaching staff

Manager- Ozan Babacan. 59 years old, has been a manager in the Silverian domestic league for 15 years.
Bench Coach- Omer Tufan. 77 years old. Has not managed for 2 years, has come back as bench coach after a personal plea by Babacan.
Hitting Coach- Olcay Karabulut. 44 years old. Has been a minor league manager after 19 successful seasons in the Silverian bigs.
Pitching Coach- Volkan Pektemek. 61 years old. Former reliever.
1st Base Coach- Serkan Ayvaz. 67 years old.
3rd Base Coach- Umut Potuk. 49 years old. Very aggressive 3rd Base coach.

by **Guerro** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:50 am

Guerro vs. Fair Republic preview

Commentators Richard Bouvie and Bob Sayer talk about the series between The Guerro Slagskepp and The Fair Republic Toucans.

Richard: "The first thing someone might notice is the rankings between these two teams. The Toucans are ranked 7th, while the Slagskepp aren't ranked. So most people are putting their money on the Toucans for this one. Personally, I am. I think the Toucans are a better team overall and are more balanced, with impressive pitching and a fast offense spear heading their game. What do you think Bob?"

Bob: "Well, I don't think rankings are going to be relevant during this series. Keep in mind that this is the first time Guerro has appeared in a WBC, so their ranking has nothing to do with their performance at this time. Still, I do think the Toucans have the advantage in this, but only for their experience. If you remember from the IBS, Guerro was explosive offensively. And when they get hot, oh boy, it's going to be a long game for the opposite pitcher. If the Toucans think this will be an easy blowout, they might find themselves being upset."

Richard: "What do you think the deciding factor for the series will be?"

Bob: "Easy. For the Toucans, it's making sure the Slagskepp can't get their offensive going. If they can shut them down there, it should be easy pickings. But if the Slagskepp get under the Toucan pitchers skin, chances are the damage will be too great by the time they recover. It's a game of staying focused for the Toucans. They make one mistake, you can be absolutely sure that the Slagskepp will capitalize on it."

Richard: "I agree on that point. If The Fair Republic wants to start off the WBC hot, they need to stay focused on this tough Guerro team. And vice versa. Let us know what you think by going on or website and submit your feedback. We're out of time for now. We'll see you after the series."

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 12:38 pm

OOC: In response to Ceni/Costa de Ouro's post on Olympiad IX thread.

Spiritair unveils refurbishments in its product, introducing its groundbreaking La Premiere Class Suites
August 23, 2017
Anthony Chang

Montreal, Royal Kingdom of Quebec: Yesterday, in response to Ceniana’s opening of its major hub in Montreal, Spiritair has unveiled the new product and service offering on all of its long-haul aircrafts, including its brand new La Premiere Suite cabin, as well as cutting fares for most of its intercontinental flights.

The airline's emphasis towards its services as opposed to merely judging on fare, whether hard or soft product, was shown by the rest of the conference, as it emphasised one of its main principles. “Cost is not the greatest of concerns one should have when flying,” Said Jean-Seth Park, President and CEO of Spiritair in his latest media conference in response to Ceniana’s entering of Montreal market using its cheap prices and direct flights, “While Spiritair slashed flight fares drastically and will continue do so over next year or so, for entirely commercial and customary reasons, it believes that its quality of services is something that matters the most.”

Spiritair's brand new La Premiere Suite, currently available on Montreal-Yzerberg route

Then Park proved it right away by introducing the brand new products for all three classes available.
Spiritair’s La Premiere Suite, as seen from above, is a trend setter in premium cabins, taking a 180 degree turn from big names to surpass in quality, luxury, ambience and style for travellers. The space, which costs about $30,000 NS ($10,000 Quebecois) on the longest of its transcontinental flights that's going to be introduced with it, is priced to include two travelers and comes with a butler, on-board chef, and shower. It is also come furnished with a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe, as well as shared lounge (sure it’s shared, but it’s much larger than other lounges) between first and business classes encompassing a bartender and duty-free areas. First of the refurbishments will be introduced to its fleet of 15 Airbus A380s.

So far the receptions have been great on its practice run, with 2 of its A380s on its evening flight to Yzerberg, as it won the praises of most premium passengers on board. Simultaneously the same process will be introduced to its fleet of 62 Boeing 777s, flying their brand new products all across the multiverse.

Economy Class gets a major boost as the Montreal-based carrier introduces its Premier Voyageur Cabin

The new business and economy classes – Business and Premium Voyageur Classes - will be found on Spiritair’s A380s, as well as most B777s and 787s. Both products, after years of consideration and process put into the success, should provide the passengers with even more comfort and technological features. Those travelling in premium economy class will now have a place to rest their head thanks to the introduction of a fixed-wing headrest, as well as being able to lie down for up to 135 degrees, in addition curved walls allowing even more comfort when it comes to using IFE for killing time and curved wall to have something to fall asleep on, with one’s pillows.
Adding to its complimentary amenity kits and snack services, this should make the airline’s premium economy class the best in Y. Meanwhile business class passengers will be able to convert their seat into a flat bed, using the airline’s former first class product that just got replaced by the current one. This, while not that of a change, should provide the business class passengers the level of service in which they never have experienced before.

Spiritair is also introducing the latest Avian EnX2 entertainment system across all its fleets, which includes touchscreen handsets for playing games, high definition screens across all cabins and noise cancelling headsets by none other than world-renowned Han Meyer-Strauss. Through this passengers will be able to order food and drink right on screen, which will be available for some flights. All A380 and many B777 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the rest will be equipped with Wi-Fi.
As for its muslim customers, Spiritair has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Tufani based on the aircraft's geographical position. Prayer areas will be available in Spiritair’s flights to Nchi ya Tufani and Coconutstan, citing their large Muslim population and significance to the church making it an extremely attractive option for those passengers.

Spiritair Chief Executive Diane Ionescu said how her carrier, in response to the rebounding economy in the regions they serve, will take on the increasing premium traffics in the regions served by the Montreal-based carrier.

“We are very pleased to introduce these brand new, groundbreaking changes to the Spiritair’s mid-haul and long-haul international products. We believe there will be considerable demand for a high quality travel experience to match the expansion of the premium products, as they gets introduced to the carrier’s long-haul fleet of Airbus A380, as well as Boeing 777s and 787.”

by **Taxachusetts** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:46 pm

Taxachusetts Today

World Baseball Classic 31: Taxachusetts to compete

Following an 11-13 performance in the recent International Baseball Slam, the Taxachusetts Green Sox will be making their World Baseball Classic debut in the upcoming 31st edition of that illustrious tournament. Manager Benjamin Beuzeville has elected not to make any changes to his squad, valuing team chemistry more than playing the hot hands. Whether this will pay off remains to be seen.

The Green Sox reflect the values of our Independent People's Republic, with an emphasis on an all-for-one mindset and a recognition that no single player is bigger than the team. The Green Sox also exemplify our commitment to gender equality with a roster that is nearly split down the middle when it comes to gender. Benjamin Beuzeville's commitment to equality is exemplified by Audrey Mullan, the team's talented shortstop who not only plays her position at a high level, but is also a legitimate cleanup hitter. While the aging Tyler Howells is more of a stereotypical cleanup hitter, Mullan bats 4th because Ben Beuzeville is not afraid to go with an unconventional lineup. The Green Sox manager has been vocal in the past about his belief in playing the most effective lineup, not the traditional lineup.

While the Green Sox lineup is primarily male, the Green Sox pitching staff is comprised of 7 women and 5 men. Among these women is the 20-year-old phenom Stella Wright, who recently signed a 10 year, 200+ million Thaler contract to pitch for a team in the Holy Republican Empire. However, the ace of the staff is Tyson Stobie, a star for the Raptors of the Acedonian Baseball Federation. The most promising talent on the staff is Kate Houghton, who has been the most dominant pitcher in the history of Taxachussan high school baseball, but she will be used in a long relief capacity at this WBC, due to her relative youth.

While everybody is probably looking forward to seeing WBC baseball at Conway Park, we regret to inform our readers that your Green Sox will open with a 3-game series at Estope. Estope made the playoffs in their first ever WBC, way back in the 24th edition and were eliminated in the Round of 20 after losing 2 out of 3 to Thrilledge. They missed the playoffs in each of the following 5 editions of the WBC. Then, in the 30th edition, they were a surprise team, going 6-2 in the group stage and defeating United Eastedge 2 out of 3 times to advance to the Quarterfinals, but they lost both quarterfinal games to Karditan, each by a single run, and fell short. They are ranked 11th and will be trying to prove that they weren't just lucky in the wild 30th edition of the WBC.

However, the second 3-game series for the Green Sox will be at Conway Park and they will face New Wolfopolis. In the most recent International Baseball Slam, New Wolfopolis went 13-11. In 6 head-to-head games between Taxachusetts and New Wolfopolis, each has won 3, as each won 2 out of 3 at home. In 4 previous WBCs, New Wolfopolis has 2 playoff appearances. In their debut back in WBC 27, they were defeated by Nova Anglicana in the Round of 24. In the 29th WBC, they earned a bye to the Round of 16, defeated the Equestrian States in 3 and were swept by the Royal Barangay in the Quarterfinals. They went 3-5 in WBC 30 and are currently ranked 23rd.

The Green Sox will visit 47th ranked Vettrera for their third series. Vettrera made their debut in the 30th edition of the WBC. They made the playoffs by beating both Noburu Taiyou and Feministvs Sanctvsterra, neither of whom are competing in this edition of the WBC, on a tiebreaker. In fact, the last remnants of Feministvs Sanctvsterra were, regrettably, captured by the Holy Republican Navy while traveling via sea from our Independent People's Republic to a World Cup soccer match. Vettrera were the lowest seeded playoff team in WBC 30 and were swept out of the Round of 24 by Vaugania. They also competed in the recent International Baseball Slam, going 15-9 and losing a tiebreaker playoff to the Mamaroneck Tentay. The second team to visit Conway Park will be Insubria and Orobia, who are also making their WBC debut. News from their nation seems to be scarce and very little is known about their team, other than the fact that they are a baseball team. The final opponent whom the Green Sox will face is Britonisea, who will visit Conway Park for the 5th series. Britonisea made it into the playoffs in their first WBC, the 27th edition, on a tiebreaker, beating out Western Cuba and Gregoryisgodistan. Then, they beat the Fair Republic in 3 and took The Royal Barangay to the limit before ultimately losing in the bottom of the 9th. Britonisea also made it to the playoffs in WBC 29, but the Royal Barangay beat them convincingly in a play-in game. In WBC 30, they missed the playoffs. Britonisea went 10-14 in the recent International Baseball Slam and are currently ranked 30th.

After all 5 of those series have been played, the Green Sox will play the same 5 opponents again, in the same order, but the second around, Estope and Vettrera will visit Conway Park while the Green Sox will have to travel to play their other 3 opponents. The tournament will start tonight and will be broadcast over the air by the Public Broadcasting Service in place of your regularly-scheduled episodes of Equality Street and Jade the Pink Dinosaur. Remember kids, even Big Bat and the Health Monster deserve a vacation every once in a while! So, sit back and enjoy some baseball over the next few weeks and be a part of the Green Sox Nation!

by **Peruvian Highlands** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 3:07 pm

Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No-follow my lineup
Choose my pitching rotation: No-follow my rotation
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but nothing too serious
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes, up to 3 (including coaches)
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes

Starting Lineup

1. Brock Levreaux, CF (L/L)
A speedy 26 year old who hits for average, not power, and is excellent at getting on base. Very patient at the plate, does not strike out often. An outstanding base-stealer, and very confident on the base paths. Plays excellent defense in center field, although his arm is not as strong as one would expect in a center fielder.
2. Jerome Bettley, 2B (R/R)
Another hitter who hits more for average than for power. Also excellent at getting on base. Not as fast as Levreaux, but very capable of stealing bases. Outstanding second-baseman, does not make many errors.
3. Zander Nix, LF (R/R)
Power-hitting left fielder also has a cannon for an arm. Very aggressive at the plate; does not take many walks.
4. Bubba Oakley, DH (L/L)
Big, strong, hits for power. Very slow on the base paths, but very intelligent.
5. Specter Johnson, 1B (R/R)
Another power hitter, he hits home runs often but also hits for average. He utilizes all parts of the field, and is excellent at hitting the ball where the fielders aren't. A bit small for a first baseman, but his defense is top-notch.
6. Wolf Levenson, SS (L/R)
Slick-fielding shortstop who will scoop up anything within range. Has extreme range and a strong arm to make all the throws. Hits for average, and is an above-average base stealer.
7. Edgar Howser, RF (R/R)
In the lineup mostly for his defense. Has a very strong arm. Does not hit very well, but can have runs of 4-5 games where he hits well.
8. George O'Kiver, 3B (L/R)
Small for his postion, he gives the lineup a little pop at the bottom. Hits for average, but is also capable of knocking one into the bleachers every so often. Below-average arm, but is capable of reaching first base on the fly.
9. Horace Glasnosikivishi, C (R/R)
Weak hitter who is excellent defensively. Calls an excellent game behind the dish and is outstanding at throwing out base stealers.

If there is no DH, remove Oakley from the lineup, bump everbody else up a spot, and insert the pitcher ninth.

Bench
Rowley Houf, OF (L/L)
Utility outfielder who can play any outfielder position well. Very fast; will be used as a pinch runner.
Howard Duckson, OF (L/R)
Another utility outfielder. Has a strong arm, and can be used to pitch if the game is a blowout in order to save the bullpen.
Sam Vaxtor, IF (L/R)
Utility infielder can play any infield position, but he is best at SS or 2B.
Rashad Sharif, IF (R/R)
Usually a third baseman, he can play first in a pinch.
Grevis Monroe, C (R/R)
Backup catcher in case of injury. Hits well but is below-average defensively.

Starting Rotation

Ragnor Hillrock, L
The ace of the staff throws 4 plus pitches (4-seam, slider, curve, changeup) and also has a cutter in his arsenal, although it is not his best pitch. Lives on the edges of the plate, and has exquisite control, along with an exceptional strikeout-walk ratio. Velocity: 76-94 mph.
Thorvald Bjorndalen, R
Hard-throwing righty pounds the strike zone knowing that hitters will not be able to catch up with his fastball. Also throws a slider, curve, and splitter, which is his go-to "out pitch". Velocity: 83-98 mph.
Happy Pittsfield, R
Another control pitcher. Does not have the highest velocity, but can control the placement of pitches like Hillrock. Does not strike many batters out, but walks even fewer. Velocity: 70-92 mph.
Welsh Mover, L
Knuckleballer. Also has a fastball and curve, but neither are plus pitches. Velocity: 60-83 mph.
Biff Moran, R
Throws hard, but has no idea where the ball is going. Walks and hits many batters. Usually does not last past the 5th inning. Velocity: 90-102 mph.

Bullpen

Jackie Aruba, R
Righty reliever. Velocity: 83-95 mph.
Harry Garzia, R
Long-relief man, comes in if the starter gets in trouble early. Velocity: 77-96 mph.
Viktor Hadverlon, L
Lefty reliever. Velocity: 84-94 mph.
Rich Bingo, L
Left-handed specialist used for lefty-lefty matchups. Velocity: 74-90 mph.
Frankie Maine, R
The set-up man, and second choice for closer. Velocity: 86-97 mph.
Cocanut Markos, R
The closer. Velocity: 95-103 mph.

by **United Eastedge** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 6:14 pm

United Eastedge Baseball Association (UEBA)
National Team Roster for the World Baseball Classic 31

Overview/Preview: With one World Baseball Classic of experience, the team led by Erik Schultz is finally back willing to beat anyone in order to lift the trophy this time around. Many things have changed such as the position in which United Eastedge currently is. Being the 36th best team in the multiverse, the Navies are ready to begin their second participation in the most important baseball tournament of the multiverse. Has been a while since the players of the last tournament played together, being the game in which the Eastedgeans were eliminated against Estope the last one they played together. Erik Schultz also announced a possibility of taking the International Baseball Slam for practice, something like a pre-season. Unfortunately, it was not possible this time around and they will need to increase their level throughout the group stage of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: No
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes
Style Mod: +2

by **United Eastedge** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:03 pm

United Eastedge was drawn into a new challenge in the upcoming World Baseball Classic
Somewhere in Nova Anglicana or Imota

As the title says, a new challenge for the Navies is about to begin! After a formidable first World Cup Cycle, United Eastedge's attention is back to baseball. The thirty-first edition of the World Baseball Classic is just aaround the corner, being the nations of Nova Anglicana and Imota the hosts thereof after winning the voting over Saintland. The group in which United Eastedge was drawn this time around is similar to the last one, regarding to the level of the opponents. Fortunately the first-seeded team is not between the top ten of the multiverse at least... However, Ko-oren, New Montreal States, Perong, Aredshan, and Gregory Llama Land are the teams which the team led by Schultz will face in this new adventure.

But why should we trust in this team if there is not a well-established baseball competition in the country? Well, I can give you many reasons why we should trust in them. The experience is one of the thing I would like to highlight the most although they have just participated in the World Baseball Classic once so far. Nonetheless, the performance they showed last time, is a reason why they have gained tons of experience from that edition. Erik Schultz also could be another imporatnt factor for the national baseball team. Being a disciplined manager, sure of the decisions he takes, and above all, the knowledge he has about how to work with his different kind of players. And finally, the most important factor of the good results the Eastedgeans usually pull out, is thanks to the great courage and heart they have. That works perfectly, or the Navies defeated Super-Llamaland just because of luck? Naaaahhh.

So, what will we need to defeat each of our opponents? Our need will need to show the courage they've always shown. Ko-oren seemes to be the biggest threat in this group stage and they will definitely not be a easy team to deal with. In the other side, there is the second biggest threat, New Montreal States. Sincerely, I'm not based in the rankings or something like that, but in their recent perfromances. In this case, New Montreal States is characterized by their great batters and incredibly fast runners. When they score a run, it means they'll score more... Surely. Fortunately, not everything is danger and bad news, because there are three unranked teams behind United Eastedge this time around, which means they'll probably help us to balance the win/lose average. Personally, I think the Navies will advance to the next stage, struggling for the first place with the Ko-orenites, while, New Montreal States will be eliminated due to the bad moment they currently are.

Tonight, the debut game against the dangerous team of New Montreal States. Can't tell ya too many things about them, since they have not announced their roster. Actually, they have announced nothing so far. United Eastedge will win tonight on a tough game, but they'll achieve it. We will be broadcasting all of the games of the Atlas' national teams participating in this World Baseball Classic. Guerro, Estenia, and Ideos are among them. Thanks for reading in UEE Sports one more time and we will be waiting you to come back here, in the national sports leader.

by **Ideos** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:22 pm

A analysis of tonight's game against Russian Soviet Socialist States
Tonight's analysis written by Jason Shude of The Ideosian Baseball Network

Alright folks, the day of the tournament has begun, thousands are already pouring into Kiragen Stadium, where The R.S.S.S National Team and our good 'ol boys in blue will be battling it our for the opening game of the tournament. Both teams have not been ranked yet, so we'll have to look at the players. Ideos looks to start out Connor O’Neal as Pitcher tonight, as apposed to David Gaines. An interesting choice, seeing that Gaines played for Kiragen back in 2010. Dane Nielsson complained of a sore arm on Wednesday, but has not been switched. The coach of The Ideosian Team refused an interview with IBS this morning, but had this to say on Thursday: "The team is prepared for a victory on Saturday, and our pitching coach has been working with all our starting and relief pitchers, getting them ready for the big game. Our infield is looking top-notch, Gerro, Moore and Bonn especially. We'll give The R.S.S.S a good game, and hopefully come out with a victory." The roster from R.S.S.S has not been released to the public yet, It seems that the nation wants to have a mist of secrecy surrounding the game tonight. With that in mind, I'll have to go with Ideos on this one. If The R.S.S.S is looking for a win tonight, they'll have to avoid the infield, and chose hits carefully from an arm like O’Neal's. That`ll be it for this analysis, and until next time, this is Jason Shude of IBN.

Enjoy the Game!

Nestled in the forest region of Halien, Ideos, lies the small city of Kiragen, and beside the river lies Martha`s Stadium. A legendary stadium, said by Brady Miller in 1927 to be: "The greatest place in the world to play the greatest game in the world." The city itself has virtually remained unchanged since Miller played on it over 87 years ago. The stadium was updated with modern screens and turf in 2008, and once again updated earlier this year in preparation for The Tournament. A statue of Martha Lincoln stands 9 feet tall in front of the main entrance, a civil rights activist in the early 20th century. This stadium was the first to host an all negro professional team in 1911, and the town of Kiragen hosted a 100 year memorial game back in August 2011. This site will be the opening stadium in the tournament, hosting The R.S.S.S and The home country of Ideos. It will likely host many other games in the following weeks, and the legends of players past and present will meet.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:40 pm

I am pleased to declare the 31st edition of the World Baseball Classic officially begun! This is your MD1 cutoff.

Jecatria 0–4 Silver Beach
Jecatria 3–7 Silver Beach
Jecatria 1–4 Silver Beach

Coconutstan 2–4 Karditan
Coconutstan 0–9 Karditan
Coconutstan 5–7 Karditan

Allamunnic States 5–0 San Jose Guayabal
Allamunnic States 0–1 San Jose Guayabal 
Allamunnic States 2–5 San Jose Guayabal

Group 1                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Karditan                3    3   0    20    7  +13     9
2 Silver Beach            3    3   0    15    4  +11     9
3 San Jose Guayabal       3    2   1     6    7   −1     6
4 Allamunnic States       3    1   2     7    6   +1     3
5 Jecatria                3    0   3     4   15  −11     0
6 Coconutstan             3    0   3     7   20  −13     0

Qazox 9–1 Miley World
Qazox 4–0 Miley World
Qazox 3–2 Miley World

Vulshain 0–4 Darmen
Vulshain 4–6 Darmen
Vulshain 2–6 Darmen

Maklohi Vai 7–9 The Serbian Empire
Maklohi Vai 1–0 The Serbian Empire
Maklohi Vai 2–3 The Serbian Empire

  Group 2                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Qazox                                3   3  0   16   3 +13    9
1 Darmen                               3   3  0   16   6 +10    9
3 The Serbian Empire                   3   2  1   12  10  +2    6
4 Maklohi Vai                          3   1  2   10  12  −2    3
5 Vulshain                             3   0  3    6  16 −10    0
5 Miley World                          3   0  3    3  16 −13    0

The Sarian 7–3 Abanhfleft
The Sarian 2–3 Abanhfleft
The Sarian 3–5 Abanhfleft

New West Guiana 7–4 Patistan
New West Guiana 4–9 Patistan
New West Guiana 2–7 Patistan

Crystal Empire 3–5 Thatius
Crystal Empire 4–2 Thatius
Crystal Empire 0–4 Thatius

  Group 3                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Patistan                             3   2  1   20  13  +7    6
1 Thatius                              3   2  1   11   7  +4    6
1 Abanhfleft                           3   2  1   11  12  −1    6
2 The Sarian                           3   1  2   12  11  +1    3
2 Crystal Empire                       3   1  2    7  11  −4    3
2 New West Guiana                      3   1  2   13  20  −7    3   

Vettrera 0–8 Insubria and Orobia
Vettrera 7–6 Insubria and Orobia
Vettrera 4–0 Insubria and Orobia

Taxachusetts 2–5 Estope
Taxachusetts 0–1 Estope
Taxachusetts 3–5 Estope

Britonisea 1–7 New Wolfopolis
Britonisea 10–11 New Wolfopolis
Britonisea 1–0 New Wolfopolis

  Group 4                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Estope                               3   3  0   11   5  +6    9
2 New Wolfopolis                       3   2  1   18  12  +6    6
2 Vettrera                             3   2  1   11  14  −3    6
4 Insubria and Orobia                  3   1  2   14  11  +3    3
4 Britonisea                           3   1  2   12  18  −6    3
6 Taxachusetts                         3   0  3    5  11  −6    0

Mapletish 4–0 Jachaelter
Mapletish 8–0 Jachaelter
Mapletish 7–6 Jachaelter

Itanpavia 0–10 Super-Llamaland
Itanpavia 0–8 Super-Llamaland
Itanpavia 1–8 Super-Llamaland

Diegstra 4–10 Western Cuba
Diegstra 3–5 Western Cuba
Diegstra 4–6 Western Cuba

  Group 5                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland                      3   3  0   26   1 +25    9
1 Mapletish                            3   3  0   19   6 +13    9
1 Western Cuba                         3   3  0   21  11 +10    9
4 Diegstra                             3   0  3   11  21 −10    0
4 Jachaelter                           3   0  3    6  19 −13    0
4 Itanpavia                            3   0  3    1  26 −25    0

Paymina 4–10 Western Borderlands
Paymina 4–2 Western Borderlands
Paymina 4–8 Western Borderlands

Vankelland Islands 0–9 Equestrian States
Vankelland Islands 0–5 Equestrian States
Vankelland Islands 5–9 Equestrian States

Zwangzug 4–5 Saintland
Zwangzug 6–3 Saintland
Zwangzug 2–4 Saintland

  Group 6                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Equestrian States                    3   3  0   23   5 +18    9
2 Western Borderlands                  3   2  1   20  12  +8    6
2 Saintland                            3   2  1   12  12   0    6
4 Zwangzug                             3   1  2   12  12   0    3
4 Paymina                              3   1  2   12  20  −8    3
6 Vankelland Islands                   3   0  3    5  23 −18    0

Pink Floyd Fans 3–4 North Britonisea
Pink Floyd Fans 6–5 North Britonisea
Pink Floyd Fans 1–7 North Britonisea

Camerania 1–7 Vaugania
Camerania 3–5 Vaugania
Camerania 3–5 Vaugania

Hicaña 5–4 Saugeais
Hicaña 3–8 Saugeais
Hicaña 2–1 Saugeais

  Group 7                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Vaugania                             3   3  0   17   7 +10    9
2 North Britonisea                     3   2  1   16  10  +6    6
2 Hicaña                               3   2  1   10  13  −3    6
4 Saugeais                             3   1  2   13  10  +3    3
4 Pink Floyd Fans                      3   1  2   10  16  −6    3
6 Camerania                            3   0  3    7  17 −10    0

Russian Soviet Socialist States 5–2 Ideos
Russian Soviet Socialist States 0–7 Ideos
Russian Soviet Socialist States 4–3 Ideos

Guerro 3–7 The Fair Republic
Guerro 0–7 The Fair Republic
Guerro 5–8 The Fair Republic

Brenecia 0–4 Gregoryisgodistan
Brenecia 5–2 Gregoryisgodistan
Brenecia 5–6 Gregoryisgodistan

  Group 8                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 The Fair Republic                    3   3  0   22   8 +14    9
2 Gregoryisgodistan                    3   2  1   12  10  +2    6
2 Russian Soviet Socialist States      3   2  1    9  12  −3    6
4 Ideos                                3   1  2   12   9  +3    3
4 Brenecia                             3   1  2   10  12  −2    3
6 Guerro                               3   0  3    8  22 −14    0

Perong 4–1 Gregory Llama Land
Perong 0–3 Gregory Llama Land
Perong 8–7 Gregory Llama Land

Aredshan 0–5 Ko-oren
Aredshan 3–4 Ko-oren
Aredshan 0–6 Ko-oren

United Eastedge 3–8 New Montreal States
United Eastedge 0–3 New Montreal States
United Eastedge 5–4 New Montreal States

  Group 9                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                              3   3  0   15   3 +12    9
2 New Montreal States                  3   2  1   15   8  +7    6
2 Perong                               3   2  1   12  11  +1    6
4 Gregory Llama Land                   3   1  2   11  12  −1    3
4 United Eastedge                      3   1  2    8  15  −7    3
6 Aredshan                             3   0  3    3  15 −12    0

Yakus 7–3 Sauceistan
Yakus 4–3 Sauceistan
Yakus 6–12 Sauceistan

Republic Singapore 1–20 The Royal Barangay
Republic Singapore 5–4 The Royal Barangay
Republic Singapore 0–9 The Royal Barangay

Cosumar 1–5 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Cosumar 2–5 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Cosumar 0–3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

  Group 10                           Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec              3   3  0   13   3 +10    9
2 The Royal Barangay                   3   2  1   33   6 +27    6
2 Yakus                                3   2  1   17  18  −1    6
4 Sauceistan                           3   1  2   18  17  +1    3
4 Republic Singapore                   3   1  2    6  33 −27    3
6 Cosumar                              3   0  3    3  13 −10    0

Wolfbenz 2–5 Peruvian Highlands
Wolfbenz 4–5 Peruvian Highlands
Wolfbenz 8–6 Peruvian Highlands

Forthhanu 3–6 Nova Anglicana
Forthhanu 0–6 Nova Anglicana
Forthhanu 0–4 Nova Anglicana

The Kytler Peninsulae 5–4 Mochria
The Kytler Peninsulae 0–9 Mochria
The Kytler Peninsulae 5–1 Mochria

  Group 11                           Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                       3   3  0   16   3 +13    9
2 Peruvian Highlands                   3   2  1   16  14  +2    6
2 The Kytler Peninsulae                3   2  1   10  14  −4    6
4 Mochria                              3   1  2   14  10  +4    3
4 Wolfbenz                             3   1  2   14  16  −2    3
6 Forthhanu                            3   0  3    3  16 −13    0

Imota 7–3 Bissone
Imota 2–5 Bissone
Imota 6–3 Bissone

Estenia 0–6 Jeckland
Estenia 2–6 Jeckland
Estenia 1–2 Jeckland

Nassau-Hessen 2–5 Milchama
Nassau-Hessen 2–3 Milchama 
Nassau-Hessen 6–4 Milchama

  Group 12                           Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Jeckland                             3   3  0   14   3 +11    9
2 Imota                                3   2  1   15  11  +4    6
2 Milchama                             3   2  1   12  10  +2    6
4 Nassau-Hessen                        3   1  2   10  12  −2    3
4 Bissone                              3   1  2   11  15  −4    3
6 Estenia                              3   0  3    3  14 −11    0

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 3:50 am

Greenblues Schedule

Between brackets: home stadium, followed by the projected start of the games. All three days start at the same time, unless stated otherwise.

Aredshan - Ko-oren
Ko-oren - Gregory Llama Land (Golden Generals Municipal Stadium: 17:05)
Ko-oren - New Montreal States (Blue Rivers City Stadium: 18:05)
Ko-oren - United Eastedge (Ours de Lave Stadium: 18:05)
Ko-oren - Perong (Golden Generals Municipal Stadium: 17:05, 18:05 and 19:05)

Ko-oren - Aredshan (Zilveren Admiraals Stadium: 12:05, 13:05 and 17:05)
Gregory Llama Land - Ko-oren
New Montreal States - Ko-oren
United Eastedge - Ko-oren
Perong - Ko-oren

As always, the Golden Generals' stadium is the most used stadium by the Greenblues during the qualification for World Baseball Classic 31. Home games will mostly start around five or six, running through dinner time, but there are several different times: the third game against Perong will start at seven, and the final home series against Aredshan will start around lunchtime, after lunchtime and before dinner.

Then there's our opponents. Three newcomers to the WBC: Perong, Aredshan and Gregory Llama Land. Then one more slightly new team (United Eastedge) and one veteran: New Montreal States.

We only have a record against one of these teams: New Montreal States. During the semifinals of WBC 26, the Greenblues and the Reformed Expos played each other four times, and the Reformed Expos eventually won.

The Greenblues are set to reach the second round at the very least: the schedule of 'qualifying, not qualifying, qualifying again' goes back to WBC 27. And yet, for some reason, Ko-oren is supposed to be the 12th best team in the world. And every time, we get our hopes up. And again, the Greenblues have a completely new team of those players that were on form during the Ko-orenite baseball season.

by **Imota** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 6:07 am

The Imota Professional Baseball League (IPBL) Official Website: Your WBC 31 Headquarters!

Starting Strong: Sunwings Take Two From Bissone (http://ipbl.im/wbc31/1)

The Sunwings are off to a good start in WBC 31, taking two out of three from Bissone and quickly taking second place in the group.

Game 1: Imota 7, Bissone 3
While not quite a quality start for Kikuchi, he did hold Bissone to just three runs over seven innings while the batters hammered Bissone’s poor starter for five. Saki Lilienthal’s two run shot in the top of the eighth was the icing on the cake.

Game 2: Imota 2, Bissone 5
Sakuya Izayoi kept Bissone silent for seven and a third, but all for naught. A five run meltdown in the eighth allowed Bissone to take their first Classic win.

Game 3: Imota 6, Bissone 3
The Sunwings took the lead early and never looked back, jumping Bissone’s third starter for four in the top of the first. Nozomi Itoshiki gave up just two runs over seven innings, and despite some shaky pitching in the eighth, Ouka Kamishiro kept them from ever even bringing the tying run to the plate.

Although the Sunwings did take two out of three, they didn’t really dominate the unranked Bissoneans as some were expecting. If the Sunwings were hoping to send a message that their time had finally arrived, scrapping by an unranked with an average margin of victory of just one run wasn’t the way it do it.

Next up for the Sunwings is a road trip to Nassau-Hessen, who narrowly dropped two to Milchama. Haruki Saegusa, Masayuki Minase, and Makoto Kikuchi wlll start.

by **Diegstra** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 6:34 am

www.livespace.dg/Roze.Lilienthal/

…losing is never a pleasant experience. But did we really have to lose all three in a row?

It was almost like facing a team of ghosts. No one knew who they were, the stands were creepily silent, and we had just about everything going for us, or so we thought.

The first game was pretty lopsided. Friedrich ran in trouble early, and he’d given up five runs in three innings. At that point, we’d only gotten in one run ourselves, and although we picked it up later, it just wasn’t enough.

The other two games were mch closer. It felt like after the shellacking we took in game one, everyone told themselves that they had to play better ball if they wanted to be here. I know I did, but it felt like there was something there, a certain spirit, guiding the team’s every action.

I mean, we still got swept, but it was there.

Tomorrow, we take on Mapletish at home. They swept Jachaelter pretty handily, despite being unranked, so we’re all a bit nervous, but at least we’ll be back at home. Don’t miss it!

by **Wolfbenz** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:03 am

The Kolbenz Times
Shaky start to World Baseball Classic for Dire Wolves
Wolfbenz lost two games to Peruvian Highlands in the World Baseball Classic in their last three games, but managed to take a consolation victory in the last game, winning 8-6 in the last game. The team publicly stated that they were disappointed they lost their first game by three runs by another unranked team.

In the second game, Coach Pontus Ottosson must've gave the Dire Wolves some inspirational speech, and it was a closely contested match. We probably would've won if we hadn't given up two runs in the eighth inning, which were scored by Zander Nix and Specter Johnson, respectively.

The third game was the most tense out of all of them, and the Wolfian team always led the Peruvian team throughout the whole match, even if it did come close at the end of a few innings. Our run scorers were Christopher Abel (1st inning), Lukas and Seymon Vang (3rd inning), Kay Wolff (5th inning), Lassi Norling, Seymon Vang, and Yasha Borg (7th inning), and Tallak Kristiansen (8th inning).

Currently, the Dire Wolves are tied for 4th in their Group 11 with Mochira, who lost two games The Kytler Peninsulae last match, who we will face next match. They will be a formidable opponent, currently tied second in the group and ranked 37th overall, whereas the Dire Wolves are unranked.

World Baseball Classic Group Stage (first half schedule)
Wolfbenz @ Peruvian Highlands: G1: 2-5 G2: 4-5 G3: 8-6
Wolfbenz @ The Kytler Peninsulae
Forthhanu @ Wolfbenz
Wolfbenz @ Mochira
Nova Anglicana @ Wolfbenz

Get tickets for Forthhanu @ Wolfbenz here http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/forvswbz
Get tickets for Nova Anglicana @ Wolfbenz here http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/nvavswbz

by **Silver Beach** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:52 am

Silver Beach completes Three game sweep on the road to open the 31st edition of the World Baseball Classic

Silverian baseball opened the World Baseball Classic with a bang, completing a 3 game sweep in Lulika City to start the tournament 3-0, behind the arms of their starting pitchers. Marwan Safadi(1-0), the ace of the staff and the sole lefty in the rotation, started the 3 game set in Lulika City with a masterful pitching performance. On 113 pitches through 8 1/3 innings, he scattered 5 hits, all singles, and had 12 strikeouts, without giving up a single walk. He had one successful pickoff attempt when attempting to hold a 1st inning baserunner, and he pitched like the ace Silver Beach needs to be able to go far in the World Baseball Classic.

As for scoring, they won game 1 4-0. Ali Zeeshawn doubled to get himself to second base with only one out in the first inning, but neither Hammoud nor Jeafar were able to drive him in, and the score stayed tie at 0 after the first inning. In the third inning of play however, the big bats for Silver Beach came to play. After a leadoff single by Ali Zeeshawn, who went 4-5 in game 1 with two doubles, Hassan Hammoud had a ground-rule double to take him from first to third, and with runners on second & third with nobody out, a long single by Hussein Jeafar made the score 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning.

The pitchers traded strong innings for strong innings, with nobody getting a baserunner between the 4th and 6th innings for either team. However, in the 7th, Safadi started to face trouble that he was able to pitch through. He allowed a 2 out single and then the runner stole a base to get to second, but an amazing diving catch by Mustafa Al-Qarni in right field was enough to get himself out of the inning. In the 8th inning, Silver Beach was able to pad its 2-0 lead.

In the 8th inning, Ali Zeeshawn led off again with another double. This time, Hassan Hammoud singled to right field and Ali Zeeshawn, because the hit and run was called, was able to score and make the game 3-0 to Silver Beach. After a Jeafar single to move Hammoud from 1st to 3rd, Essam El-Shenawy was able to single and drive in Hammoud to make the score 4-0, which is how the game would end. Safadi was taken off after a 1 out single in the top of the 9th to a standing ovation, but Samir Mouqbel induced the next batter into a game ending 6-4-3 double play.

In game 2, hitting was the name of the game. 39 year old knuckleballer Waleed Karami(0-0) pitched 6 solid innings allowing only 3 runs, but his team was down 3-2 when he left the mound. In the 7th inning, his team was able to tie the game with a solo home run by Hazem Rabia. In the 8th and 9th innings, the offense was able to break it open, with a 2 run shot by El-Shenawy in the 8th to give Silver Beach a 5 run lead, and a 2 out, 2 run triple by Mohammed Latif later in the inning to score Hazem Rabia and Walid Abdullah to give Silver Beach a 7-3 lead. Sami Majrashi(1-0) pitched a shutout 7th, Shakib Al-Abbas got 2 outs in the 8th, and Ali Azzam got the final four outs of the 2nd game.

In game 3, Silver Beach was able to be strong because of its starting pitching. Khaled Al-Hamdan(1-0) pitched 7 strong innings of one run baseball, and Silver Beach was able to get out the brooms and finish the sweep in the opening series of the World Baseball Classic and put itself firmly on top of Group A. A 2nd inning two run single by Basem Ibrahim gave Silver Beach a 2-0 lead, and after allowing a 5th inning solo shot, Hassan Hammoud and Hussein Jeafar hit back to back solo shots in the 7th inning to give Silver Beach a three run lead. Ali Azzam pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning, while closer Hazwan Ismael(1 save) was able to come in and even after allowing a baserunner, pitch a scoreless 9th inning and give Silver Beach a sweep.

Their next series will be at home against the #4 team in the world, Karditan. Salman Shalhout will start game one, while Marwan Safadi starts game 2 and Waleed Karami starts game 3.

by **Saintland** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:21 am

Sporting World

Thoughts on the Zwangzug Series
by: Nikon Mironov

Our first 3 games are now in the record books and we took 2 out of 3 from a very tough Zwangzug team. Let's start with the first game. Steffen Hirsch pitched well, striking out 10 while holding Zwangzug to just 2 runs over 7 innings of work. That was exactly the kind of performance that we were looking for out of our staff ace. However, the story of that game was the play of Petrus Tragus, who went 3 for 5 with 3 home runs, driving in all 5 of our runs. I guess his new-found power can only be attributed to the Grace of God, for there is no temporal explanation for such a sudden and dramatic surge in production. The major concern from that game was the abysmal performance of Michalis Kenteris. Michalis came in to start the top of the 9th inning with a 5 to 2 lead. He proceeded to give up back-to-back home runs to Wesley Osbourne and Siri Huber-Nieves to start the inning. He followed that up by walking the bases loaded. But Aja Demacko grounded into a triple play, by the Grace of God, and we won 5 to 4, with Kenteris receiving credit for an (undeserved) save. Hirsch was credited with a win and Dylan Fitch received credit for a loss.

The second game did not go very well for us. After throwing 3 perfect innings, the 4th inning turned into a disaster for Ellis Cox. When he walked Zwangzug's pitcher (Jan Kredeek) to load the bases, [Saintland manager Yumiya] Ikeda-San finally decided to listen to me and take Ellis out of the game. By that point, Zwangzug had already scored 4 runs. Aditya Triepels came in to pitch for us and allowed Corey Altess-Sertul to reach base with a double to center field, plating 2 more runs. However, Petrus Tragus threw the ball directly to Felix Zikos and the ball somehow got to Felix in time for him to tag Kredeek out. Triepels pitched for 2 more innings and did not concede a run. In fact, the bullpen shut Zwangzug out, but in a game where hits were in short supply for us, we simply weren't going to score 6 runs. Petrus Tragus struck out 4 times during the game. All 3 of our runs were scored in the bottom of the 9th on a 3-RBI double by Hoshihito Sutou, who pinch hit for Nils Franco. Then, an line drive off the bat of Alex Frith ended up in the glove of Easton Faustmann, ending the game. We had lost 6 to 3.

The third game went much better for us. Flavian Gatsioudis had some trouble in the first inning, conceding a home run to Aja Demacko, right after walking Gyeong Rhee. However, Flavian found his form after that and some small ball allowed us to find our way back into the game. While Petrus Tragus went 1-for-5 with a single, seemingly everybody else was hitting. However, the batters struggled to score runs. Going into the bottom of the 9th, the game was tied at 2. Martin Simanek led off the bottom of the 9th by striking out. Then Edmund Yanny-Mores hit Othon Xanthos with a pitch, sending him to first base. Yanny-Mores recovered in time to strike out Aleron Martin. Then, Marcus Vagnius, who was catching because Merlin [Chouinard, Saintland's Batting Coach] decided to give Felix [Zikos] a night off. Vagnnius decided to take a crack at the first pitch he saw and, luckily, sent it into the right field bleachers, winning the series for us.

The next opponent whom we will face is Vankelland Islands. Although the identities of their players remain closely-guarded secrets, they played against the Equestrian States and were shut out in their first 2 games. They scored 5 runs in the final game of that series. However, they also lost that game and conceded a total of 23 runs to the Equestrian States over the course of that series. Going into this series, we hope to obtain a sweep, which would put us exactly where we want to be going into our upcoming home series against the talking ponies, but whether we can do that depends upon whether that is what God intends...

Nikon Mironov is the pitching coach for the Saintland National Baseball Team. A former World Series MVP, Nikon hit rock bottom 5 years ago and contemplated suicide after his drug addiction left him penniless. Then, he found Iesus Christus and the True Church. Through the power of prayer, the Grace of God and the support of his local branch of the Church of Saintland, Nikon turned his life around. He soon became a motivational speaker and has spent the past few years speaking to troubled youth, trying to help them turn their lives around. When the King of Saintland decided to re-establish a National Baseball Team, he turned to Nikon to be the team's pitching coach. Nikon will be reporting on the World Baseball Classic for Sporting World, as part of our effort to further broaden our coverage of the world of sports.

by **The Fair Republic** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:02 pm

Hi this is Arlan Root here with the analysis of the Toucans-Slagskepp series. The Toucans swept the series in an convincing fashion scoring 22 runs compared to the Guerro's 8. Buck Natters rebounded from a subpar WBC 30 by winning his start, striking out 8 and allowing 2 runs in 7 innings. Gary Payton hit a three run homer to left in the second inning and drove in 2 more with a double in the 7th. A Reggie Picker homer in the 4th drove in the other two runs as the Toucans won 7-3 to open the series. Rodger Harrison pitched a two hit shutout the next day and struck out 13 and the Toucans won 7-0 thanks to a grand slam by Henry Brando and a 3 run shot by newcomer Jared Holland. Kyle Lynch struggled in his next start allowing 5 runs in 5+ innings and the Toucans fell behind early 5-2. A 3 run homer by Bob Benson tied the game up in the 7th and was a key part of the 6 run explosion of that inning. Scooter Jamison picked up his first save as the national team closer replacing retired captain Max Wilder as the Toucans completed the series sweep with an 8-5 victory. The new additions played well in their WBC debut series. Jared Holland is a definite improvement from Julian Brooks. David Powell and Cedric Cox made key contributions from the bullpen and Kyle Lynch was able to calm down and give the Toucans a chance to come back and win. Said Tony Williams, "The new guys played well and it showed in the result. I was a bit worried due to this being a transition year for our program with so many changes in our roster but I'm confident that we made the right picks and have a chance to go deep in this classic.

Next Series: At Ideos (UR). The Kualathi just lost the series to the Russian Soviet Socialist States despite outscoring them 12-9. It is shown that they can hit a they are tied with Gregoryisgodistan with the second most runs in the group and the second highest run differential with a +3 differential second only to the Toucans +14. If the Toucans are going to win the series they are going to have to shut down the highly potent offence led by the highly dangerous Tyler Gerro.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:14 pm

Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH to be ritually sacrificed

Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH has been selected for ritual sacrifice duty, and will be sacrificed to Lord Almighty Gregory. However, he will be allowed to remain with the Bat Slaves until the conclusion of the tournament. According to reports, Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH first found out about his call to duty this morning when he received an email from the Ritual Sacrifice Committee. As a result, on September 4 or following the Bat Slaves' elimination, whichever comes last, Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH will be burned at the stake and his ashes will be mixed with water and given to Lord Almighty Gregory.

Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH was ecstatic at being selected, saying "Hallelujah! Now, I can finally give my life to the True Lord, Lord Almighty Gregory. Gregory, Gregory, I adore thee! We love you, Gregory. We worship you! It is our duty to praise you day and night and eventually give our lives for you, for we love you. You are our God, our Lord, our True Savior! Thank you for allowing me to do my solemn duty and give my life to you."

All Gregoryisgodistanis hope to eventually give their lives to Lord Almighty Gregory as a ritual sacrifice. Sadly, only 41 percent receive that opportunity. Anyone can be selected, from the babies to the elderly. It is the most egalitarian duty in the multiverse. Anyone is capable of it regardless of age, sex, or anything else. Technical Support Specialist A8DHH1938DH will live the dream of every Gregoryisgodistani and die to give his life to the Lord. We here at The Lord's Word wish him well in his duty. May Lord Almighty Gregory guide him to The Land of Eternal Reward.

Sports TV releases Victory Song for Guerro series

Sports TV has released the Victory Song for the Guerro tripleheader. Here it is.

World Baseball Classic
We will win
Three more games
Against Guerro's dumb things
There are five other teams
But we're best in the group

Estenia, you're stupid
But it's not your turn
We'll beat your friends from Atlas
And then you will burn
Three games coming up,
And we will get a sweep
Baseball's best have come to play
Now to the Bat Slaves, there's just one thing left to say

I've been waiting all year in order to see
The Bat Slaves winning and pleasing me
We will win, and Guerro will flee
The Bat Slaves will win the WBC
Yeah, Yeah Yeah

World Baseball Classic, let's go Bat Slaves
We will win and we will make waves
We're almost ready
Better run to pee
It's Bat Slave Baseball on Sports TV

The video will be accompanied by footage of Gregoryisgodistan dropping solar-powered bombs on Estenia. A few of them will "miss" and "accidentally" hit Guerro. The video will also show citizens of those countries screaming in terror at their ultimate fate - death by The True Lord. (OOC: This footage will be heavily doctored, manipulated, and faked, but everyone in Gregoryisgodistan will believe it's real.)

by **Miley World** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:29 pm

Miley World has been swept in World Baseball Classic

The Floyds played their first series on the road in Qazox City, Qazox. Miley World lost 9-1, 4-0 and 3-2. The first game didn't start well for Miley World and James Booker, the starting pitcher, who allowed 6 runs in 2 and 2/3 innings. Miley World's only run was scored in the 7th inning when Ryan Zagurski hitted a double and Jesus Maldonado ran to the home base.

Miley World was held scoreless in the 2nd game, and the starting pitcher for Qazox played all nine innings and allowed 3 hits and 2 walks. He also has 8 strike outs. The Smilers lost the 3rd game 3-2. Miley World took the lead 2-0 in the 3rd inning when Enrique Salazar hitted a two runs homerun but Qazox tied the game in the 5th inning and scored another run in the 8th inning.

In another group, The Royal Barangay won 20-1 against Republic of Singapore in the first game of their series.

Group 2 standings

Group 2                            Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD  Pts 
1 Qazox                                3   3  0   16   3 +13    9
1 Darmen                               3   3  0   16   6 +10    9
3 The Serbian Empire                   3   2  1   12  10  +2    6
4 Maklohi Vai                          3   1  2   10  12  −2    3
5 Vulshain                             3   0  3    6  16 −10    0
5 Miley World                          3   0  3    3  16 −13    0

Next series

The next series is against Darmen in Darmen. Starting pitchers will be Sarah Meyer vs Stacy Samson, Chuck Stevens vs Jaden Bryan and James Booker (0-1) vs Maxwell Travis (1-0).

After the series against Darmen, the Smilers will come back home and play against Maklohi Vai at the Heart Shaped Ballpark in Mileywood, Tennessee. Starting pitchers will be Park Jung-woo (0-1) vs Arwai, Ramon Dominguez (0-0) vs Aonmai Rutulotoa and Sarah Meyer vs Rom Lunomai.

by **Jeckland** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 1:25 pm

Epic Quest Two: Batteries Included

Three

"Margaret?"

The figure at first did not respond, but then spoke, with an authority possesed by only those who know that they are something special.

"I am Margaret, Goddess of Random." said Margaret, Goddess of Random

"Uh, okay. Now we've got that out of the way, what the hell are you doing in my flat?"

"My own waves of improbability backfired and sent me here."

"Does this have anything to do with the tuna?"

"Eh?"

"Someone broke into my house earlier, left muddy footprints and stole my goddamn tuna!"

"What? No!"

Margaret paused, then suddenly she flared up in anger.

"THE HOSTING CUP, WHERE IS IT?"

"The what?"

"THE HOSTING CUP FOR THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC, THEY GOT IT!"

"Oh, the World Baseball Classic! I'm in that, the 30th one!"

Margaret turned to stare Jeck in the eye, and he felt weak at the knees under that glare, a piercing glare that he had never felt before. She then spoke, in a quiet harsh voice that he would never forget.

"Bring it to me."

"Bring what?"

"The Hosting Cup, bring it to me. Win the World Baseball Classic, and bring it to me."

"Um, yeah, but I'm rubbish. I did okay last time, but I'm ranked 37 and know nothing about baseball."

"Do not fear. I will ensure you win the Classic, for I am Margaret, and I have ultimate power. In return, you must bring me the hosting cup, for it is truly mine, and not the property of those heathens, Wolfmeat and Alpaca!"

"Wolfie and Llama?"

"Yes, those two. Win me the Classic. Is that a promise. Because if you change your mind, I can make life uncomfortable for you."

"I promise. But are you sure this has nothing to do with the tuna?"

"YES!"

But it had everything to do with the tuna.

by **Guerro** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 1:36 pm

Guerro vs Gregoryisgodistan preview

Bob: "For the Slagskepp, the first series didn't go as well as they hoped. Being swept by the Toucans. But if they were going to be swept by anyone, it would have been the Toucans. And even after being swept, Guerro remains sturdy and unshaken. At least, that's what the team claims. But they are now looking forward to their next series, against the Gregoryisgodistan Bat Slaves. Who, if I'm right, already has come story for it."

Richard: "Heh heh, that's right Bob. In Gregoryisstan or whatever, they have already released victory song which will be used if they beat the Guerro. Oh, I'm sorry, "when", according to them. Let's listen to it right now, actually."

*on speakers*

World Baseball Classic
We will win
Three more games
Against Guerro's dumb things
There are five other teams
But we're best in the group

Estenia, you're stupid
But it's not your turn
We'll beat your friends from Atlas
And then you will burn
Three games coming up,
And we will get a sweep
Baseball's best have come to play
Now to the Bat Slaves, there's just one thing left to say

I've been waiting all year in order to see
The Bat Slaves winning and pleasing me
We will win, and Guerro will flee
The Bat Slaves will win the WBC
Yeah, Yeah Yeah

World Baseball Classic, let's go Bat Slaves
We will win and we will make waves
We're almost ready
Better run to pee
It's Bat Slave Baseball on Sports TV

Richard: "Wow, that's probably the highlight of the Classic so far, heh."

Bob: "It just shows you how ridiculous the entirety of Gregoryistan propaganda machine is. And the poor people have to listen to it 24/7. But hey, I'm not complaining. It's entertaining, and in a way, it backfires on them."

Richard: "I think I know what you mean. The fact it's always making the Bat Slaves look worse?"

Bob: "Well, yes, but I was thinking about something else. The Bat Slaves are playing in Guerro tonight. This is a team that the Bat Slaves have struggled with in the past, and now they face the fury of every last Guerran in Senice. The offense and aggressiveness that Slagskepp have the ability to generate can give any pitcher or defense a hard time. I mean, look at Game 3 of the Fair Republic series. If the Toucans weren't able to calm down, I guarantee you, they would have lost that game. And now the Slagskepp are playing at home, which is literally the worst place for a visiting team to calm down in."

Richard: "What are you saying?"

Bob: "I'm saying that Guerro is a much more dangerous team at home. If the Slagskepp can get offense going, it's a losing battle for the opposite team. Plus, they have another factor in place that a lot of teams in the WBC don't. Some of the most passionate, loyal fans in the WBC. They will do anything to make sure there team wins. They proved this in the IBS. So the Slagskepp have that charging them up, as well as the confidence they have because they have beat this team before, and they CAN do it again."

Richard: "I agree. And if I'm right, the fans of Guerro have a lot of things special planned, specifically for the Bat Slaves. One of which is a victory song that is a parody of the Gregistan victory song over Guerro, which we won't hear until the series starts."

Bob: "They always have something special planned. If the Bat Slaves can't get used to that, there not leaving Senice unscathed. That's my final verdict."

Richard: "I completely agree. And I th-" *ding*

Bob: "Well, looks like were out of time. We'll see you all after the series."

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 4:54 pm

Time zones blur and static fades. Electronic accounts flicker, are shared, reconfigured. Home is far away, and gives no advantage. Some days you know you've won it all, and fear not knowing what to fight for. Others, you only feel lost. What are you, if baseball is not your passion, your identity? It's a question for another time, perhaps. At least for a day (or three, whatever--you don't have to like any of these formats), the noise is still here, even if it's only a calming background. Light is a spectrum, radio waves some fragment in between, but when you touch the radio the sound can be amplified, focused through your body.

You're listening to WTB, AM 1450 in Zwischen.

"What do they know of stick dogs and flying cheese aliens, of bulletin boards and non-rotations? What do they care of the wolves' survival, strikeouts that don't, of diaries and quizzes?"

"Who are they?"

"The Saintland press."

"Oh, is that them? I found their coverage of Zwangzug's history to be quite focused and informative, actually."

"Really?"

"Sure! Ignore the fluff, just get to the point! Losses and wins!"

"What about the flashbacks to WBC12?"

"Before my time, admittedly. But good to know we've had our highs and lows."

"Zwangzug has never sent an all-female team."

"Oh, of course not."

"But they were wondering if we could have been better, had we sent an integrated team. That was our best team."

"Oh. Okay, so that's one mistake in a history of how long? Like I said, when they stick to the results and don't bother with their own opinions, it's quite interesting."

"Whatever. We're here in Royal Park for what's set to be the first of a three-game series, which is--"

"Extremely stupid."

"I was going to say a way to more accurately reflect the professional season and one that's been mulled over by several parties in the past--"

"But my way works too."

"Perhaps. The Zebras are set to take on Saintland, many of their team born abroad but eligible to represent the second-seeds here."

"As for the Zebras, we have Melissa Saunder-Doin taking over, having led the...Tigers, was it? To victory over the..."

"The Aurora, but you knew that--"

"Of course you did, in the championship."

"The FTC Zombies and the Bassabook Grey Socks your other divisional winners."

"I can't believe they're still called the Zombies, but you know this league, their minds love to wander..."

"...So we go to the bottom of the ninth. Wesley Osbourne due up, but let's face it, has this been any less horrible than the last couple tournaments?"

"Sure it has! I mean, my seats are a lot better, that has to count for something!"

"Osbourne, though. What's he got?"

"I don't know. Is there another epic quest going on? He's up for those."

"I don't think he is."

"Maybe epic on a small scale, right. Nothing reality-shattering, just..."

"Ball one from Michalis."

"Something appropriate to his walk of life."

"I don't know about--oh, here we go. Swung on from Osbourne, this is gonna be drilled into left-center--it'll leave the yard! A home run for Wesley Osbourne, and the Zebras will make a fight of it, it's 5-3!"

"How about that?"

"Fantastic! And this'll bring up Siri Huber-Nieves."

"See, maybe he just needed a new bat, is all. Could have gotten that anywhere."

"Anywhere sort of defeats the purpose...? Taken for a strike, by the way."

"No, I mean, in reasonable but distant places. Acquire some batting gloves along the way."

"Curveball, swung on and missed. Oh and two."

"And a donut."

"Taken for a ball high."

"Or maybe just gets donuts to eat and keeps eating them to refuel along his way?"

"Doesn't seem healthy. Fouled away, still one and two."

"A helmet, then, to shield him from--"

"This'll be hit! Deep into right, still going, if it's fair it's--gone! A home run from Siri Huber-Nieves, and it's five to four..."

"...An astonishing loss of control from Kenteris here in the ninth. This is why closers are stupid."

"That's one way of putting it."

"I'm just impressed they haven't taken him out! After giving up back-to-back homers, he decides he's just going to ignore the strike zone, for which no one can blame him, bases are full...and here we are."

"Indeed. Aja Demacko due up."

"One of the inexplicable All-Stars last time around, she can be a great player even without a solid team around her."

"Well, there are Zebras all around the bases, let's see if she can get this done. Swung on and missed."

"Demacko's Flash won the championship in the previous season, of course, against...the Grey Socks."

"Bassabook. Ball, outside. Of course."

"If we walk in the tying run, that's cool too."

"Indeed! Here's another ball, high."

"Bullpens, dude. Why are they leaving him in again?"

"Don't we have sixteen professional clubs back home you could ask this to?"

"Yes, but--"

"Swung on, grounded to third. Martin's got it. Steps on the bag, the relay to Tragus--over to first--it's in time! What? A game-ending triple play, around the horn, 5-4-3, and Saintland...win?"

"Why would you swing?"

"It was a good pitch to hit."

"Why would you swing?"

"He'd given up two home runs, it wasn't that bad."

"Why would you swing?"

by **Mochria** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 5:01 pm

Mochria Reindeer - National Baseball Team
Trigramme: MOC
Captain: Olly Oxenfree
Manager: Colin Marine
Style Modifier: +3

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 5:37 pm

Style Modifier: 1.50
Captain: Karl Marcsian
Colors: Green and Blue
Demonym: Guayabalense (Most used)/ Guayabalian (rarely used)
Trigramme: SJG
Nickname: Leyendas (spanish word for Legends)
Stadium: Complejo Deportivo de Piedra Labrada
Stadium Location: Piedra Labrada
Stadium Capacity: 81,105
Distance to Walls: 345 feet to left and right, 425 to center
Stadium Surface: JirpoTurf

Roster

RP issues

DH used at home: Y
Choose my runscorers: Y
Choose my lineup: Y
Follow my Pitching Rotation: Y 
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N

by **New Montreal States** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 5:48 pm

The Ministry of Morale is pleased to present the roster for World Baseball Classic XXX. The less said about the second half of WBC 29 qualifiers, the better.

Ephraim Zimbalist, Jr., the leadoff man, centerfielder and psychic locus of the WBC 26 champions, has returned for what he's already announced will be his final stint at the head of the Reformed Expos. With the implementation of 3-game series in qualification, he's added a fifth pitcher to the rotation - a knuckleballer, of all things. This will pair with staff ace "Senor" Chang Roddriguez's tendency to break out the eephus at random intervals during games. Points for originality, if nothing else.

Stadia for Home Games

Ko-oren (12) @ The People's Stadium, New Montreal, seats 51,550. 365 to left field, 420 to dead center, 360 to right field.
United Eastedge (36) @ The Turkey Buckitt, St. James, seats 43,001. 380 to left field, 414 to dead center, 390 to right field.
Perong (UR) @ Valdemont Lawn, Valdemont, seats 44,761. 400 to left field, 440 to dead center, 391 to right field.
Aredshan (UR) @ Stade Cyprien-Dumont, Angiers, seats 35,012. 359 to left field, 390 to dead center, 370 to right field.
Gregory Llama Land (UR) @ Moncton Sands Municipal Stadium. Seats 42,115. 370 feet to left field, 412 to dead center, 350 to right field.

Les Éxpos Réformés / The Reformed Expos

Home games are played WITH A DH.
Road games are played with a combination of No-Doz, to stay awake while the pitcher bats, and charcoal-filtered Bourbon, to take the edge off of what pitchers are doing to the art of hitting every time they set foot in the box.
Scorination mod is a +2

Manager: Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.
Pitching Coach: Phil Parker, Jr.
Third Base Coach: Max Johnstone
Waterboy: Loic Latendresse, Jr.

Now batting for the Expos...

...number 1, the shortstop, Lambert Lacroix!
...number 7, the second baseman, Greg Witherpool!
...number 8, the first baseman, Mark Messenger!
...number 10, the left fielder, Thomas Thibault!
...number 3, the right fielder, Colm Flaherty!
...number 16, the designated hitter, Jean-Luc Doumont!
...number 25, the centerfielder, Henri Goulet!
...number 6, the third baseman, Patrice Boucher!
...number 00, the catcher, Bubba McDougall!

Coming off the bench:

11 SS/2B Niles Baxter (first pinch-runner)
21 C Réné Lachance
18 1B/3B/LF Ned Lansworth (first pinch-hitter, third-string catcher)
22 IF Phineas Bagby
19 OF Jean-Isidore Lemieux

The starting five:

17 LHP Chang Rodriguez (98 mph fastball, 94 mph cut fastball, slider, change, EEPHUS!)
12 RHP Archambault Julien (94 mph fastball, curveball, change)
2 RHP Charlie Coral (94 mph fastball, breaking ball, splitter)
4 RHP Lionel Voulgier-Delacroix (97 mph fastball, curve, change, control problems)
13 LHP John Smith (knuckleball, 83 mph fastball)

The bullpen*:

23 RHP Vyacheslav Lachesis (closer)
34 RHP Armstrong Beaureagrd (set-up man)
5 LHP Mikey Hammerseltzer
20 RHP Corey Yelman
9 LHP Gabriel Tessier
26 RHP Jules Cormier

*Montréalais League Baseball has a two-batter minimum, excluding injuries, for all pitchers - no LOOGYs or other such situational b******t.

by **United Eastedge** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 7:02 pm

AFO announced the Atlasian Cup last night in Senice
Senice, Guerro

The president of the Atlas Football Organization announced yesterday night the first edition of the Atlasian Cup, including in his argument the importance of the promotion of football in Atlas. "These days have been quite tough for the Atlasians, specially the countries located in the Sempit Continent due to the situation in New Austzeland. I'm sad to see that nations of Atlas are not united even though we share this region. So, we would like to unite them at least a bit through the excitement and passion of the most beautiful sport of the world. It is really a pleasure to announce the first edition of the AFO Atlasian Cup." said the Eastedgean authority after he was questioned about the purpose of this new tournament.

It is not known where will it be held yet or which national teams will comrpise it, but the Executive Committee of the mentioned regional governing body, also announced they'll try to improve the level of the teams and the spectacle of each tournament by interviewing the fans in the upcoming championship. "Yeah, the idea is to improve the spectacle given by the teams that will comprise each edition of the tournament, as well as the level of each one of them. We want to be very present in the world of football such as the Copa Rushmori, Campionato Esportiva, and AOCAF That's... one of our main goals from the kick-off on.".

The last congress also saw an important decision taken by the president and the executive committee. It consisted in the ejection of Sempit Continent's countries from hosting the competition due to the tough crisis that New Austzeland is currently living. Meanwhile the football associations of United Eastedge, Guerro, The United Regions, Wolfbenz, and Ralgradan announced that their respective national teams will be struggling in order to determine who's the best within Atlas with regard to association football.

World Baseball Classic 31 (Everything Thread)

Toucans Sweep Guerro

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