World Baseball Classic 15: Everything thread

[Cassadaigua]

Jennifer’s Space

The feelings of winning the championship two years ago still feel as though it happened yesterday. Defeating Newmanistan on their home turf, at their most sacred facility was absolutely amazing. And despite that fact that not a single man came to plate in the championship series of World Baseball Classic 14, there are still some people who question why anyone would want to field a team of all women. I don’t know much about the nation of Tarrentum, but whoever Michaelan Gardinia is, he might want to look at how some of the past Classics have gone down. As a matter of fact, since World Baseball Classic 9, at least one of the teams participating in the championship series as had an all-female roster. Given that the other team fielded a woman or two in each of those tournaments, it can safely be said that more women have won WBC championships since WBC 9 then have men. I understand that Gardinia comes from a new nation in this year’s classic, so he just doesn’t know better yet. But if there was any doubting that we would be adequately have the same desire and motivation as we did last time leading up to our victory, Mr. Gardinia just provided the finishing touches. Thank you, sir. We’re ready now. We’re focus, and it’s time to kick some ass. Unfortunately, Newmanistan might get the same spark out of it, and knowing how they talk smack to anyone, I can’t wait to hear their responses. In fact, educating Mr. Gardinia is probably the only thing Carrie Nicolette, Kate Schmidt, and Jill Haviland would collectively agree on.

Well, enough about him and more about us. As you know by now, we are not the same team. Our top two pitchers, Meghan Corrigan and Rachel Andrews have moved on. Our great slugger Elizabeth Murray has as well, as had regular leadoff batter Christina Barrett. The bullpen also has had a couple departures due to international retirements. So we have a little more fresh blood on our roster that you would probably expect from a defending champion. I’m one of the in-betweeners. At 30, I’m not a young pup anymore, but I am still not thinking about retirement. I should have at least two, if not three more classics in me. The first-year players are really excited and they are great people. It is my pleasure to work with all of them at this level and I will help them in every way I know how. Naturally, they also provide motivation for us since they did not play on the WBC 13 runners up or the WBC 14 championship teams. They have what it takes, and they will lead Cassadaigua well into the future.

The groups are up and you have seen them by now. Vephrall and Yafor 2 will be the teams to beat. The Auric Wolves had a great run in the group stage of the last classic and look to build on that. Where Vephrall is right now reminds us a lot of where we were after WBC 12, and we all know how WBC 13 went for us. They will be a major contender here. Speaking of WBC 12, that is the last time that Yafor 2 has done much. They have potential though, and are also a threat. We will also play Albundania, Western Cuba, and Kazzoria. Of those three, only Western Cuba has given us a little glimpse about their roster thus far. We’ll start this off in Concord Heights against Kazzoria. See ya there!

[Tarrentum]

@MichealanGardini
Phn blwng up over my gender comment. We got women plyng too! Imperium didn't conquer on the feet of women though.

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

Altarus, Kalasion - AHHHH! Breathe it in rabid baseball fans, it smells like it's international baseball time! I'm writing to you live from Altarus, as the second half of Tarrentum's practice goes on in front of me. The sun is shining and the players look resplendant in the Blue and Orange practice uniforms which just arrived. The sounds of the ball hitting the catchers mitt, the jovial trash talking between teammates. It almost makes one want to cry, but then I'd be messing up my eyeliner. What's great for you, the readers, however is that I get to show you the promo shot of the new Practice Uniforms which were unveiled in the locker room to the players and media before practice.

During the break between practices I had a chance to catch up with the Queens of the Diamond, the beloved Julianna Italiana Bianconi, Liona Marrada and Dessea Vallena. The women and I spoke of their upcoming hopes for Tarrentum during this WBC. The beloved Julianna Italiana Bianconi, who told me she just likes to go by Julianna, naturally lead the answers for the women. "Sometimes I look at where, the three of us, are now and cannot believe that we had to fight our way through protests just to play in our first games in the ASML. You look at the number of girls coming up through the integrated high school and college ranks is amazing! In only four years we've managed to change how Tarrentians look at women in sports."
Liona Marrada, star reliever for the Krozuy Falcons, had a different take on their situation. "It's great that we are here representing Tarrentum and are able to play in the ASML but we [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee]. Everywhere we turn we have to overcome opposition, but we are Tarrentians and we will succeed."
Dessea Vallena, the fleet-footed SS for the Husoni Bishops, realized that through everything she has "learned to become a better player and a better person. When you have a section above the dugout who are drunk Armed Forces personnel calling you all sorts of dispicable names, you learn how to let it motivate you instead of get you down. I mean, I could be Meddicia right now trying to civilize others but I was given this great gift to play ball and here I am, trying to show reason to slow-minded Kalasion's." All the women, including myself, laughed at Vallena's remark.

The discussion turned to the game tomorrow against Kalasion, who has still yet to release a roster. "It's a vast unknown," admitted the beloved Julianna Bianconi. "We want to get as prepared as we can but when the Skip can't even get an idea of who we are facing, it's hard to set up possible hitting or fielding situations." Marrada echoed Bianconi's thoughts. "We can't even tell yet if we are going to be utilizing [Antoni] Favella or not becuase we don't know if we're using a DH!" Vallena interjected that "Toni" (something under the surface maybe?) is as cool as ever and simply going along as he would for any major game in the ASML.
In fact, it's my realization after the fact as I'm writing this report, that Tarrentum is the only nation from its group to yet submit a roster to The Babbage Islands, host of this years WBC. I mean, even Quintessence of Dust and Zwanzug, WBC veterans, have yet to show us who's participating on their clubs. But, besides that, the girls and I ended our chat on a light-hearted note.

I asked them how they are fairing with [Michael] Grastiona and his "GLUG GLUG" habits. "Oh Mike's just a bit out there in left-field," admitted Vallena with a laugh. "Yeah, probably in the opposing bullpen hiding his flask," added the beloved Julianna Italiana. "You have to wonder how the man wakes up in the morning and comes to the ballpark? I mean, it's not like he's going to be drinking coffee anytime soon...maybe has a woman or two to 'wake him up'," Marrada suggested using her fingers as quotation marks. With that comment we all had a good laugh.

Here as I sit and watch the team go through BP, I see a team who is willing to joke, no matter the ASML team, no matter the salaries, no matter the gender. It's evident that the team, and this reporter, see a very produtive WBC 15 for the "rookies" from the Tarrentum Valley.

Michealan Gardini will be posting next to Sporting News Blog...if he can get off the phone with the [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee] long enough to type. I know I'll be dressed extravagantly tonight for the pre-game dinner at a wonderful steakhouse here in Kalasion. Yes, sometimes steak and wine are a girl's best friend.
--Giani Boco

[Zwangzug]

The Zwangzug Zebras!

Numbers after the teams denote their first tournament: this is mostly for personal record keeping. RPers have free rein, though I'd ask you to justify any departures from the given lineup or rotation.

The Zebras are a defensively-minded team overall, eschewing many power hitters in favor of patience at the plate. Pitchers, likewise, tend more towards finesse than speed. There is no DH used at our home stadium, the Worm Hole (located in Spenson).

Manager: Gina Croes (FTC Crabs). A new national champion means a new national manager. Known for her rants.

Starting rotation:

#55, Martin Loomis, R/R, Zwischen Bears, 14
#1, Parry Cordemoy, L/L, Logrove Dolphins, 14 Efficient, throws strikes...but vulnerable to surrendering extra-base hits.
#4, Paul Eckhart, R/R, FTC Crabs, 13 Yes, that really is his windup. No, he's not falling off the mound.
#18, Matthew Cieger, R/R, Nuel Panthers, 15
#5, June "Bob" Bargmavis, L/L, New Cleethorpes Republicans (Quintessence of Dust), 15 Curveball specialist. Don't ask about the nickname.

Bullpen:
#3, Raymond Harstein (long relief), R/R, Hadiln Tigers, 13
#14, David Nelson (long relief), L/L, FTC Crabs, 15
#13, Sally Norona (middle relief), L/R, Arlington Aurora, 13
#22, Deborah Helmsley (middle relief), L/L, Belpub Wildcats, 14
#8, Stephen Kilbourne (middle relief), R/R, Zwischen Bears, 14
#31, Tiffany Smalls (middle relief), R/R, 102d Gray Sox, 15
#29, Gordon Chane (closer), R/R, Frischberg Flash, 15

Starting lineup:

#19, Jamie Kersten, second base, R/R, Weegham Rainmakers, 13
#23, Ida Pratt, left field, L/L, Noh Weir Red-Tails, 13
#30, Benjamin Mercer, third base, R/R, Frischberg Flash, 14
#21, Cecil Arzaga, right field (DH if necessary), R/R, Logrove Dolphins, 12
#17, Sonia Rustrian, first base, L/L, FTC Mustangs, 12
#12, Ada Throop, center field, R/R, Weegham Rainmakers, 14 If there's such a thing as clutch, she has it. If not, well, there's nothing to see here.
#6, Jehoshaphat Turner, catcher, L/R, Belpub Wildcats, 14 If it's true that one hits, not walks, one's way out of Bigtopia, his deer-in-headlights expression suggests that said tendency is not genetic.
#2, Irene Scircle, shortstop, R/R, Arlington Aurora, 12 Exceptionally fast in the infield, but surprisingly mediocre on the basepaths.
pitcher

Bench:

#10, Cynthia Derly, outfield, R/R, Nuel Panthers, 15
#15, Trevor Pisciott, catcher, R/R, Kerlagrad Dragons, 15
#7, Bruce Keigenbey, outfield, L/L, Zwischen Bears, 15 Plays right and hits seventh when DH is in use.
#9, Jonathan Craga, corner infield, R/R, Kerlagrad Dragons, 15
#20, Janet Aleplow, middle infield, R/R, FTC Crabs, 15

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
WBC 15 Preview

To put it frankly WBC 14 was abysmal for Virabia, the lack of organization hurt the team and it showed as they posted a terrible record, and as a result didn't get all to far in the cup or the rankings. However that's something the team hopes to fix, or at least start to, as it will be tough getting by in a group with not oe but two juggernauts (Newmanistan & Qazox) and another team that will be tough for Virabia (Milchama) but now we will break down each game as best we can to see just how Virabia might do.


Game One: vs. Newmanistan (Ellis) [Bayview Field, Vonghurst]

While in most cases opening at home is a good thing, this will certainly not be the case for Virabia when they open against the two time champions and current 1-st ranked Newmanistan. Ellis will have his plate full against a strong batting team while Virabia's offense will be looking to thwart a tough Sarah Brayton. However, there is no question that Newmanistan will likely reign supreme. Newmanistan wins: 5-1.

Game Two: @ Verdriet (Wooden) [Location TBA]

While Veridet's team info hasn't been released yet, they look to be a weak team and one that with a consistent offense and with a solid 7 or so innings by Wooden Virabia should be able to beat. Virabia wins 4-2.

Game Three: vs. Milchama (Rivera) [James H. Huburt Stadium, Beaverbury]

Returning home after a bye day might swing this match in Virabia's favour, however Milchama also had a bye day. It will likely come down to who has better pitching and Rivera will probably pull through with help from the bullpen. Virabia wins 2-1.

Game Four: @ Qazox (Francisco) [Pheonix Stadium, Qazox City]

Going away to Qazox will likely not have good results, as Qazox's batters will likely tear up Fransisco's pitching, however the gyroball might take out some batters who wouldn't expect it. Still if Eric Shoppach can do a solid start for Qazox they will definitely win. Qazox wins 5-2.


Game Five: vs. Emothica (Williams) [North Port Park, Portsham]

There is no doubt that Tex Williams is by far Virabia's best pitcher, and with a home town crowd cheering him on He will likely wreck the as of yet unannounced Emothica line up. However, today will also be an offensive off day so no chances will be taken. Expect alot of singles. Virabia wins 4-0.

Game Six: @ Newmanistan (Wooden) [Tundra Falls Proving Grounds]

Given the fact that Wooden's by far Virabia's worst pitcher, and the fact that Newmanistan is at home with a very strong pitcher. Virabia's batters and the team will be crushed. Newmanistan wins 7-0.

Game Seven: vs. Verdriet (Rivera) [Allipistadio, Atalanta]

Against Verdet at home will likely be a cakewalk for the team as long as they don't give up big plays and play solid high percentage baseball. Virabia wins: 5-3.

Game Eight: @ Milchama (Williams) [Location TBD]

While Milchama's lineup isn't announced yet this will definately be a close one. Milchama looks to be the better team, but Virabia will be pulling out all they've got in hopes of winning. Milchama Wins 4-3 in 15 innings.

Game Nine: vs. Qazox (Ellis) [Bayview Field, Vonghurst]

Usually in your home closer you want to play well for your fans, and win. However a tough Qazox team will be standing in Virabia's way as they try to finish out strong. However what ever they [Virabia] do will likely not be enough as Qazox will likely win by a fair margin. Qazox wins 6-2.

Game Ten: @ Emothica (Williams) [Location TBD]

With Tex Williams pitching in what will likely be Virabia's last game of this classic, both teams will fight hard to finish on a positive note, and with home-town fans cheering them on Emothica will perform wel;l but not well enough. Virabia wins 5-3.

Overall it looks to be an average classic for Virabia, but it will definately be a step in a positive direction as Virabi players get more international experience, so that perhaps one day in the not too distant future Virabia can make it on to the next round. Still, all we can do is sit back and see how things go.

[Silver Beach]

Silver Beach national baseball team plays at Lulika City Stadium, with a capacity of 42,000 fans


Here is the roster

Starters:
26 Wilfredo Boscan
13 Jacob Brigham
44 Fabio Castillo
21 Cody Eppley
31 Kennil Gomez

Bullpen
18 Mark Hamburger
16 Michael Main
20 Justin Miller
12 Tim Murphy
37 Carlos Pimentel
27 Tyler Tufts
29 Corey Young (setup man)
28 Shane Zegarac (closer)

Fielders
22 Jared Bolden 1st base
25 Mitch Hilligoss 2nd base
1 Andres James 3rd base
3 Jacob Kaase shortstop

outfieders
17 Engel Beltre RF
15 Michael Bianucci CF
9 David Paisano LF

Catchers
38 Jose Felix


Bench
00 Chris Gradoville 2B/SS
30 Doug Hogan CF
44 Jonah Wanshon C/1B/3B
56 Josh Lave utility, all infield and outfield

Batting Order
1 Mitch Hilligoss
2 Jacob Kaase
3 Jared Bolden
4 Andres James
5 Engel Beltre
6 Jose Felix
7 Micheal Bianucci
8 David Paisano
9 Pitcher/DH which is Doug Hogan

Manager is Jack Mazur, and Silver Beach, though not having much of a chance, is excited and the first home game is already soldout

[Auremena]

Is it too late so sign up?

If not:

Fielders
1B: #28 Ryan VanDusen
2B: #53 Taylor Gaines
3B: #59 Cody Buck
SS: #33 Alex Russel
CF: #99 Will Lykins
LF: #74 Dominic Wester
RF: #60 Matt Sieve
C: #44 Alex Kerr

Starting Pitchers
RHP: #66 Jessie Radkie
LHP: #35 Josh Gillespie
RHP: #4 Andrew Matos
LHP: #12 Kane Smelser
RHP: #6 JP Adrigousis

Relievers
RHP: #70 Andrew Parnell
LHP: #59 Brooks Lackman
RHP: #13 Robert Bloom
RHP: #29 Ryan Sikand

Closers
RHP: #8 Mike Vito
RHP: #36 Chandler Maagoul
LHP: #45 Cameron Long
RHP: #35 Logan Stidham
LHP: #18 Christian Chavez

Utility
U: #97 Tim Eikenberrey
IF: #91 Zack Pickens
OF: #95 Ramon Constaza

Lineup:

Alex Russel
Taylor Gaines
Cody Buck
Alex Kerr
Will Lykins
Dominic Wester
Ryan VanDusen
Pitcher
Matt Sieve

we have several stadiums, however, we will use the Roberto Clemente Memorial Stadium in Monterey, in the Spanish-speaking sector (Spanish is only the primary language. French, English, and Rusklavan are still major languages)

[The Babbage Islands]

The Babbage Islands
Roster for World Baseball Classic 15

We do not use the DH at home.

RP Permissions:

Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No, I have provided a default lineup.
Follow my Pitching Rotation: Please.
Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP injuries to my players: Yes, only for injuries that might remove the player for one game or less.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes, in baseball it makes for good RP.
Godmod other events: No.

Roster:

No Pitchers             B/T  Ht    Wt   Age  Team
1  Catherine Delaney*   R/R  5-9   155  30   Charleston Cosmonauts
13 Lindsey Roberts*     R/R  6-3   195  24   Armagh Brawlers
17 Angie Serra*         B/L  6-7   220  25   West Scoville Gunners
19 Parker Thompson*     L/L  6-4   220  31   Gernsback Power Towers
10 Stephanie Rankin     R/R  5-11  180  22   Virginia City Tinkers
12 Richard Giles        L/L  6-1   200  28   Tardis Visionaries
11 Randy Clarke         R/R  6-2   245  27   Santa Catalina Sailors
14 Jeremy Ruíz          R/R  6-3   200  25   Moundsville Scouts
15 Anthony Williams     R/R  6-2   245  35   Armagh Brawlers
16 Kevin Andrews        L/L  6-0   215  26   Gernsback Power Towers
18 James Collier        L/L  6-4   210  26   Bloomfield Bards
 
   Catchers             B/T  Ht    Wt   Age  Team
25 Roy Colón            R/R  5-9   205  29   Armagh Brawlers
2  Janice Young*        R/R  5-6   160  30   Bloomfield Bards
  
   Infielders           B/T  Ht    Wt   Age  Team
20 Thomas Carpenter     R/R  5-10  195  27   Moundsville Scouts
3  Aaron Ford*          B/L  6-3   200  34   Gernsback Power Towers
5  September Hall*      R/R  6-1   210  29   Nephi Deacons
6  Tori Simpson* (c)    B/R  5-5   130  26   Cardston Technologists
22 Jason Stokes         R/R  6-2   210  25   Nephi Deacons
4  Mitchell Williams    L/R  6-1   195  34   Armagh Brawlers
23 Pauline Yates        R/R  5-10  170  24   Charleston Cosmonauts
  
   Outfielders          B/T  Ht    Wt   Age  Team
24 Arnold Dunn          R/R  6-0   180  29   Armagh Brawlers
9  Brandon Johnson      R/R  6-0   185  22   West Scoville Gunners
21 Leo King             L/L  6-2   200  26   Great Falls Mavericks
8  Franklin McBride     R/R  6-5   235  27   Virginia City Tinkers
7  Jacqueline Steele    L/L  6-0   175  30   Cardston Technologists

*Starred players return from WBC 14.

Starting Lineup:

1--Tori Simpson, SS, Cardston. Fourth WBC batting leadoff, perennial league leader in doubles, steals, and fielding. Three MVPs.
2--Brandon Johnson, RF, West Scoville. Not inclined to bunt, but great on the hit-and-run.
3--Franklin McBride, CF, Virginia City. "A rifle for an arm, a mortar for a bat."
4--Aaron Ford, 1B, Gernsback. A switch hitter with cleanup power. Also has three MVPs.
5--Jacqueline Steele, LF, Cardston. High average, good power, no glove woman ever plays in left.
6--Janice Young, C, Bloomfield. Broke in as the designated backstop for a knuckleballer. Exceptional fielder and handler of pitchers, patient hitter.
7--September Hall, 3B, Nephi. Played in WBC 14 as the DH when needed, good pop, fewer strikeouts these days.
8--Mitchell Williams, 2B, Armagh. Outstanding range in the field, modest offense.
9--Pitcher or Jason Stokes, DH, Nephi.

Pitching Rotation:

1--Catherine Delaney, RHP, Charleston. Can go on three days rest. A true four-pitch pitcher.
2--Parker Thompson, LHP, Gernsback. Can go on three days rest. Consistent 97mph fastball.
3--Lindsey Roberts, RHP, Armagh. Classic finesse pitcher with great control.
4--Anthony Williams, RHP, Armagh. Led the league in complete games. Used to be a wild blazer, cagier as he has aged.
5--Richard Giles, LHP, Tardis. Spot starter, also long reliever.
Closer--Angie Serra, LHP, West Scoville. Her out pitch is the slider.

Home Field:

All home games during pool play will be at Fresh-Fizz Field in Armagh, Tesla (capacity 34 751).

[The Babbage Islands]

Is it too late so sign up?

Unfortunately, it is. We'll get you next time.

Also, watch for the announcement of another U21/U16 baseball tournament at some point after this event ends.

[Qazox]

QSPN.com/ W B C 15 Coverage

WORLD CUP 15 by the Numbers (Qazoxian Edition)

15- Consecutive WBC appearances by Qazox and Milchama, the only nations to have done so. (Zwangzug hosted, but did not participate in WCB 3, so technically they have been involved from the beginning as well).

14- WBC 14 was the first time that neither Qazox, Milchama, taeshan or Zwangzug reached the Semifinals.

13- If Taeshan makes the playoffs this WBC, it will mark the 13th consecutive playoff appearance for the Knights.

12- The Number of different line-ups Qazox has used in the past 14 WBC's (not including DH's).

11- If Cassadaigua wins it's first two games, they will be the 9th team to have at least 11 games as Unoffical World Champions.

10- Number of different hosts of the WBC, including Nefundland's aborted WBC 4 hosting.

9- Qazox' longest streak as Unoffical World Champions.

8- Mininum Number of wins needed to reach the finals.

7- Only WBC to be held in Q-continuum but not in Qazox (Green wombat was host)

6- Consecutive times Milchama has failed to reach the WBC Semis.

5- Times Qazox has hosted the WBC. (So far)

4- Consecutive Finals Appearances by Newmansitan (WBC's 9-12)

3- Teams in Group E that have won multiple titles. (Newmanistan, Milchama & Qazox)

2- Active Teams have ever won back-to-back titles. (Qazox & Milchama)

1- More title for Qazox would make them the most successful WBC team ever.

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

Altarus, Kalasion - Sitting in the bar here at our lodgings in Kalasion I'm reminded of the old proverb: Beware Kalasion's bearing gifts. I'm not quite sure how I have come to that proverb but I'm sure it has something to do with my bartender and his "traditional" Kalasion liquer that I have inbided tonight. Well such things are what make sports writing just so much fun.

I think there was a point to this blog but Grastiona's ramblings in my ear next to me has somewhat thrown me off track...something about "Why he's the best player in the ASML." It's a good thing Grastiona has only had [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee] in the hour we've been at the bar. It's also a very good thing he doesn't pitch for five days. Ahhh yes, but why the post?

Well I'm allowed to say that the Falcons are indeed going with Brodi Jacobo, our left-handed wonder, to start tomorrow's game. Let's hope the Kalasion players show up so that we can actually make a game of it!

Now back to this bartender and his Maxian White Kalasion. Wait...how many have I had so far?
-Michaelean Gardini

[The Fanboyists]

Fanboyist Nationals

After the last outing, in which the Fanboyist team of college players got their asses whupped by the competition, the Sporting Department has coped with the problem by sending washed-up, fat, lazy grizzled veterans of the now-defunt domestic baseball league. Why anyone's expecting success of any kind from them is sort of a mystery. They're pretty much going to slug the ball, because they need some distance; most of these people aren't exactly what you'd call "athletic."

Just kidding. That was last year's team. This year's team is almost completely new, with a lot of focus on the team's bullpen, because that was what really killed them last time. You know, along with everything else.

[OOC - Yes, I'll put up the actual names soon enough. My family's making noises at me to go do something else at the moment. Sorry. Also, apologies, Del; I no very little of baseball, so I used your roster set-up for this. I will not leave any of your players on it, I promise. As I learn more about this from reading other people's RP, I'll try to improve the detail.]



Manager: Ben Holmes (Age: 46)

C 8 - Matt Weis - Age: 25 - H: 5'9" - W: 182 lbs
1B 24 - Jake Hartley - Age: 27 - H: 6'0" - W: 208 lbs
2B 36 - Adam Stokes - Age: 24 - H: 5'11" - W: 198 lbs
3B 29 - Ryan Zimmerman - Age: 25 - H: 6'1" - W: 208 lbs - IMPACT PLAYER, Particularly at-bat.
SS 5 - Calvin Willems - Age: 34 - H: 6'0" - W: 199 lbs
LF 13 - Eric Michaels - Age: 29 - H: 6'2" - W: 211 lbs
CF 27 - Frank Davis - Age: 31 - H: 6'1" - W: 209 lbs
RF 19 - Harvey McConnel - Age: 27 - H: 6'0" - W: 192 lbs
OF 41 - John Reynolds - Age: 24 - H: 6'4" - W: 209 lbs
UTIL 6 - Quinn Williams - Age: 26 - H: 6'1" - W: 187 lbs
UTIL 9 - Darius Khosroe - Age: 29 - H: 6'3" - W: 211 lbs
UTIL 16 - Harry Jacobson - Age: 32 - H: 6'0" - W: 201 lbs

SP 1 - Steve Strasbourg - Age: 21 - H: 6'1" - W: 207 lbs - IMPACT PLAYER
SP 24 - Casey McKnight - Age: 23 - H: 5'5" - W: 132 lbs
SP 44 - Joe Olson - Age: 26 - H: 5'11" - W: 187 lbs
RP 33 - Annie McMunn - Age: 27 - H: 5'7" - W: 143 lbs
RP 40 - Eric Halsey - Age: 32 - H: 5'9" - W: 202 lbs
RP 58 - Will Garrettson - Age: 28 - H: 6'0" - W: 210 lbs

[Quintessence of Dust]

Team overview

The Quintessence of Dust national baseball team has participated in the last five Classics, making the 2nd round playoffs in WBC12 and 13, and the semifinals (finishing 4th overall) to WBC14. Amazingly, this makes the team one of the country's most successful, despite the relatively brief history of the sport in the country (as far as Quintessence of Dust, Classics takes place once each year, meaning some of our players have aged differently to those using 2-4 year gaps, or those whose players appear locked in biological stasis).

Traditionally, the team has had little overwhelming power on the mound or at the plate; none of its players have obviously established themselves as WBC institutions in the manner of Courtney Lombardi, Johnny Stryker, or Socki Lewis. In fact, outside Quintessence of Dust, its players have all the PR appeal of that Dancougaran catcher who never takes her mask off.

Like many WBC teams, Quintessence of Dust has a number of leading female players - most notably, its three outstanding players in previous Classics were all female. There is something of an imbalance between (predominantly female) position players and (predominantly male) pitchers. The team also exhibits an unusual demographic mix, given Quintessence of Dust's overall population.

Baseball first came to the country in the early 1940s, when a small group of Japanese-American families fled persecution to find a new home in New Cleethorpes. Since then, and up until the early 21st century, they were almost exclusively the keepers of the flame. In recent years, Quintessential-Chinese and Quintessential-Scandinavian players have begun to play the game (notably thanks to the participation of the Highmark Giants [Chinese], Greschmeier MSC [Swedish] and Kynythin MSC [Finnish] in Minimal League Baseball), but
Quintessential-Japanese players retain a perhaps undue prominence in the national setup.

The country's domestic baseball league is Minimal League Baseball, which has competed three seasons. It contains 12 teams, who have recruited a small number of Zwangzugians, Yaforites and Mantwenicians to swell their ranks. In addition, Minimal League Baseball holds a posting system agreement with the Free Austin Baseball League, a much larger, older and more prestigious baseball league in Free Austin, One Big Island - a region of powerhouse strength in world baseball. Several leading Quodite players now ply their trade overseas as a result.

The explosion of popularity of baseball in the last five years has been attributed to several factors. A computer game (Filthy Bunt) and a film (.300) both brought baseball into the awareness of a younger generation, and the participation of several dual-sport stars, such as national rugby captain Barry Pullman (the only person to captain Quintessence of Dust in two different international sports), BobBank FC player Masami Tamagotchi (the only player to win MVP awards in two different sports in Quodite sports leagues) and field hockey star Amanda Jónsdóttir (who holds a silver medal from the Fourth Olympics in Aeropag), helped give the fledgling league legitimacy.

Additionally, Quodites - who are known the world over for being a rather dull, reserved, even boring people (except when seals are around, at which point they are overtaken by an insatiable bloodlust) - love statistics, and baseball certainly played to that particular fetish. The Society of Yaforite Baseball Research and Society of Zwangzug Baseball Research ("sybrmetrics"/"sizbremetrics"?) have sold many volumes in Quodite markets, and the country's leading sports blog, He's Had An Absolute Holocaust, even launched a separate, dedicated baseball commentary site, TalkBaseball.qd.

Baseball is occasionally targetted by nativists and cultural conservatives as a sign of Quintessence of Dust's eroding cultural values, and as the result of unchecked globalisation run amok. Despite this, a team in Social Democratic heartland Nowy Orpington, the Raptors, has thrived. And while baseball may have arrived by foreign means, it has certainly taken on an autochthonous flavour.

Examples include: the expression "out of left field" does not exist in Quodite vernacular, but the expression "out of right field" - because in the early days of Minimal League Baseball, the two best players were left fielders, and those choosing seats in right field were thought to be a bit screwy; and Quodites are generally unaware of baseball terms as sexual metaphors (rugby terms, such as "a good scrum", "had to settle for 3 points", or "but then she kicked it into touch", instead fill this necessary social vacuum).

Tactically, the team has tended to place a strong emphasis on on base average, productive - though not cavalier - baserunning, and solid defensive work, often including one or two defensive specialists as starters. The team makes considerably more use of its bullpen than do many other WBC teams, and is often critical of coaches who allow their best starters to throw high pitch counts solely for statistical purposes.

Problem spots have included: the tendency of the best players to flame out in the playoffs, outfielders who are either good hitters or good fielders, but rarely both, the lack of a reliable leadoff hitter, and appalling left on base numbers after almost every campaign.

The team plays in dark grey uniforms, and players are allowed to wear the caps and stockings of their domestic teams. For the first time ever, the players will have designated uniform numbers on their backs.

Details of Season 3 of Minimal League Baseball may be found here.

Home Ballpark - The Frosty Dome

This year, the team has a new home park, eschewing Raptor Park in Nowy Orpington for The Frosty Dome in New Cleethorpes. The last time international baseball came to New Cleethorpes, it was at the Municipal Sporting Ground, but this time a somewhat grander arena awaits intrepid fans. The Frosty Dome is the largest baseball park west of Highmark, and the home of the New Cleethorpes Republicans, who dominated this season's Minimal League Baseball to emerge victors in a 4-0 sweep of the Quintessential Series. The Frosty Dome will be decked out in the republican blue of the home team and grey of the national team.

New Cleethorpes is in the west of the country, in the state of West Sponson, and home of the University of West Sponson, the Liberal Party, and the country's Quintessential-Icelandic minority. Its citizens are notoriously hardnosed, distrustful of easterners, and wedded to free market economics, but they do like a good ballgame once in a while too, and are more traditionalist fans than the hipsters at Raptor Park: some salty snack foods are even on sale! Also, unlike at Raptor Park, home supporters appreciate the foul ball (their home team, the Republicans, hired a Yaforite hitting coach), and so they will not throw foul balls back into play.

A hitters' park with a small outfield, the park favours right handed batters to a pronounced degree, on account of the fence. Both left and right field are short (346 ft. to 353 ft., with a 418 ft. centre field well) but the fence rises from 10 feet left to centre up to 18 feet over right field. This is because the right field fence has a computer screen showing game statistics on it, and over the years additions of ever more complex sabermetric complications have seen 8 feet worth of additional pixel height added to fit all the VORP and BABIP and Win Shares in.

Instead of Raptor Park's giant mechanical orange, if a Quodite batter hits a home run the home mascot, Blue Chicken, will run around the outfield celebrating. And being based in New Cleethorpes, the traditionalist fugues of the Nowy Orpington organist have been replaced with an avant garde synthesiser selection that will play during the seventh innings and cause everyone's ears to bleed sweet indie pain.

Roof: Open
Type: Grass
Capacity: 48,600 - and expect it to sell out fast

Ballpark factors: For a League normal of "1.000"
LHB - .925
RHB - 1.085
2B - .922
3B - .870
LHB HR - .965
RHB HR - 1.155

At this time of year, the weather will be cool and dry, with a strong wind blowing out to right. This latter effect slightly lessens the park's right hand bias, as balls hit to left center can drift, and to right can gain length. Quiet in front, children.

Coaches

Jun Zhou (WBC11) - Head Coach
Barry Pullman (WBC11-13) - Hitting Coach, Assistant Kicking in the Groin Coach
Yukio Mizokuchi - Pitching Coach, in charge of ice chips machine
Sam "Speedy" Spade - Batgirl

Players

The short summer in Quintessence of Dust means a season lasts only 72 games, whereas Free Austin's is two and a half times as long. This means for player stats, I have mostly favoured rate stats rather than counting stats, so that my QBL/FABL players can be reasonably compared, and my QBL players compared with players from nations that have long seasons, such as Newmanistan or Cassadaigua.

Starting pitchers

Few Quodite pitchers are known for having overwhelming stuff, though we do have some hard throwers. Many Quodite pitchers are also good hitters, because Minimal League Baseball's talent pool is small enough that someone with a strong arm will be converted to pitching regardless of hitting talent.

Pitching stats are as follows: W-L record, ERA, WHIP, BABIP, quality start percentage for starters or save opportunities converted for relief pitchers, strikeouts per walks, and strikeouts per 9 innings pitched.

Matchday 1 (vs. Brewdomia), Matchday 7 (@ Barnettsville)

#13 Django "Three Finger" Scheinhardt (S/R) - Wenig Felsen Travelers [FABL]
Sinking fastball (88-92 mph), curveball, changeup
Season stats: 18-4, 3.48, 1.23, not known, not known, 3.98, 8.17
Probably Quintessence of Dust's most famous pitcher, this is Django's fifth World Baseball Classic, though he still has a losing record overall. He's always struggled in comparison with Masami Tamagotchi, despite reaping numerous domestic successes. In Free Austin, he's won three All-Star selections and one Outstanding Pitcher Award, and been champion in ERA, wins, and shutouts. This season he tailed off slightly, despite another huge winning percentage. For those new to the WBC: Django's childhood accident left him missing one and a half fingers, meaning he has an unusual grip that applies immense topspin, making him an extreme groundball pitcher. He is well regarded as a hitter, too: this season he hit .254 with 2 triples and a home run, though he rarely draws walks. He has finally earned the #1 slot in what could be his final international outing.

Matchday 2 (vs. Barnettsville), Matchday 9 (@ Zwangzug)

#92 Taiyou Morioka (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Republicans
Fastball (87-89 mph), SLORCball, slider, changeup
Season stats: 9-2, 1.99, 0.95, .260, 81.3%, 5.88, 8.28
Taiyou has the unusual distinction of being signed to the national team before the domestic one. He made virtually no impact from the WBC14 bullpen - but quite an impact as the ace of the Quintessential Series winning Republicans. He won a Pitcher of the Month Award and the Pitch-a-Tent Prize as the overall best pitcher in the Western League, played in the Brown Dwarf game, and won his QS start. Despite occasional off-the-field tantrums and mood swings, his value on the field was undeniable. He led in many statistical categories including ERA, Pitcher VORP, hits per innings pitched, strikeouts per walk, oppostion average, WHIP and baserunners per innings pitched, and he did so largely thanks to a special pitch of his own invention: the dreaded SLORCball.

Matchday 3 (@ Kalasion), Matchday 10 (vs. Tarrentum)

#374 George Jones (R/R) - Nowy Orpington Raptors
Fastball (87-89 mph), curveball, changeup
Season stats: 4-6, 5.66, 1.34, .295, 42.9%, 3.06, 5.55
One of the best hitting pitchers on the staff, Jones is a good example of a player unfavoured by traditional stats (losing record, +5.50 ERA) but whose value is shown by more detailed analysis. He finished in the top 10 pitchers for batting average on balls in play, walks and hits per innings pitched, strikeouts per walks, runners against per innings pitched and walks per innings pitched, and suffered mainly because the team he played for sucked. He also won the Woolly Glove Award as the best fielding pitcher in the National League, with 1 double play and a league leading 9 putouts. He was a starting pitcher in WBC14, but was dropped from the rotation in the playoffs.

Matchday 4 (vs. Zwangzug), Matchday 8 (vs. Kalasion)

#275 Arthur "Naked Mole Rat" Ek (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Postmodernists
Fastball (94-96 mph), split-finger fastball, slider, changeup
Season stats: 6-4, 2.96, 1.03, .280, 75%, 4.04, 8.39
So nicknamed for his resemblance to one of nature's less attractive creations - though there will be NO JUDGING PLAYERS ON THEIR APPEARANCE IN THIS TEAM! - Ek came out of nowhere (much like the naked mole rat, I suppose) to amass a league-leading 105 strikeouts (less like the naked mole rat, whose split-finger fastball is somewhat less potent). But Ek was no radarless gunslinger: he posted competitive numbers in virtually every pitching category, including WHIP, BABIP, and strikeouts per walks. He also hit a reasonable clip at .231, and 14 sacrifice hits in 41 plate appearances.

Matchday 5 (@ Tarrentum)

#551 Kunika "The Brick" Okamoto (L/R) - Kynythin MSC
Fastball (94-96 mph), slider, changeup
Season stats: 8-5, 3.35, 1.20, .316, 62.5%, 4.95, 8.94
Kunika hasn't had much luck in the WBC. He was part of the non-gender-specific-bovine-pen in WBC12 and WBC13, and dropped from the side for WBC14 after a couple of lousy showings. But he really brought the stuff for Kynythin at the domestic level, as he and Yaforite Ytarin Rao formed the most feared 1-2 pitching combination in the National League, each throwing over 100 Ks. Kunika led the NL, with 104, but was slightly behind his partner in strikeouts per innings pitched. He had the third best overall strikeout per walk ratio, and his 10 sacrifice hits as a batter also led his League. He acquired his nickname after flooring the notoriously rotund Barry Pullman with an inside pitch: commentators speculated that they'd thought you'd have to throw a brick at Pullman to knock him over.

Matchday 6 (@ Brewdomia)

#507 Stephen Williams (R/R) - SUP Superculture
Fastball (90-92 mph), split-finger fastball, changeup
Season stats: 7-4, 3.02, 1.19, .311, 70.6%, 3.17, 7.97
The State University of Pulona's Williams pitched long relief for the national team in WBC12, but has not been on the WBC scene since. A strong season for Superculture changed that, as he pitched a remarkable 4 hit shutout against Greschmeier that signalled big changes in the Western League. He was named Pitcher of the Month for April, and selected to the Brown Dwarf game. He is noted for good offspeed pitching with the ability to mask his changeup well, and finished 5th in strikeouts (8th per 9 innings pitched) despite not being a power pitcher; he was second in home runs per innings pitched, with just 4 in over 100 innings. He was the inaugural winner of the Special Award for Trying Really Hard Despite Not Being Very Good.

Non-gender-specific-bovine-pen

As with many other WBC teams, the idea of a designated closer has fallen by the wayside in Quintessence of Dust. Mazio Mizokuchi is the best relief pitcher, but he's not going to wait till the ninth if a high leverage situation develops earlier. The starters - particularly Kunika and Williams - will probably warm up as long relief if need be.

#509 Akihito Chikafuji (R/R) - Highmark Giants/New Cleethorpes Burnt Sienna Sox
Fastball (90-92 mph), split-finger fastball, slider, changeup
Season stats: 6-6, 4.07, 1.16, .281, 66.7%, 3.22, 5.36
A good control pitcher, Akihito finished ranked 6th in the League for walks per innings pitched. He gets most of his outs by expanding the strike zone and leaving batters wafting at late movement, either for a swinging strike or a bad contact groundout. The Giants released him at the end of the season, despite his pitching a 3 hit shutout against traditional rivals the Nowy Orpington Raptors, and he was picked up in free agency by the Burnt Sienna Sox.

#358 Olof Bergman (L/L) - New Cleethorpes Anti-Catholics
Fastball (92-94 mph), slider
Season stats: 1-2, 2.88, 1.06, .245, 4 HLD + 1 SV/5 SVO, 2.59, 9.74
A commanding short reliever for the Anti-Catholics, capable of throwing it past the best of them, Bergman's regular season form was exceptional. His 3 games of 9.82 ERA, +2.00 WHIP playoff pitching was also exceptional, in a very, very different way. Lefties hit .149 against him as he threw twice as many strikeouts than hits to them. Rarely pitched more than 2 innings, and will probably have a similar role on his WBC debut: good at plowing through the batters quickly, less adept in high leverage situations.

#334 Herbie "The Herbster" Black (R/R) - Kynythin MSC
Fastball (97-99 mph), slider, circle change
Season stats: 2-0, 2.31, 0.90, .246, 1 HLD + 14 SV/17 SVO, 5.60, 10.80
Kynythin's closer is one of the national team's most experienced and popular relievers, though he is definitely #2 to Mazio when it comes to high leverage situations. He has a good, three pitch arsenal and great velocity on his fastball, which tops out a shade under three figures. This season he was selected to the Brown Dwarf Game once more, and had one of the best strikeouts per walks and strikeouts per innings pitched records.

#469 Tal Isaachar (L/L) - Highmark Giants
Fastball (98-100 mph), slider, changeup, curveball
Season stats: 4-2, 2.61, 1.13, .333, 15/19 SVO, 5.13, 11.90
Tal started 4 successive Classics for the national team. Now he is in the bullpen, having been converted after moving to the National League from the Grey Sox. He never quite had it as a starter, and struggled to pitch 7 innings, but was always Quintessence of Dust's most dominant strikeout pitchers, and has been very adept as a closer for the Giants, as that 11.90 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched suggests. It was the single best of any pitcher in all of Minimal League Baseball. He compiled a 10 game consecutive saves converted streak.

#147 Mazio Mizokuchi (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Republicans (TEAM CAPTAIN)
Cut fastball (97-99 mph), changeup
Season stats: 1-2, 1.08, 0.90, .296, 26 SV/26 SVO, 6.67, 10.80
In WBC14, Newmanistan's Rocket Report picked an "All-World Team", with included - unsurprisingly, and probably deservedly - no Quodite players. But if one player had been picked, it would probably be Mazio. It's probably no accident that his transfer from the cash-starved Grey Sox to the Republicans coincided with the former's miserable decline and the latter's amazing emergence, as he is easily the most dominant relief pitcher in Quodite baseball (even winning an award - "Most Ridiculously Far Ahead of the Competition in One Statistical Category" to prove it). This is his fifth World Baseball Classic.

Batters

Quodite batters, with the exception of Emily Sanderson, are not known for their ability take pitches to the extent of Zwangzugians or Yaforites, but they are improving. So look for some more improvements in plate patience overall. In baserunning, they're probably more aggressive at turning singles into doubles than at stealing second, because there tends to be at least one weak in a Quodite domestic outfield.

Batting stats are as follows: AVG/OBP/SLG, runs created per 27 outs, stolen bases from stolen base attempts, walks per strikeout, and pitches received per plate appearance.

Catchers

#428 Radosav Grubenšek (R/R) - Combined Veterans
Season stats: .255/.376/.468, 6.46, 0/0, 0.71, 3.84
A good all round catcher, Radosav won his second Woolly Glove and second WBC start. He was a backup in WBC13, and hit dependably throughout WBC14 while proving a good enough threat that all the hype about the Rockets' base stealing proved completely immaterial. A good plate blocking catcher but much less physical in the collision than Barry Pullman, and not a good enough hitter to play corner infield. A straightforward TTO hitter, he led all catchers in home runs, walks, and strikeouts.

#198 Hannes Huuskonen (S/R) - New Cleethorpes Postmodernists
Season stats: .301/.361/.424, 5.74, 0/0, 0.83, 3.55
A .300 hitting switch-hitting catcher who threw out 38 of 87 base stealers would probably get the starting nod full-time had Radosav not got the advantage of international experience, but Hannes should get playing time, against right handed pitchers. Quodite coaches do rest their catchers, and he'll play maybe every other game, unless Radosav's form slumps. Given the plethora of outfielders he probably won't be needed to pinch hit, but can lay down a great bunt when called on.

Infielders

#504 Anna Alaja (L/L) - New Cleethorpes Republicans
Season stats: .341/.386/.695, 10.31, 0/1, 0.40, 3.61
The 21 year old Alaja burst into the limelight with a remarkable season in which she won a Rookie of the Month award, selection to the Brown Dwarf Game at first base, and the Quintessential Series (she hit .400 in the playoffs). Though a poor defensive player who was slow on the basepaths, she could clearly swing the bat very well, connecting on 21 home runs - including a 6 game streak to tie Momoko Koumura's national record. She finished in the top 10 in many hitting categories, and led the Western League in runs created per 27 outs.

#475 Toebacca (L/L) - Highmark Giants
Season stats: .259/.404/.467, 7.45, 0/0, 1.17, 4.09
Former Wookiee of the Year Toebacca won a number of awards, including the Mittens-on-a-String for Best Overall Fielder to complement his (XL) Woolly Glove at first base, the Hard Work Award, and the Extra Trophy for Generally Being Nice :) Award. And despite Wookiee disdain for cash, he was a prime Moneyball player, with a league-leading 62 walks. Big, slow, a reliable glove and friendly presence in the clubhouse, he brings a lot to the team, playing in his third World Baseball Classic.

#3 Momoko Koumura (R/R) - Nashboro Falling Stars [FABL]
Season stats: .348/.414/.615, not known, 46/62, 0.94, not known
All-Star, Silver Glove and Gold Slugger awards at second base came to Koumura at her new club, the Falling Stars, having left the Austinite League's Nightton Dragons to become Quintessence of Dust's highest paid athlete in history. Her 224 hits suggested she'd earned it, as she led the Free League in hits and finished in the top 10 in slash stats, runs, stolen bases and doubles. Despite having twice hit 50 home runs in a season, including the FABL all-time rookie record of 52, she is really more of a line drive hitter, and demonstrating renewed plate patience. Combined with excellent defence and potent baserunning, it makes her a threat, but she just always collapses in the playoffs. She held it together in WBC14, just about, but there's no guarantee of anything this time around for the country's most mercurially talented player.

#272 Long Lai (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Grey Sox
Season stats: .320/.370/.445, 5.87, 6/13, 1.24, 3.44
Koumura's nominal replacement at the Grey Sox, though lacking her power. And baserunning skill. And charisma. And femaleness. Let's start again. A middle infielder of Asian descent who happened to sign for the Grey Sox shortly after their middle infielder of Asian descent bogged off to earn some real money. He won the Woolly Glove at second base, finished in the top 10 in hits and average, and hit 4 triples and 5 sac flies - and left everyone very disappointed.

#20 Amanda Jónsdóttir (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Grey Sox
Season stats: .367/.424/.525, 8.64, 3/6, 0.92, 3.73
Older heads may remember Amanda (Icelandic name, so never Ms Jónsdóttir, please) from WBC11 and 12, after which she drifted away from the baseball scene to play football and train for Olympic hockey (field hockey, though her sister Julia led the Grey Sabres to silver in the women's ice hockey for an unusual double) in which she took silver behind Cassadaigua. But this summer she returned to the Grey Sox and hit much better than ever before, in fact winning the Western League batting title, and a Woolly Glove at third base. Taking over from perennial starter Tabitha "Webby" Weber, who retired after WBC14, Amanda has a different style, relying more on use of her quick feet to do everything - except steal bases, seemingly.

#478 Huang Li (S/R) - Highmark Giants
Season stats: .305/.439/.419, 7.45, 2/5, 5.56, 3.72
Until the emergence of Momoko Koumura, the middle infield had been a problem spot offensively for Quintessence of Dust, and Huang Li complements her nicely. Batgirl for the national team in WBC13, she started all of the team's WBC14 games, and demonstrated her ability to play either side of second base. One of the most consistent but least powerful hitters in Minimal League Baseball, she had by far the best walk to strikeout ratio and lowest strikeout rate of any hitter, and finished second in total walks and on base
average. Her 4.84 range factor was also the best of any starting shortstop.

Outfielders

#25 Sakiko Wakabayashi (S/R) - New Cleethorpes Grey Sox
Season stats: .296/.353/.648, 8.34, 2/5, 0.43, 3.57
Sakiko was the team's infrequently used designated hitter during WBC14, and Masami Tamagotchi's presence will once again make outfield spots competitive, but she certainly helped herself by improving on her defence, moving to left field and winning the Woolly Glove, thanks to a strong throwing arm. Of course the more eye grabbing stat was her 27 home runs, a new League record. Her powerful hitting put her in the top 10 for RBIs, slugging percentage, isolated power and total bases, and made all the boys sit down and cry.

#438 Emily Sanderson (L/R) - New Cleethorpes Dodgers
Season stats: .358/.405/.719, 9.13, 27/46, 0.65, 3.39
The lynchpin of the nation's best outfield, Sanderson has been a mainstay of the national team too, since serving as batgirl in WBC11. Her return from the Winter Olympics single handedly rescued the WBC14 campaign and she batted well throughout; domestically, she had another award-strewn season that culminated in becoming the first person to win 2 Chocolate Bat awards. She had a 20-20-20 season (obviously considerably rarer under 72 game circumstances), though she only barely drew 20 walks. Known for the elegance of her smooth, plate-covering swing, she is probably one of the only WBC players to have competed at the Winter Olympics.

#68 Masami Tamagotchi (L/L) - New Cleethorpes Dodgers
Season stats: .273/.333/.558, 6.07, 26/35, 0.58, 3.43
No, your eyes don't deceive you - the Quintessence of Dust national baseball team has well and truly jumped the shark. TalkBaseball.qd admin ruth_babe rejoices, everyone else is sceptical: former Pitcher of the Year Masami Tamagotchi has converted to play in the outfield. Always a good hitting pitcher, Tamagotchi began pinch hitting and even playing games at DH and RF during WBC14, but her club, the Grey Sox, protested - so she transferred to the Dodgers, who decided she was more valuable to them playing every day. She has adapted pretty well to life in the outfield, with just one error and six assists, and hit well enough to become the first person to be selected to the Brown Dwarf as both a pitcher and a position player. She finished 5th overall in runs scored and stolen bases, and 7th in extra base hits.

#259 Natalia Kivistö (R/L) - Kynythin MSC
Season stats: .348/.439/.708, 12.77, 1/2, 1.13, 3.76
A quicker version of the player description would be best obtained by simply reading our domestic league report. WHILE ON CRACK. The time honoured tradition of Quintessence of Dust's batgirls becoming team members by the next World Baseball Classic has continued, and then some, thanks to Kynythin's right fielder, who dominated every batting category on her way to both the Chocolate Bat and Cookie of the Year awards (don't worry, she kickboxes, she has room for a few calories). How she will compete at the international level is of course unknown: her former teammate Kati Kauppi, whose deselection for WBC15 also means the severing of this tradition, had no luck.

#70 Nea Nyman (L/R) - New Cleethorpes Dodgers
Season stats: .322/.383/.663, 9.02, 6/14, 0.47, 3.70
3rd in home runs, total bases and extra base hits, 4th in slugging percentage, 5th in isolated power, 6th in OPS, 7th in RBI and runs scored, Nyman was the most intentionally walked batter in the Western League, and earned her keep at right field despite some occasionally ropey fielding and more than occasionally crazy base running. Nyman was an extremely impressive all round hitter, and in fact out slugged home run champion Sakiko thanks to 19 doubles.

#256 Karen Auyeng (R/R) - New Cleethorpes Burnt Sienna Sox
Season stats: .262/.339/.456, 4.49, 33/50, 0.54, 3.77
Led the Western League, and all Quodite players (second only to - shock! a Yaforite) in stolen bases, Karen is in exclusively as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, unless absolutely necessary, against righties, and a platoon centrefielder against lefites; though she started in WBC13 and hit 10 home runs this season, the outfield is overcrowded with offensive talent.

Starting lineup

In general, you can do whatever with this. I tend to RP my lineup constantly changing anyway. The most important considerations are:
1. High OBP person at #1
2. Highest OPS person at #2
3. Pitcher usually bats #8
4. We try to alternate players with high OBP and high SLG, alternate L/R batters, have the highest OBP players at the top
5. At least one of our best baserunners should play ahead of a less powerful hitter

Here are samples:

vs LHP           vs LHP + DH   vs RHP       vs RHP + DH
1. Huang SS      Huang SS      Amanda 3B    Momoko 2B
2. Natalia RF    Natalia RF    Natalia RF   Nea DH
3. Amanda 3B     Amanda 3B     Hannes C     Amanda 3B
4. Sakiko LF     Sakiko LF     Emily LF     Anna 1B
5. Radosav C     Radosav C     Momoko 2B    Natalia RF
6. Momoko 2B     Nea DH        Masami CF    Emily LF
7. Karen CF      Momoko 2B     Anna 1B      Masami CF
8. [pitcher]     Karen CF      [pitcher]    Hannes C
9. Toebacca 1B   Toebacca 1B   Huang SS     Huang SS

RP permissions

Please follow my rotation. You have more leeway with my starting lineup. We do not use a DH at home. You can pick my scorers, decide the box score, choose my pinch hitters and relievers, etc., but I did write up these player descriptions for a reason!

As to godmoding, I'd prefer it be wacky than wanky. Does a 4-0 scoreline have to be a perfect game? Does a game ending 7-11 need to be decided on a walk off inside the park grand slam? Is there such a concept as caught stealing? Just...tone down that sort of stuff, and we'll get along fine.

[Milchama]

Milchama National News- Tribune- Sun- Times- Post- Gazette- Chronicle- Journal- Dispatch- Telegram- Star- Monitor- Enquirer

Sports Section

Milchama Comes Out of Baseball Isolation

For the first time in a long time the Milchama Baseball League is allowing their players to be taken off rosters to compete in the World Baseball Classic international baseball tournament. It couldn't come at a better time, either the Milchama Warriors baseball team is in the straights of their worst performances at the WBC since the competition began and are currently nursing their worst ever rank. That coupled with a particularly tough group involving Qazox and Newmanistan means that the Warriors have a lot of work to do to regain their title as the best baseball team in the world. As New Babylon Pirates and national team manager, Eitan Morey said, "Nobody cares about what we did back then. Sure we won two titles and were by far the best team of the first ten WBCs but since then we've been awful. The new teams who are coming up are not going to fear us and the old teams assume that we're past our primes, but we'll show them."

While this WBC might be a transition year for the team, as they readjust to international baseball, many still expect a quarterfinal appearance from the Warriors. Without further ado here is the roster:

Starters:
C: Henry Thomas (Chi Cubs)
1b: Martin LaPlante (Alexandria Comets)
2b: Forest O'Kelt (New Babylon Pirates)
SS: Dani Eltanor (Tel Morlin Echoes)
3b: James Merter (Port James Raiders)
LF: Itay Hafava (Chi Sox)
CF: Kelsey Evers (Chi Cubs)
RF: Rudyard Davies (Wickert Witches)
DH (if necessary): Ben Aminton (New Sparta Greeks)

Bench:
OF: Riley Hevett (Wickert Wanderers)
OF (when not DHing): Ben Aminton (New Sparta Greeks)
C: Kim Pardew (Alexandria Kings)
IF: Ken Di'are (New Babylon Pirates)
IF: Marlow Hashmet (Kreitsburg Killers)
Util:Ufalay Kokoiam (Mongolt Hordes)
Util: Chester Ofalay (Port James Hitmen)

Pitchers:
SP:Mickey Hermeton (Kreitsburg Killers)- The ace led an undermanned Kreitsburg to the verge of the pennant. His miniscule 1.21 ERA was the best in 23 years in the MBL.
SP: Ezra Foster (Chi Cubs)- The grandson of Phil Foster finally gets to play internationally. Was Rookie of the Year his first year in the league and an even better second season gets him onto the roster as the second starter.
SP: Kevin Waldon (Edo Samurai)- The only good player the atrocious Samurai possess, Waldon has a wicked fastball and an even better curve. His getting on the national team is an accomplishment in itself.
SP: Kit Fenner (Tel Morlin Echoes)- The junkball specialist. Fenner has a subpar fastball but makes up for it by having the largest arsenal of crazy breaking pitches this side of Henson Callahan.

Relivers:
Closer: Eric Fiori (Kreitsburg Killers)- Kreitsburg relied on a strong bullpen to get to second place in the DL and Fiori was a major reason. His miniscule .50 WHIP made him a force to be reckoned with.
Set up man 1: Kent Fernal (Alexandria Comets)- The Comets finally got themselves a closer last year after fleecing Milchama City for this talented youngster who helped them to their first top division finish in 8 years.
Set up man 2: Yossi Kevern (New Babylon Pirates)- In every situation where manager Morey needs a few outs he always seems to turn to Kevern to get those clutch outs. So he brings him along for the national team.
Middle Reliever: Jenny Seaver (Wickert Wanderers) - The other women of the team (Which by the way is a record for Milchamian national teams). Seaver was not a hard throwing pitcher but her crazy knuckle and screw balls more than make up for a subpar fastball.
Long Reliever: Marcos Olian (Milchama City Trolleys)- Actually a starter for the Trolleys, Olian's flexibility and incredible stuff make him a perfect candidate for a reliever.

Lineup (w/o DH or regular):
1. Forest O'Kelt - The best OBP man on the team which makes him the perfect candidate for the leadoff position. He's also a heck of a defensive second basemen.
2. Kelsey Evers- While she doesn't have that much power her bat control, eye, speed and overall approach to hitting makes her a wonderful hitter in the number 2 spot.
3. Martin LaPlante- Returning the Comets to respectability was no easy task but LaPlante started the movement and one reason was his 54 home runs, some of which he's hoping to replicate in this WBC.
4. Itay Hafava - A three true outcomes hitter. While he does play a really good left field, which is rare for a TTO, if he hits one watchout!
5. James Merter- Considered to be among the best all around players in Milchamian history. His arguing was one of the reasons that the MBL allowed its players to go international again. He's hoping to cement his reputation as one of the best of all time by performing in international play.
6. Rudyard Davies - A line drive hitter with power. Davies will occasionally hit a home run but is an excellent doubles hitter always putting it in the gap. He's also known for a cannon of an arm in right field.
7. Dani Eltanor- He's actually the leadoff hitter for his club. His plate discipline and speed make him a weird candidate to be ahead of Thomas but we trust Morey, he seems to know what he's doing.
8. Henry Thomas- One of the best hitting catchers in MBL history, is only batting 8th because his power does not match up with the middle of the order. However, his position is in no way a reflection of his talent.
9. Pitcher

Lineup (w/DH):
1. Forest O'Kelt
2. Kelsey Evers
3. Martin LaPlante
4. Itay Hafava
5. James Merter
6. Ben Aminton
7. Rudyard Davies
8. Henry Thomas
9. Dani Eltanor

[The Babbage Islands]

Qualifying Phase: Round 1 Results

The published line scores reflect how the scorinator arrives at final scores. The final scores and number of innings shown are official. No nation's RP will be penalised for using, or for not using, the generated line scores.

Group A

Bluth Corporation     002 202 000 - 6
Mantwenic             200 100 200 - 5

Sarzonia              104 121 102 - 12
Silver Beach          001 000 010 - 2

Secristan             200 110 100 - 5
Tsenor                000 111 000 - 3

Group B

Zwangzug              200 000 010 - 3
Barnettsville         001 000 004 - 5

Tarrentum             202 010 000 - 5
Kalasion              000 002 000 - 2

Brewdomia             000 200 004 - 6
Quintessence of Dust  201 211 10X - 8

Group C

Bloodbath Valley      000 100 001 - 2
Taeshan               102 303 10X - 10

South Norwega         100 000 010 - 2
Delaclava             000 002 01X - 3

The Fanboyists        010 011 000 - 3
Dancougar             001 200 20X - 5

Group D

Tocrowkia             300 020 002 - 7
The Babbage Islands   000 000 011 - 2

JoeDad                000 000 000 - 0
Toiletdonia           100 310 00X - 5

Undeadzombiee         002 112 023 - 11
Steroga               110 120 200 - 7

Group E

Newmanistan           100 102 000 - 4
Virabia               000 002 30X - 5

Milchama              000 101 020 - 4
Qazox                 103 121 00X - 8

Emothica              001 000 001 - 2
Verdriet              000 100 000 - 1

Group F

Kazzoria              300 000 010 - 4
Cassadaigua           100 131 00X - 6

Western cuba          500 082 300 - 18
Yafor 2               200 210 201 - 8

Albundania            050 000 000 - 5
Vephrall              000 011 000 - 2

[Undeadzombiee]

In a high scoring shootout that left many questioning the ability of their pitching staff, the Zombiee’s limped away with a 11-7 win. Brad Schoepp was the starting pitcher, and he had a bad couple or innings, allowing two runs in the first two innings, one from a bases loaded walk, and the second from a leadoff homer.

All this time the Zombiee’s were struggling to get on base, and had only one hit, compared with Steroga’s six. Then, miraculously, Jamie Pickles, a recent call up from the minors, with a very weak bat, had a leadoff double into the outfield, and Schoepp bunted her to third.

Cory Hadfield was up, and he blasted a shot to the warning track that sent Pickles home, and he went to third. Lance Soltis struck out swinging, and Turek was walked, leaving Allan Prochaska at the plate, with men on first and third. He shot a single down the left field line, and Hadfield scored. But alas, all rallies must end, and ours ended when Ted Stiller struck out.

Then in the next three innings, the Zombiee’s and Steroga battled an epic battle of swinging, with first Steroga, and then the Zombiee’s taking the lead, and with three innings to play, the score was 6-5, Zombiees.

Schoepp had been pulled for Christian Wasden by the sixth inning, and he did not disappoint, for the most part, though he did allow a go ahead run.

The Zombiee’s were behind by one with two left to play, but an amazing run, including three homers, let them go home to the victory.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

BUT... DIDN’T THEY LOSE?

Vonghurst- Fans at Bayview Field in Vonghurst were all happy, having pulled off the greatest victory that they will ever see in baseball in their lifetimes. You can understand why they would be acting this way, because now they can actually lay claim to having done something in sports other then rugby. The fans were acting like they just won the world series, and the players celebrating and making boasts that they will be tough for anyone to beat. Surely, the mood in the Newmanistan locker room would be somber. It would be a squad looking for answers about how they could start things off with a loss, especially to some nation named Virabia. So, why were the Rockets so upbeat? Smiling? Laughing?

“We’re the greatest team in the world!” proclaimed Meghan Butler after the game, showing no signs that her SLORC would have equaled WBC 12 levels after he game. “You think one game is going to get us down? I don’t think so! The important games are in the playoffs.” Christina Sanders attributed to a freak occurance; “We’d win 19 of the 20 games against them. If we had a doubleheader, we’d crush them in the second game. But this was their 1 of 20. For us, it’s not a big deal. Not in any way.” Sarah Brayton had a smooth first inning but got herself into trouble in the second inning as Zygmunt Chychla and Orlando Madrid led the inning off with singles, and were driven in on a double by Myles Kaiser. A couple of fly balls later, and Kaiser was in to make it 3-0. “They put some hits together. They didn’t crush the ball, but they found spots. Such is baseball,” said Brayton. Newmanistan replied with two runs in the third after Jessica Sorenson singled and advanced on a Brayton sacrifice, and then scored on a Stacie Meadows single. Stacie stole second, then an out later, scored on a single by Meghan Butler. An inning later, a solo HR off the bat of Courtney Weinman tied up the game and all seemed well as if it were going to be the kind of game that the Rockets would eventually pull away from late. But that wasn’t the case, as in the bottom of the 6th, Cooper Hawkes brought the fans to their feet with a towering home run to left, measured at 446-feet to put Virabia back up by run. Brayton told us that she got her signals crossed with catcher Jessica Sorenson, and admits that the pitch was her error. Jessica called for a curve low and to the outside, but Brayton came with a fastball that got too much of the plate. When that happens, it doesn’t matter who the other team is, at the international level, any batter is going to crush that kind of mistake if they get a good read on it, which Hawkes obviously did. He was clearly sitting on a fastball on the 2-2 pitch, making Sorenson kind of think if Sarah came with the curve, it would have been a strike out. “But I am not gonna make a big deal over it, it was a mistake that is easily corrected as far as what was done wrong technically. The result of the play, just makes it seem like a bad play all around.” Still, the resilient Rockets got the run right back again in the top of the 7th on an RBI double by Natalie Monroe, scoring Meghan Butler who had singled right in front of her; game tied again, 4-4.

But Virabia struck back. Michelle Harrison, who had pitched the Rockets through the bottom of the 7th was still on the hill in the bottom of the 8th inning. The 8-9-1 batters were due to come up, so Sanders felt she would just leave Michelle in. Harrison fanned leadoff batter Ezra Morejon but then gave up a critical double to pinch hitter Nate Russel. A seeing-eye single by Horace Fransiscovich up the middle was enough to bring in Russel for the run of the game. The throw in from center from Stacie Meadows was just an inch or two too far to Jessica Sorenson’s right, and that extra reach may have prevented the Rockets from nailing Russel at the plate in what was a bang-bang play at home (but the correct call was made by the umpire, he did beat the tag by a split second). Meadows criticized herself over the throw. “Terrible!” she exclaimed, “That was my bad all the way, I made Jessica reach a bit, causing her to lean a bit in the opposite direction of where she needed to be to make the tag. We get the runner if I make a better throw, and I will make it next time.” Virabia’s closer, Jack Closs, pitched the 9th for a save but it was not without its tense moment. With a runner on second and two outs, Kristen Wheeler just missed a home run by a matter of inches, with the ball going foul. Then on the next pitch, a would-be double was just a couple inches foul. She crushed the next pitch, but a line drive was caught on a fantastic leaping grab by Myles Kaiser at short to secure the Virabia win.

So why are the Rockets not upset. Sanders explains, “Everything that happened against us today you can attribute to a bit of a rust and having not played in a game together for a while. This will shake itself off, and we’ll be just fine in Milchama. The sports writers from all around the world will have their fun with this result. And I say you all go have it. Laugh hysterically if you must. We’ll be laughing to the bank in the Babbage Islands in a few weeks.”

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

Falcons Win First Game

UPDATED WITH HITTING AND PITCHING BOXSCORES
Napoliroma, Tarrentum, AS of Tarrentum - After the late-night flight back to the beautiful Eternal Supreme President Borgia Italiana International Airport the team, victorious, arrived in the pleasant confines of Napoliroma. The game against Kalasion went as expected, better than expected by some of the team.

The game started with a wonderful display of power from the lineup. Zappa [Ferdini Zappataro] led off the game with a 3-2 double pulled down the rightfield line. He promptly stole third on Rioi's first pitch during his at bat, putting the pressure on the Kalasion's pitcher. Rioi unfortunately grounded out to the first baseman and was not able to advance Zappa from third. Ianello took his hacks at the plate and managed a pop-up to left field, driving in Zappa from third and recording a sac fly in the process. With two down and no one onbase Valerio Utteroni came up and took the third pitch fastball deep into the rightfield stands for Tarrentum's first international homerun. The beautiful Dessea Vallena next stepped up to the plate and stepped up in a big way. The first woman to play in an international event for Tarrentum, Dessea belted a line drive over the shortstops head and recorded a single. With Puloni up and the inning looking like it was never going to end, Vallena stole second but unfortunately, Puloni hit directly to the second baseman, ending the inning.


The power continued for the Falcons in the third inning after a disappointing 1-2-3 second from the bottom of the lineup. Zappa bunted to start the third, surprising not only the Kalasions but also Tiberius Wavi, the Falcons manager. Wavi told me on the plane ride back that he wanted Zappa to "hit another one and get a triple." Alas, Zappa went his own route and found the Kalasion's utterly confused. With Zappa on first, the Kalasion pitcher threw 5 straight pick-off attempts, all failing. With the Kalasion crowd thoroughly disapproving of these constant attempts he finally delievered a pitch to Rioi right over the plate which Rioi promptly put into the stands in dead center, right where it belonged. With Ianello at the plate and no one out, the Kalasion pitcher finally calmed down enough to pitch a decent inning. Ianello reached first on a bloop single but then Utteroni hit into the all-too-familiar 6-4-3 double play (SS-2B-1B for those not understanding baseball parlance). With Vallena up next she was able to reach first on an error by the Kalasion's third baseman, who booted the ball into his own dugout, almost knocking out one of his managers. With Puloni up, Vallena attempted to steal second but was picked off in a disputed call by the Kalasion's catcher. Though Wavi tried in vain to let the umpire know that he should have his eyes checked with a qualified optomitrist at the earliest appointment available, the call stood and the third inning was over.

But enough of the power, the real story for the Falcons during the first five innings was the no-hit, shutout ballgame that Jacobo pitched. His knucklecurve simply left the Kalasion's confused, heartbroken and running home to cry to their mothers. His command was perfect and Jacobo looked to be on pace for a no-hitter but all was for naught. He started the bottom of the sixth by walking the first Kalasion he faced then gave up two singles to load the bases. He was able to cause the fourth Kalasion batter of the inning to hit into a double-play but Vessea chose to get the outs at second and first instead of going home on the force out. With a runner still on third and two outs, Jacobo gave up a double. With a man on second he finally regained his composure and struck out the next batter he faced.

Jacobo was pinch-hit for in the next inning by "The Sargeant" Trego Saronna. Saronna came to bat with Ionian already on first after his first hit in the game. Saronna, known for his double hitting prowess, did not disappoint and promptly belted one to left field. Unfortunately Ionian misunderstood [Galahad] Asanti at third base and stopped instead of trying for home. Zappa hit a line drive out to the first baseman on his next at bat. With Rioi up next and the count at 2-2, Ionian was picked off, unbelievably, at third. With two outs Rioi made an uncharacteristic mistake and hit a dribbler back to the pitcher, who got the putout at first.

Fironte Sareb, the Falcons 18 year old phenom, came in as the reliever for the rest of the game, not allowing a run but giving up five hits over his three inning performance. Sareb also struck out his only at bat and the game ended quickly as the Kalasion's reliever gave up some hits, but no runs.

It was a tremendous performance by the Falcons and gives them a lot of confidence going up against the Zebras from Zwangzug at Imperium Stadium in Napoliroma. They face off against lefty Parry Cordemoy who has excellent efficiency on the mound but, a benefit to the Falcons, is prone to giving up extra-base hits. Could the Falcons pull off the upset of one of the top-ranked teams? It's a perfect storm as the Supreme President Cesare Italiana will be in attendance and has told everyone that the first BBQ Hot Dog is on him. With rabid fans and an impressive team, Strikeout King Gaele DeRosi will take the mound against the Zebras to put them back where they should be, on a safari hunt.

-Michealan Gardini

Box score:

Pos SS 1B CF C 2B RF 3B CF PH P P

Name Ferdini Zappataro Nicolai Rioi Jax Ianello Valerio Utteroni Dessea Vallena Cesare Puloni Xavier Gradoni Norian Ionian Trego Saronna Brodi Jacobo Fironte Sareb

AB 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 1 2 1

H 3 1 2 3 3 1 0 1 1 0 0

R 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

AVG .600 .200 .500 .600 .600 .200 .000 1.000 .000 .000

HR 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RBI 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

SB 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Name Brodi Jacobo Fironte Sareb

IP 6 3

W 1 0

L 0 0

S 0 0

ERA 3.00 0.00

ER 2 0

H 3 5

W 1 0

K 5 2

WHIP 0.67 1.67

[Toiletdonia]

Jancotta: Hooray we won!

Spurone: Yeah but it was against an unranked team called joedad.

Moss: True but still it's a good start.

Spurone: We need all the rank we can get.

Jancotta: Last time we only won one game.

Moss: But now we're 20th in the world which means we have a chance of getting into the next round.

Spurone: I don't know we are rubbish.

Moss: We always need keep our heads up and try.

Jancotta: Too right bro.

Spurone: Whatever lets go to training.

Moss: You've become a better captain since you stopped drinking.

Spurone: Thanks!

Jancotta: We'll you've been a duller captain since you stopped drinking.

Spurone: I will start drinking again actually I already have. *BURP*.

Moss: Oh no! Now were going to interest people in our stuff.

Spurone: I have an eBay account by the way nation states. I’m Hotflaminggamerboy 21232.

Jancotta: No time for advertising lets go to training.

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

Imperium Stadium, Napoliroma, Tarrentum, Tarrentum - Finally back to the lovely confines of my own apartment and back to the wonderful, Imperium Stadium. I thought a nice history lesson should start off this report on how the team's practice went this morning in preparation for the Zwangzug Zebras. Did you know that Imperium Stadium was built as a massive public works program by our Eternal Supreme President Borgia Italiana on the site of a Tarrentum Valley Imperium ampitheatre? Well if you didn't you do now. The ampirtheatre was the center of Napoliroma during the Imperium's prime and was used as a [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee] for five decades thereafter. Can you imagine the personal toll all of those [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee] would have caused to the construction crews? Sometimes makes me wish for the good ol' days of the Imperium. But, fear not, a new kind of [censored by Tarrentum National Press Committee] tonight when the Zebras come galloping into Tarrentum.

Practice went well and [Gaele] DeRosi looks well rested and on the mark during practice. Can the confidence of yesterday's win carry over into tonight's game? The Supreme President Cesare Italiana hopes so. Zwangzug will have a chip on their shoulder after losing to lowly Barnettsville yesterday when Barnettsville managed a 3-run 9th. Let's take a look at the Zwangzug roster and see where we can benefit and, sadly, where we are in for trouble.

Jamie Kersten, Zwangzug's right-handed second baseman (do they go by basewoman in Zwangzug?), is leading off for the Zebras and is going to be a handful on the bases. The lineup poses no problems after that until the cleanup hitter, right fielder Cecil Arzaga. His power alone has made men weep in Zwangzug but I'm sure that no man can compare to the descendents of the Imperium. The next big stumbling block is Ada Throop, batting in the number 6 spot and playing center field. Ada has been described by news outlets in Zwangzug as the "Clutchest of Clutch Hitters." I don't think she was too clutch yesterday however as the Zebras fell, and fell mighily. Did I mention that the Zebras lost to Barnettsville? In any event the bottom of the lineup shows no obvious signs of any power and we hope that this translates into good things for DeRosi's scorching fastball pitches.

However the Falcons will not have a walk in the ballpark like they did against Kalasion's no-name squad. I mean really, how's a girl supposed to admire ballplayers when she doesn't even now their names? The Zwangzug Zebras (try saying that three times quickly) are a dominant defensive ball club and will put the Falcon hitters to the test. Irene Scircle is the quickest player on the squad and she plays at the all important shortstop postion. Could her aptitude for gobbling up grounders become a curse to the Tarrentians?

I had a chance to catch up with Valerio Utteroni to discuss his 3-hit, 1 homerun game. "The ball just kept coming right where I could hit it. I never struck out and feel that I should have hit at every at bat I had." I asked Utteroni about his homerun. "It was a dream wasn't it? I heard the Kalasion fans threw it back onto the field. I just saw the inside curve coming and put some good wood on it. As soon as I swung, I knew it was gone." When asked about their chances tonight against the Zebras Utteroni shrugged then offered up his opinon. "Who can know? All I can control is the pitching strategy and my time at the plate. We had a tremendous game against Kalasion, but it was just Kalasion. Now we have the big boys...and girls I suppose, from Zwangzug and we'll see how Zebras play ball. I mean, why a Zebra? They can't even run away from being eaten by lions for crying out loud!"

Well it looks as though my time is up and the Zebras...in their "resplendant" White and Black...are starting their warmups. I wish all of Tarrentum to take time, drop the QuicknReady Pizzas and watch the game tonight, either in person or in front of a wonderful Rangle X57689 Flat-screen Plasma HD television. If you don't have one of those, then go buy one...even the Supreme President has one and don't you want to be just like him?
-Giani Boco

Game time weather forecast: Partly Cloudy Sky, 64^oF (18^oC)

[Qazox]

QSPN.com/ W B C 15 Coverage

LINE SCORE

Milchama 000 101 020 - 4  9 0
Qazox    103 121 00X - 8 17 0

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox 1st- Brown doubled to right; Sanchez grounded out to 3rd, Brown to 3rd; Garski singled to right, Brown Scored; Tyson struck out; Savoy grounded to 2nd, Garski out at 2nd. 1 run, 2 hits, 1-0 QAZOX.

Qazox 3rd- Shoppach stuck out; Brown singled to right; Brown stole 2nd; Sanchez singled to center, Brown to 3rd; Garski doubled to right-center, Brown & Sanchez scored, Garski to 3rd on throw; Tyson flied out to right, Garski scored; Savoy grounded out to short. 3 runs, 3 hits, 4-0 QAZOX.

Milchama 4th- LaPlante HR to right-center, LaPlante scored; Hafava doubled to center; Merter flied out to right, Hafava to 3rd; Davies popped out to catcher; Eltanor grounded out to 2nd. 1 run, 2 hits, 4-1 QAZOX.

Qazox 4th- Rabbinski doubled to left center; Wright singled to left, Rabbinski to 3rd; Grahame grounded into 6-4-3 DP, Wright out at 2nd, Rabbinski scored, Shoppach struck out. 1 run, 2 hits, 5-1 QAZOX.

Qazox 5th- Brown singled to right; Sanchez HR to right, Brown & Sanchez scored; <<Pitching change Milchama: Hermeton OUT/Olian IN>> Garski flied out to right; Tyson singled to left, Savoy popped out to short, Rabbinski singled to left, Tyson to 2nd; Wright struck out. 2 runs, 4 hits, 7-1 QAZOX.

Milchama 6th- LaPlante HR to right-center, LaPlante scored; Hafava grounded out to short; Merter singled to center; Davies doubled to right, Merter to 3rd; Eltanor lined out to 1st; Thomas flied out to left 1 run, 3 hits, 7-2 QAZOX.

Qazox 6th- Grahame singled to right. Shoppach sac bunt to third, Grahame to 2nd; Brown grounded out to first, Grahame to 3rd; Sanchez walked; Garski singled to left, Grahame scored, Sanchez out at 3rd advancing. 1 run, 2 hits, 8-2 QAZOX.

Milchama 8th- Hafava singled to center; Merter doubled to right, Hafava to 3rd; Davies walked; Eltanor singled to left-center, Hafava & Merter scored, Davies to third, <<Pitching change Qazox: Shoppach OUT/Batiste IN (throwing righty)>> <<Pinch-hitter Milchama: Aminton for Olian>> Aminton stuck out; O'Kelt grounded into 4-6-3 DP, Eltanor out at 2nd. 2 runs, 3 hits, 8-4 QAZOX.

QSPN Players of the Game:
Qazox: Dyana Garski (4-5, 2B, 3 RBI, run)
Milchama: Martin LaPlante (2-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI)

[Cassadaigua]

Jennifer’s Space

I’m sure we surprised many people yesterday as we debuted our New Baseball Uniforms for the opening game against Kazzoria, one in which we won by the score of 6-4. It was a great day for Cassadaigua baseball, as not only did we show off the great new look, but we celebrated our championship with a ceremony before the game. It was pretty cool really as we displayed a podium with the World Baseball Classic trophy sitting next to the World Cup of Hockey Trophy, which was next to the World Cup. At least one member of each championship team was on hand making it a great day for the fans. Players from our last team that are no longer with us were on hand as well, and we had a giant autograph party after the game. Also fans were allowed, after the game, to take pictures of themselves standing behind the table the had the three trophies on it. Maybe some would look at this as a bit of gloating, but for us to be in the position we are now as a nation, to be the defending champion in three of the world’s most popular sports, what’s wrong with a little showmanship for our fans? It was a moment for them really, not for us. In our locker room, we had a good focus for the game.

For Samantha Thatcher, it was her first time taking on the #1 role on our pitching rotation since both Meghan Corrigan and Rachel Andrews have moved on to their post-WBC careers. Sammi felt good, but she was admittedly nervous, and I think that showed in the first inning after she walked the first two batters. She was shaky to start with her pitch location, and Kazzoria took advantage of it, but the struggles in which she had would be a one inning thing. She was dominant thereafter, tossing seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits. The four walks is something she will not be happy about, but I would expect that number to be cut down in her next outing. She also would have liked to have had more then 6 strikeouts. But we got what we needed. Julie Ricci tossed the 8th, then Gabby Whitman came in and picked up her first save at this level. With the bats, we did our damage primarily in the middle innings, with the highlight being a three-run double with the bases loaded by the person writing this blog. I was sitting on the curveball all the way and the pitcher obliged. The left-fielder was cheating towards the gap, and I was on to that. Not quite sure why he was playing me that way, but I was able to capitalize on the opportunity. It’s one thing to notice that you have a lot of room to place a hit down the line, and something entirely different to actually execute the play. I was able to. I had considered trying to stretch it into a triple, but with just one out, I didn’t think the risk was worth the reward. Katie Sheridan added a solo HR in the game as well, and all that helped us to our 6-4 victory at home in front of all of you. We go to Vephrall to play the team that will probably be the biggest threat to us in the group. We’ve had experience in World Baseball Classics against them before, so it’s a group of people we respect. If I won’t see you in Vephrall, that’s ok, I know you’ll be watching at home!

[Tocrowkia]

NordicNation.net

World Baseball Classic 15 coverage

Code: Select all

TEAMS        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
TOC          3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2   7 12 0
TBI          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1   2 4 0


WIN:
Tommy Thunder (1-0)
HRs:
Johnny Stryker 1 (1), Jill Haviland 1 (1), Kevin Monroe 1 (1)

Though the Bumblebees may have beaten the Nordics in the World Bowl, they were pummeled on the green diamond today by the tune of 7-2. The Nordics had their way with the Bees' from the very first pitch as Kitten Dyfuse lined it into center for a lead-off single. Adam Marksworth worked the count full in his favor and hit a seeing-eye single between 2nd and 1st in the next at bat. Johnny Stryker did not waste much time, either as he blasted the 4th pitch of the at bat down the line in right about 424 feet for a three-run dinger. That was about it for scoring though, aside from a few more hits in the inning.

Something we like to keep track of here is Tommy Thunder's opening day win streak, which is now 7. In the past seven years on opening day with Thunder hurling, the Nordics have trounced opponents by a combined score of 54-13. Though time is catching up with Thunder as his once blazing hot fastball never really peaked beyond 93 MPh, his location and off-speed pitches were still spot on, which helped him toss a complete game with 9 strikeouts and two earned runs. He didn't give anybody a free pass, either. Jill Haviland added a solo shot in the 5th, and Kevin Monroe hit a two-run homer of his own to deep center that really provided all the offense the team ever needed.

[Steroga]

Steroga drops opener

In a very disappointing performance, the Sterogan baseball team was defeated in their first game of the group stage for World Cup 15 by the score of 11-7. For the fans at Kumar Field , the majority of which would rather see a great pitching duel instead of a slugfest, the loss to Undeadzombiee wasn’t the most disappointing thing about this game. It was the way that the team lost. There was no flow to this game from the outset. Steroga scored the first two runs of the contest before the Zombies scored three in the third. This is the way that the game went down, with the lead changing hands over and over again. If it were an auto race, then lead changes would be a good thing, but not in baseball. When you get a lead, you are supposed to hold it. The Sterogan pitching staff could not, and before they pulled away late, neither did the pitchers of Undeadzombiee. Undeadzombiee did feast on a young Steroga bullpen in the final two innings in order to turn a 7-6 deficit to their 11-7 win. Coach Patel after the game told reporters, “That was ugly baseball and not the way I want us to be playing. If we are scoring 7 runs then we better be winning the game comfortably. There is no excuse for giving up 11, especially when we had our ace on the mound. The Zombies played poorly too. It was a case of one team playing bad and the other team playing worse. We have The Babbage Islands coming here next and we better get this things straightened out or else things will not be pretty tomorrow.”

[Tarrentum]

@MichealanGardini
O-no. Nobdy knos what hapend to Grasti aftr practice. He wnt dwntwn, now MIA. Will he show up?