Previewing USA At The 2017 World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic has been a great event so far, but now we are getting into the thick of things as the heavy hitters are now about to start. But the one team that will look to finally get over the hump and make some noise is the United States. By just looking at their roster they are the absolute heavy favorites to win it all. Their group won’t be easy, but if they can perform well, then we will know what they are capable of.
Lets take a lot at their roster
Pitchers
Chris Archer
Tyler Clippard
Danny Duffy
Sam Dyson
Mychal Givens
Luke Gregerson
Nate Jones
Jake McGee
Andrew Miller
Pat Neshek
Tanner Roark
David Robertson
Marcus Stroman
Designated Pitchers Pool
Brett Cecil
Michael Fulmer
JA Happ
Drew Smyly
Alex Wilson
The rotation here is very good, but its not the absolute best. Archer is probably the best pitcher here. He had a down year in 2016, but his stuff is awesome. Duffy finally came into his own last season as he was the Kansas City Royals best pitcher in 2016. Roark became a starter again last season and he showed how good he really is as his stuff, when it’s on, is almost unhittable. Stroman is an up and coming star as he looks to be an ace for Toronto in 2017. The bullpen is probably the best part of this team as they have some awesome arms. Clippard, Jones, Dyson, Givens Robertson, Gregerson, and Neshek are lights out, Miller is the best reliever on the team, and McGee might be the hardest throwing pitcher on the squad.
(Players in designated pitchers pool will be previewed if USA advances)
Catchers
Buster Posey
Jonathan Lucroy
Two of the best catchers not only in the United States, these two are the best in the world. So no matter who starts, the US are in good shape.
Infielders
Nolan Arenado
Alex Bregman
Brandon Crawford
Paul Goldschmidt
Josh Harrison
Eric Hosmer
Ian Kinsler
Daniel Murphy
This infield is absolutely stacked as they have players who can absolutely rake. Arenado is the best third baseman in the league. Crawford is a great hitter and an even better fielder. Goldschmidt has a ton of power. Harrison is a versatile player who can play pretty much anywhere, Hosmer is a good hitter but is an awesome fielder. Kinsler is one of the best leadoff hitters in the league as he is speedy and has power. Murphy had a breakout year last year as he has lots of power and can get lots of hits. Bregman is an up and coming star
Outfielders
Adam Jones
Andrew McCutchen
Giancarlo Stanton
Christian Yelich
This is a very good outfield as they are led by Giancarlo Stanton who is probably the most powerful hitter in baseball. McCutchen had a down year in 2016, but he is an MVP candidate every year. Yelich is slowly becoming one of the best players in the league as he is very underrated. Jones is a five tool player who will use his veteran leadership to help USA finally win the whole thing.
This is probably the closest thing the US has had to a dream team, but this isn’t even the best team possible. However, this team is very deep and any team will have a tough time beating them. They are heavy favorites to win this tournament. However, in group play, they will have to face Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Canada. Colombia will throw Jose Quintana out at the US in the first game as he is one of the best pitchers in the American League and one of the most underrated players in all of the league. The Dominicans are defending champions and are also heavy favorites to win the tournament. They will be the toughest squad that the US will face. Canada has some talent as they could possibly even upset the US.
This team should be able to finally get over the hump and possibly make people in their own country even more interested in the World Baseball Classic. I really think they will be crowned champions in 2017.
