INJURY UPDATES - the following players have withdrawn:

- SP Pablo Lopez (Venezuela)
- RP Jose Alvarado (Venezuela)
- RP Kaima Taira (Japan)
- RP Daichi Ishii (Japan)
- C Ivan Herrera (Panama)
- RP Edwin Uceta (DR)

Lopez hurts for sure. I think Venezuela still has the lead over Mexico, but the gap is much tighter without Lopez & Alvarado. Very sad to see these guys not able to play!

Who's here after Venezuela took the WBC?

I absolutely love the idea that some Czech tradesman that kinda just plays men's league in his off-time can just go and get a chance to face off against Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

I’m definitely rooting for the electrician and the firefighter

In 2023, Team Japan won the championship undefeated, despite having only three Major Leaguers.
So, that means the level of players playing in NPB is high.

Having Skenes and Skubal in the rotation is freaking crazy

Your research was on point. Three out of your top four reached the semifinals, and that’s as close as it could’ve gotten considering Japan and Venezuela faced each other in the quarterfinals, forcing one out of the tournament top 4. That fourth spot was taken by Italy, who you literally predicted they could over-perform.

rooting for Mexico, but damn, USA and Domica look scary, final boss vibes dude, reminds me of the anime "Major", the world cup season

Anyone here after Venezuela? 😭😭😭🫡 GGs boys

Australia just held their own against Shohei's Japan after 2 straight wins, 1 against Chinese Taipei. I think we can say they're above A ball.

It's not about MLB level talent. It's about heart, soul, and guts when it counts!

The united states literally has an all star starting pitcher as their 6th man in the rotation and a clayton kershaw being an "as many innings as you want" emergency button  💀

It is a super letdown that PR cant field their best possible squad.    MLB needs to figure that out.   I agree with your top 4...though I think as far as possible winners...  I might include Mexico and PR as well.

Taiwan 🇹🇼

今回はアメリカとドミニカが強すぎますね　銀河系軍団

I wasnt expecting my hometown team catching a stray Vamos Olmecas!

Japan was hit hard by the withdrawal of Japanese pitcher Daichi Ishii, who pitched in 50 games last season with just a 0.17 ERA but suffered a leg injury.

日本人として日本を応援しているけど、負けてもたくさんのスーパースターが自分の母国のために本気で野球をする姿が見れるだけで大満足です

Dude. I rarely comment, but you're one of my favorite small baseball creators on youtube. Amazing narration and content every time.

I'll cheer for Czechia.  They have a cool backstory.