WBC Update

A few brief notes about the World Baseball Classic, which ramps up again tomorrow with a full slate of games.

- Korea upset Japan 3-2 last week, highlighted by Seung Yeop Lee's (5-11 in 3 games, 3 bombs, 14 total bags) two-run 8th inning bomb off Hirotoshi Ishii in front of Crown Prince Naruhito and 40 some thousand other Japanese fans. Chan Ho[ffman] Park closed out the game with his second save in three games, inducing Ichiro to pop up for the game's final out. I did not see the at-bat but it is all but certain that Chan Ho's stuff was absolutely nasty.

- Speaking of Korea's squad ... in an earlier post (see below) I predicted that Yong-Taik ("Y.T.") Park would dazzle U.S. baseball fans during the Classic and make a name for himself over on this side of the Pacific. Watching Korea's opening game against Chinese Taipei, however - and to my utter dismay - I noticed that In-Sik Kim (the Korea manager) started Jong Beom Lee in centerfield in place of Y.T. Park. I of course was outraged and took it as a personal affront. Turns out, wouldn't you know, that In-Sik may know something about his players as J.B. Lee has done nothing more in three games than go 5-9 with 3 2B, a .556 avg. and 1.525 ops. Not to mention he was on base when S.Y. Lee hit aforesaid game-winning bomb off Ishii. I will note, in the interests of saving face, that Y.T. Park has gone 1-2 with a 3B. Just give him a shot, In-Sik. I implore you.

- Finally, as you are all well aware, Peavy goes tomorrow against the vaunted team from the United States of Mexico. Early prediction: 65 pitches, 62 strikes, 2 tactically brilliant brushbacks, 1 bomb to Vinny Castilla. Tune in at 4:00 est. on ESPN2.