OK, Maybe The WBC Isn't All Bad

Anyone that's read my stuff knows that I am NOT the biggest fan of the World Baseball Classic. Still, there have been positives that cannot be overlooked.

1. People ARE watching. My guess is the combination of national pride and the desire to move away from the steroids mess created by the players, Union Head Don Fehr and used car salesman Bud Selig have fueled this. To their credit, guys are playing hard. I admit, I am rooting for team USA-as long as David Wright and J.J. Putz don't get hurt.

2. Surprises. Who knew that Italy and the Netherlands would do do well? That is awesome for the spread of the game, which I've always said is necessary, ESPECIALLY in the USA.

3. The Domincan Republic is out, which means Jose Reyes can head back to the Mets(batting lead off) where he belongs.

4. It IS Baseball, (or a somewhat reasonable facsimile) the greatest sport the Lord purposed to create.

Keep in mind, all is not perfect with the WBC. There are things that must be changed:

The Mercy Rule. Baseball is made to be played for nine innings. Remember that 10 run inning the Mets had against the Braves at Shea several years ago? Forget about that in the WBC If a team falls behind early.

Extra Innings Rule. Putting runners at 1st and 2nd after the 13th inning to try to expedite scoring. What is this, college football?. PLAY THE GAME!!

Pitch Counts: I know they increase per round, but if a team isn't willing to let its guys go all out, forget it. It's just another reason why this event should be held AFTER the baseball season.

The DH: Why must the game be 'all DH, all the time? I hate the DH from Little League to the Majors anyway.

That said: Let's Go USA-though if you can do it with Wright and Putz leading the cheers rather than risking injury, so much the better. Now, maybe Puerto Rico can be knocked out so Beltran and Delgado can get back to Port St. Lucie and concentrate on not choking away another playoff spot.