Oh Canada! indeed

Just a few thoughts about the WBC so far …

• The USA lost to Canada yesterday, 8-6. The game was an 8-0 blowout at one point, but thanks mostly in part to a Jason Varitek grand slam, USA made a game of it. In fact, Chase Utley almost gave the US a one-run lead in the 8th with a huge blast with two on and two out. However, Red Sox prospect Adam Stern made a leaping grab at the wall, not quite robbing a home run, but definitely saving a few runs. Now the USA has its backs to the wall, with its hopes for advancing to Round 2 partly relying on the outcome of the Mexico-Canada game today. I’m horrible at math, so won’t even begin to try to explain that one.

• Wait, did I just say the USA lost to Canada?

• The WBC seems to be a huge success so far, with thousands of crazed nationalities gathering to root for their countries. Haven’t seen that many painted faces in the stands since the last World Cup.

• Do the Canucks even know HOW to play baseball? I thought the whole country was covered in ice? What gives?

• Big Papi could run for President (or King or Dictator or whatever kind of government they have there) of the Dominican Republic and win in a landslide right now. Two MONSTER shots in the opening game en route to an 11-5 romp of Venezuela.

• If Canada doesn’t beat Mexico today and the USA is eliminated from the WBC, I just might vomit.

• According to ESPN’s website, the Dominican Republic has a Representative Democracy form of government. So I guess that would make their leader the President. So what’s the over/under on number of “Big Papi for President” posters at today’s DR-Italy game? I’m going with 5 televised, 58 in the stadium.

• Man, I really hate the Yankees. Their fearless leader Steinbrenner, an outspoken opponent of the WBC, took it upon himself to apologize to their Spring Training fans for the absence of Yankee stars due to the WBC. The sign hung outside their Florida stadium makes it clear the WBC is not supported amongst the organization despite several star players’ involvement, including Yankee legends Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams. Way to support your stars, Georgie.

• But there is a bright side to this story. The sign hung outside the stadium had a spelling mistake. Of a big word. Of the Team Name. The Yankess. Isn’t karma great?