USA USA USA!

Was tonight merely a repeat of the 1980 Olympics when Team USA made a miraculous comeback to beat the Russians? Well maybe not exactly...but in some sense, indeed it was! Team USA had some help from across the 50 states to make a ninth inning comeback versus Puerto Rico. 

USA trailed 5-3 heading into the bottom of the 9th facing elimination for the second straight game. Shane "The Flyin' Hawaiian" Victorino started things off in the 9th inning with a single. The boy from Down South, Brian Roberts followed up with a single of his own. Mr. Yankee, Derek Jeter had a sac-fly which allowed Victorino to move over to third base. Brian Roberts eventually stole second base and the kid from California, named Jimmy drew a walk which loaded the bases. With ducks on the pond the kid nicknamed Youk from Bean-Town drew a walk making it a one run ball game. 

Mr. Met (sigh...), hit a 2 run-blooper into right field to win the game! Team USA jolted out of the dugout onto the field as if a Starbucks had just opened up in the middle of nowhere...This was the first time I had seen the team get excited about anything since Game 1 of the tourny.

I was questioning manager Davey Johnson's gameplan all game for possibly not inspiring and motivating players enough. Maybe I was wrong...

This is an American sport, heck' it's America's Pastime! Let keep it that way!

Stockman Cut; WBC Update

The Braves cut injury prone RP Phil Stockman on Sunday. The English RP only appeared in six games last year for the Braves at the Major league level. Stockman had a 2.10 ERA in 19 appearances in AAA-ball for the Richmond Braves. 

As for the World Baseball Classic, USA lost their first game to Puerto Rico in a stunning fashion going down 11-1. The Puerto Rican's were anchored by a great pitching performance from Bravos SP Javier Vazquez. Vazquez tossed four strong innings of ball, striking out two batters while only sacrificing four hits and one run. The PR batting lineup filled with New York Mets players went on a tear against Jake Peavy. Peavy now has a 14.40 ERA in the Classic, and appears to have some control issues. 

Chipper Jones sat out tonight's game versus the Netherlands with an oblique injury. His return will be evaluated by team doctors. As for Garret Anderson, he will be sidelined for at least two-three weeks with a right calf injury. The AJC reports that the Braves are hopeful that Anderson will be starting in LF for Opening Day versus the Phillies April 5th. 

World Baseball Classic Update

Hey folks! Websites almost ready to go! 

Anyways, here a quick Bravos update. Garret Anderson hurt his calf while jogging before Friday's game and is unsure when he'll be back. Anderson has only been on the disabled-list two times prior to coming to Atlanta. 

The World Baseball Classic kicked off Thursday. U.S.A. won a nail-bitter versus Canada on Saturday. Brian McCann had a long ball and 3 RBI's while Chipper whiffed three times! Yikes... Jake Peavy, SP of the first game looked decent; kind of makes me wonder if he is going to be able to rebound after a rough 2008 season. Maybe, Wren saw something that made him hesitant to deal Yunel Escobar and other prospects. 

Sunday night, U.S.A pounced Venezuela for 15 runs. Former Bravo Mark DeRosa had 4 RBI's while Chipper struck out two times. Chipper, who is hitless thus far in the Classic has a mild strain on his right side but says he okay for the next round of the WBC. Chipper claims that it would be near impossible to try and keep him off the field, because his offense has not contributed to the team in any way. 

Things are looking a lot better for Team USA this year, but I am still shocked that players like Roy Halladay and Brandon Webb turned down offers to don the American flag on their jersey. 

What do ya'll think of Team USA's play so far? Do ya'll think they have a shot to go the distance?