How the USA Lost the WBC Championship Before it Started

USA Manager Mark DeRosa made decisions in the game against Italy that didn’t make sense, leading to backlash from the media and a few media members wondering if the manager knew the situation. I don’t think DeRosa didn’t know the situation, he openly admitted to being overconfident in the teams’ 1. ability and performance, and 2. chances to make the finals. 

What ensued was Italy giving the USA a really, really tough loss. Ernie Clement earned a start at second while Paul Goldschmidt started at first base. Both of these players had gotten the starts over key players on the team. Bryce Harper is a known leader for Team USA and Brice Turang had been hitting really well in the WBC. I honestly can’t say too much about the management during the game, as the pitching was very well after a few tough innings. Players were put into the game after an early deficit. The problem was… the deficit had already been reached. 

I’m writing this article in the 7th inning of the WBC championship game in which Venezuela is currently up 2-0. My issue with Coach DeRosa remains… We were at a loss in this game before it started. I didn’t mind Nolan McLean starting the championship game. He got beat up by Italy but he’s a good and young pitcher. What I couldn’t understand was Gunnar Henderson not starting. Byron Buxton over Pete Crow Armstrong made sense because of the lefty starter in Eduardo Rodriguez, despite Buxton not having a hit in the WBC. Alex Bregman should not have been hitting over Gunnar Henderson. I also could have made an argument to start Paul Goldschmidt over Bryce Harper. 

Sure, big time players make big time plays, but eventually you have to go with who is hot at the time. Bregman, Harper, and Buxton have been cold this WBC. Coach DeRosa and the entire fandom that was watching this tournament knew that. When you start guys who are struggling, you’re already at a disadvantage. Ultimately, the USA fans had to watch that play out. Is this game outcome different if Pete Crow Armstrong starts? Is it different if Henderson starts over Bregman? What if Harper comes off of the bench instead of starting? We will never know.

What we do know is that this final was a let down for team USA. Team Venezuela was the better team this game, and this tournament. They were electric, hyped, and fun to watch. They executed their game plan. They kept the USA hitters off guard and guessing. As a USA fan, I still enjoyed watching this game because there was so much talent. That’s why the WBC is so fun. 

Despite the USA not winning, I feel like all of baseball won with this tournament, and does every time it comes around. Congratulations to Team Venezuela on a huge victory!

Postgame Thoughts and Final Notes

I think the decision to start Bryce Harper paid off. Wow, what a moment. I feel for Garrett Whitlock. He had been good, all WBC. But a huge tip of my cap to Eugenio Suarez (gave a fantastic post-game interview, by the way) who came up with a clutch hit in the 9th. Javier Sanoja also with a GREAT stolen base. Well done all around. This was an amazing game. 

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