Tweaking the WBC

I really like the World Baseball Classic.

It's not the greatest baseball competition in the world but at a time of year when I'm jonesin' for some competitive hardball it'll do. I enjoy the emotion, the passion and the competition.

All that said, the setup is far from perfect.

I'd love to see MLB move this game to the Fall, playing in it in the weeks that follow the World Series. Here's why:

1. The players are all in shape, ready to go at 100% capacity and if someone does get hurt they have until March to get themselves ready for the following season.

2. You won't have to have innings or pitch limits, making the whole thing more like "real baseball" than exhibition baseball. We're only talking about 2-3 extra starts for SP's and only a handful more appearances for RP's so it's not like they're going to "wear down."

3. Players on teams who are not in the MLB post-season could work out together, creating a little of the in-game chemistry that a country like Cuba has.

There are potential problems with this idea, like the fact that free agents could sit out so they don't get hurt and going up against football, but those problems aren't as great as the ones that exist as things are right now.

Heck, teh WBC is going up against March Madness now. At least football is primarly played on Saturdays and Sundays.

Let's set this thing up in the Fall, play the games in Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, California, etc. and let the games be played more like the real thing.

KW