Japan defeated Cuba 10-6 to become the first World Champions of baseball. Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was named the MVP.

The World Baseball Classic final was expected to see the U.S. facing off against the Dominican Republic. That’s where most of the big stars are. But blame it the time of year, spring training, whatever… That is not the face off that will be occurring Monday night. Instead Japan defeated Korea 6-0 to face Cuba, who defeated Dominican Republic 3-1. You can read more about it here.

Following the United States’ 2-1 loss to Mexico, Japan advances to the semifinals of this weekend’s World Baseball Classic. Japan will play Korea, as Cuba faces off against the Dominican Republic.

With one spot remaining in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, the USA has a lot riding on tonight’s game versus Mexico. The other semifinal spots have been filled by Cuba, Dominican Republic, and, after their win over Japan, Korea. If the USA wins, they will play Korea on Saturday for a place in the finals.

There are several other scenarios where the U.S. could advance, even if they lose tonight’s game. If U.S. loses to Mexico, allowing 1 run in a regulation game or does not allow a 2nd run until after it has played 8 2/3 innings in the field or does not allow a 3rd run until after it has played 12 1/3 innings in the field, they could still advance. A tie with Mexico, allowing 3 runs in 14 innings, would also allow the U.S. to advance. So, really they need to win or lose 1-0.

If the U.S. does not advance, Japan probably will. If Mexico defeats the U.S. 3-0 in the 13th inning they will advance. Ah, for the ease of a single (or even double) elimination tournament bracket.

The Dominican Republic became the first team ever to qualify for the World Baseball Classic semifinals when they defeated Venezuela 2-1. It remains to be determined whether they will be the first or second seed.

In other World Baseball Classic news, Japan defeated Mexico Tuesday night. The final score was 6-1.

There’s a good reason to cheer for the Koreans. They’re playing for more than national pride. If they make it to the semifinals, they will also earn an exemption from service in the Korean military.

March 12-16 will be the second round for the World Baseball Classic. In pool 1, Korea, Japan, United States, and Mexico will be facing off. In pool 2, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela will be playing.

Pool 1 plays this week in Anaheim, California. USA and Korea played yesterday (Korea 7, USA 3). Japan and Mexico are playing today. Korea and Japan will play tomorrow. USA and Mexico play on Friday.

Pool 2 plays this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Cuba and Venezuela (Cuba 7, Venezuela 2) and Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic played on Sunday (Puerto Rico 7, DR 1). Monday was Dominican Republic v. Cuba (Dominican Republic 7, Cuba 3) and Venezuela v. Puerto Rico (Venezuela 6, Puerto Rico 0). Venezuela and Dominican Republic play tonight and Cuba and Puerto Rico play tomorrow.

Korea is, thus far, unbeaten. And Puerto Rico has only lost one game (to Venezuela).

The semifinals will be played on March 18 in California. The Finals will be played March 20, also in California.

The USA will play their first World Baseball Classic game today versus Mexico. The United States is in a pool with Mexico, Canada and South Africa. The top two teams advance to the second round next week in Anaheim, Calif.

Ichiro Suzuki is a great example of humility in a sports figure. Despite cheering fans at the World Baseball Classic, Suzuki has remained low key, acknowledging fans but not hogging the spotlight from other players. His is the kind of attitude I would like my children to learn from sports— humble leadership and national responsibility.

Baseball’s answer to the World Cup started today. Japan and South Korea both chalked up one in the win column. The Sporting News has a good summary of what to look for during this World Championship.

Effa Manley (a former Newark Eagles executive) became the first woman elected into the baseball hall of fame. You can read the full story here.

Congratulations to Effa.

Every year about this time players start reporting for the next year of Major League Baseball. There will be suprises and disappointments (and some disappointments that turn into surprises, Thank you Houston Astros ‘05.) This is the season for hope to spring eternal and all teams are undefeated. (Even the Cubs have a chance in March.) Baseball America has listed their top prospects for the new year below. Let me know what you think of the list.

Top 10 Prospects: Complete Index