2009 WBC First-Round Sites Announced

[Jon]

AP[/url]"]TOKYO -- Mexico City, San Juan, Tokyo and Toronto were selected Monday to host first-round games at the second World Baseball Classic in 2009.

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Sites for the later rounds have not been announced. Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is the leading candidate to host the semifinals and final.

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China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan will play in Group A at the Tokyo Dome from March 5-9.

 

Australia, Cuba, Mexico and South Africa will play in Group B at Mexico City's Foro Sol Stadium from March 8-12.

 

Canada, Italy, United States and Venezuela will play in Group C at Toronto's Rogers Centre from March 8-12.

 

Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Panama and Puerto Rico will play in Group D at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium from March 7-11.

 

Unlike 2006, teams that advance from the second round will cross over for the semifinals and face opponents from the other side of the bracket.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO GO, JUMP ON IT. Especially if Venezuela's one of the teams -- their fans know how to have fun at a baseball game.

[Wilson A2000]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

[Derwood]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

 

they are only doing it every few years

[Garwilly]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

 

they are only doing it every few years

 

 

Every 4 years. (this first cycle through was 3 years, but every 4 after that)

[BCVM22]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

 

Again in 2009 and every 4 years thereafter.

[ChiCubsFan]

I might try to make it up to Toronto to see Venezuela vs US

[Balsa]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

Are you kidding? I thought it was awesome.

[Wilson A2000]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

Are you kidding? I thought it was awesome.

 

It was fun to watch, but the injury issue bothers me. Plus, it takes away from the team's regular spring training. With guaranteed contracts in baseball, its not fair to the owners.

[Yeti]

I didn't think they were doing this dumb tournament again

i went for the semi finals and finals last time in san degio, i had a great time, i dont know wth you're talking about

[Yeti]

its not fair to the owners.

:-({|=

[Ding Dong Johnson]

i went for the semi finals and finals last time in san degio, i had a great time, i dont know wth you're talking about

I was in Orlando for the first round (Venezuala, DR, Italy, and Australia) and also had an amazing time