Intergalactic Baseball Classic 2023

 For the first time since 2006, when Team USA played Tattooine United, we have a classic tournament.

Format: 16 teams compete in two 8 team division. Each team plays every other team in their division, total of 7 games. Division winners and two wild cards from each division advance. Ties will be broken by 1) head to head record and if necessary 2) run differential, 3) fewest runs allowed.

The teams are:

Puerto Rico Giants 

Manager: Luis Vasquez Captain: Denny Berroa

The team has some power arms and outfield speed, but the lineup does not have the power of the top contenders.

Japan Samurai, Manager: Hiroshi Yamashita Captain: Tommy Masuda

While not a favorite to win, they have some elite upside in the rotation and power bats of Masuda and young 3B Kosaku Rin.

Team USA, World Police:

Manager: Wally Calhoun, Captain: Bryce Parkman

They have the most overwhelming talent in the tournament, with top to bottom power, a rotation full of 200+ and some 300 strikeout men, and a bullpen full of closers.

Dominican Tigers:

Manager Bill the Cat, Captain Miguel Cruz

An outstanding infield led by Cruz, MVP Alex Duran, and fragile megatalent Ricardo Rosario. This will be Rosario’s time to shine as injuries have been turned off for the 7 game schedule. When it’s over, he will resume his customary place on the 60 day IL for the New York Knights.

Bill the Cat was arrested for being a drug mule in a Dominican Airport. The government agreed to drop charges if he managed their team to victory, however he is looking at hard time if the team falls short.

To be continued…