Bryan Smith provides some analysis of the World Baseball Classic, with an eye toward drafting fantasy players:
The first question statheads will likely have after this tournament’s completion is whether successful participants are more likely to continue playing well early in the season. If true, fantasy owners should be pushing up the likes of Adrian Beltre, Ken Griffey Jr., Carlos Beltran and Derrek Lee on their draft boards. All have been fantastic thus far.
Furthermore, if the Twins had any question whether Francisco Liriano was ready for the Major Leagues, his tournament thus far should answer such qualms. The Dominican southpaw has struck out six batters and showcased the power arsenal that led to such a dominant 2005 season. Finally, for those that doubted the resumes of Jae Seo, Javier Vazquez or Bartolo Colon, their tournaments should change your mind. Seo in Dodger Stadium is particularly intriguing.
I would not read too much into this tournament. The players might get 40 plate appearances if they’re lucky. That’s way too small a sample size. However, it’s clear that Griffey, Colon, Beltran and Beltre are healthy, and that’s well worth knowing.
Update: Fixed the link.
Baseball Musings is conducting a pledge drive in March. Click here for details.
If the WBC has any positive effect for players in it, I would suspect that it would apply to the participants as a group, as all will have had more plate appearances in “real” game situations than those getting their licks in Spring Training. But I think David’s right that the 40 PA’s themselves will be too small a sample to project forward. It’d be great if Griffey could keep going like he is, though. I’d love for his career sunset to be a glorious one.