Duke in Pro Baseball 2017 Edition

[awhom111]

I suppose it's time to start this thread. There is not much going on right now with Marcus Stroman solidly with the Blue Jays and everyone else waiting for minor league assignments.

Stroman is also on the USA team for the World Baseball Classic. As usual, Nate Freiman will play for Israel, with Kenny Koplove also a part of their expanded roster.

[awhom111]

Israel begins their World Baseball Classic on Monday and can be seen on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes. They will face South Korea at 4:30am ET and Taiwan at 10:00pm ET.

[awhom111]

Nate went 0 for 4 with a walk and a run in Israel's surprise 2-1 win over South Korea in 10 innings.

[Dev11]

Nate had a 3 run homer in Israel's big win over Chinese Taipei, and now Israel is in good shape to advance to the next round.

[awhom111]

Nate had a 3 run homer in Israel's big win over Chinese Taipei, and now Israel is in good shape to advance to the next round.

He was 3 for 6 with 4 RBI and 3 runs.

Their next game is at 10pm ET on Wednesday and can be seen in English on MLB Network with Spanish coverage on ESPN3 and then joined in progress on ESPN Deportes.

[awhom111]

Nate went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI in Israel's 4-2 win over the Netherlands as they now head to Japan.

[awhom111]

Marcus Stroman is scheduled to start for the United States against the Dominican Republic at 6:30pm ET on Saturday. The game will be on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.

Nate Freiman and Israel start the next round against Cuba at 10:00pm ET on Saturday with live coverage on ESPN3 only.

[awhom111]

Marcus did his job tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings, but the bullpen gave it up in a 7-5 loss.

Nate went 0 for 3 with a walk and run scored as Israel beat Cuba 4-1.

[awhom111]

Nate and Israel play the Netherlands at 6am EDT on Monday and can be seen on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.

[awhom111]

Nate and Israel try to keep the dream alive against Japan at 6am ET on Wednesday and can be seen on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.

[awhom111]

Nate went 1 for 4 as they lost to end their tournament.

[awhom111]

Marcus is set to start for the United States when they face Puerto Rico on Friday at 10pm ET and can be seen on MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.

[awhom111]

Marcus took the loss after giving up 4 runs in 4 2/3 innings.

[gam7]

The US is moving on to the World Baseball Classic Championship Game tomorrow night after pulling out a 2-1 victory over Japan, which was previously undefeated.

The US will take on Puerto Rico, which is undefeated in the WBC. The US will send our own Marcus Stroman to the mound against Seth Lugo of the NY Mets.

If you haven't been following the WBC, it's really compelling stuff. In some ways, it kind of feels like an international College World Series but with mostly pros. Guys show real emotion - more emotion than I have ever seen from most of them in MLB.

US-Puerto Rico should be basically an intense, emotional MLB all-star game.

US roster includes:

C - Posey, Lucroy
1B - Goldschmidt, Hosmer
2B - Kinsler, Murphy
SS - B. Crawford
3B - Arenado
OF - Stanton, McCutchen, A. Jones, Yelich

A bunch of solid SPs and a very good bullpen

Puerto Rico roster includes:

C - Y. Molina
2B - Baez
SS - Lindor
3B - Correa
OF - Beltran, Pagan.

Plus, my favorite play-by-play guy in all of baseball, Matt Vasgersian.

[gam7]

USA 4, Puerto Rico 0 through six innings.

Marcus Stroman started for the US and has not allowed a hit. He's on a pitch count, and is unlikely to have the opportunity to complete the game, but he's been impressive to say the least.

[gam7]

USA wins 8-0. Stroman was named MVP. That's a great honor, especially on this stacked USA roster.

[awhom111]

We finally have some minor league assignments to report.

Jordan Betts returns to Salem, the High A affiliate of the Red Sox.

The Pirates have James Marvel in Low A West Virginia.

Brian McAfee is with the Rays' Low A affiliate in Bowling Green.

[awhom111]

Sarkis Ohanian started his season at High A Daytona after the Reds assigned him there.

Nate Freiman is trying the independent route again, re-joining Long Island in the Atlantic League.

[awhom111]

A couple more players made debuts.

The Phillies have Kenny Koplove at Low A Lakewood.

Mike Matuella returned from another big injury and is at the Rangers' Low A affiliate in Hickory.

Brian McAfee was put on the DL.

[awhom111]

Nate Freiman has a new team, joining Acereros del North in Mexico.

Kenny Koplove was released.

Marcus Stroman left his last start early.