I know it's only the World Baseball Classic, but baseball is officially back. I trust I'm not alone in thinking this past winter has been one of the longest on record. Ever since the Phillies knocked off the upstart Rays on a rain-soaked October night, I've been chomping at the bit to watch meaningful baseball games again. The quasi-resurgence of the Knicks has been a welcome distraction, but baseball, I find, is a much more pleasant viewing experience. There's just something soothing, even reassuring, about the game, which basketball, and its frenetic 82-game schedule, while compulsively entertaining, can't offer.
Needless to say, then, I'll be watching the Netherlands take on the Dominican Republic this morning and, later, Team USA against Team Canada this afternoon, instead of the Pitt-UConn rematch. Of course, the beauty of baseball also includes the opportunity to check in on other games in between pitches and innings.
To help you get in the proper baseball mood, here's a Dustin Pedroia commercial for MLB 09, a video game which seems to think the 2008 AL MVP and Team USA starting second baseman can't hit the inside fastball. Pedroia begs to differ.
