Grant Balfour, who had a superb season pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays, could join the Aussies when they play in Mexico City in the second World Baseball Classic in March.
Eight international umpires from five countries are honing their skills at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
The Australian team won't be playing for a berth to Round 2 of the World Baseball Classic on Friday, but they have pride on the line, and that's plenty of motivation.
Although Venezuela prevailed on Thursday over Australia, 2-0, the losing club made this contest much more competitive than anyone could have expected. The loss effectively ends Australia's chances in the World Baseball Classic.
After getting drilled by Italy on Tuesday, Australia's road only gets tougher, as they still have to play Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, starting with Venezuela on Thursday.
