Japan will enter the 2009 World Baseball Classic with the proud distinction as defending champions. But for a country that beams with baseball pride, there figures to be no lack of hunger for a repeat performance.
Hideki Matsui's recovery from left knee surgery will prevent him from playing for Japan in next year's World Baseball Classic.
Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Most Valuable Player of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, says that he is ready to help Japan defend its title.
Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki plans to play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic next spring.
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.
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.
The confidence manager Sadaharu Oh showed in right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka paid huge dividends Monday night for everyone connected with Team Japan.
