Pool B Predicted Finish: Korea, Netherlands, Australia, Chinese Taipei
Korea
Notable players: Taekyun Kim, Sukmin Yoon
Manager: Joong-Il Ryu
First game: March 2 vs. Netherlands
In 2009, Korea took second place in the WBC, finishing 2-3 against Japan and 4-0 against everyone else. The team will likely benefit from not being in Japan's pool this year. The roster has plenty of new faces, but Kim hit .345 with three home runs and a WBC-leading 11 RBIs last time. Meanwhile, Yoon allowed only two runs in 16 innings pitched.
Netherlands
Notable players: Andruw Jones, Andrelton Simmons, Roger Bernadina
Manager: Hensley Meulens
First game: March 2 vs. Korea
One of the highlights of the 2009 WBC was when the Netherlands knocked the Dominican Republic out during the first round. The roster is mostly different this year, but features Jones, who won 10 Gold Gloves in his career. The team has several other past and present major leaguers, in addition to prospects like Xander Boegarts.
Australia
Notable players: Luke Hughes, Chris Snelling, James Beresford
Manager: Jon Deeble
First game: March 2 vs. Chinese Taipei
Australia began the 2009 WBC by crushing Mexico, but then the team dropped the next two to be eliminated in the first round. Snelling had two home runs last time, while Beresford hit .444.
Chinese Taipei
Notable players: Chien-Ming Wang, Che-Hsuan Lin
Manager: Chang-Heng Hsieh
First game: March 2 vs. Australia
The team managed just one run in two games in 2009. Lin, who had three hits last time, made his major league debut with the Red Sox last year. Chien-Ming Wang is the only other recognizable name, and if he makes it to the mound healthy, that will be quite a feat in itself. I expect another quick exit.
For complete 2013 World Baseball Classic rosters, schedules, and more, visit the official site.
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