Well, I just like the way that sounds.
Japan vs. Chicago in Mesa.
I looked this up online so I'm pretty sure it's incorrect - Japan is 142,000 square miles, Chicago 227, and Mesa is 108.
Probably my proportions are wrong in the illustration, too - oh well.
But it's cool that Kosuke Fukudome is playing for his country versus his team in a suburb of Phoenix.
If you've never been to Phoenix, it's really one big area with the division between city and suburbs being defined by streets.
If you see a sign that says "welcome to Mesa", then on the other side of that sign it says "welcome to Phoenix".
It's just an exhibition game, but what a bunch of fun this would be.
I see Kosuke's listed as a right fielder, but he played center last game, and hitting...
Well his stats say he's got 2 hits and 4 walks in 7 at bats, but it also says he has 2 strikeouts.
That's mystifying, but maybe he struck out and the catcher dropped the ball or something.
Nah, probably the stat guy's a drinker.
But he's hitting .286 in the 3 games Japan has played so far in the WBC.
Man, I'd take that average, Kosuke.
After hearing he and Lou shared a big hug and Lou's thinking a 1-2 punch of Alfonso-Kosuke at the top of the order (did he specify vs righty or lefty pitching? can't remember), well, it's a good vote of confidence for the Cub center fielder. And I really hope he's turned it around and will stop with the spinning around thing.
Carlos Marmol's Dominican Republic team was booted by the pesky Nederlanders, so he should be in camp soon.
Fukudome's Japanese team is into the second round, so who knows how long he'll be...not there.
Today he'll be facing Big Z, who promised to throw him straight fastballs down the middle.
With Carlos' sense of humor, I'd be looking for the first pitch going to the backstop.
