Mister Baseball

by Riccardo Schiroli, who was reporting for FIBS.it at the World Junior AAA Baseball Championship in Edmonton, Canada

Out of 12 teams participating in the 23rd IBAF Junior World Cup, the 4 European teams finished in the last 4 places. The Netherlands beat the defending European Champions of Italy for 9th place and the Czech Republic beat Russia< to finish 11th.

The final standings may be deceiving in a tournament like this, since most of the teams do not face each other, but I would state for a fact that the European teams were well below the standard the best teams reached.

Italy mixed some solid pitching, and was never outscored, but struggled to score runs. The Netherlands on the contrary proved they have quite a disciplined offense and scored some runs, but their pitchers couldn’t keep them in the game against the Powerhouses. The Czech Republic had one good game against Puerto Rico, but definitely struggled to get on base. Russia, that lacked some of their best talent because these players were needed in domestic competition (at least, this is the rumor), looked hopeless against any team.

On an honest note, we should make it clear that European teams were based on pretty young players. No other team had on their roster kids born in 1992. Also it should be made clear that the year 1990 and 1991 have not seen a lot of talent bloom amongst this generation of players. But whatever argument we will bring, the substance will remain that European youngsters are not prepared to compete at this level.

Europe should reflect on this: what are we doing to develop talent?

Academies have become the third millennium ‘must’ since Italy proved MLB can be involved in a real player’s development project. But are these kids getting some competitive action, besides the coaching on skills that is done at the Academies? My answer is: not enough. And this is because the top level of baseball that is played nowadays in Europe (either the Dutch Hoofdklasse or the Italian Baseball League, pick at your choice) does not give enough opportunities to players in need of development. It is obvious: the teams in these Leagues are looking for wins and sign experienced players who look to them more reliable; these teams invest huge money and cannot wait for talent to bloom. So, if you are Massimo Fochi or Robert Eenhoorn, and with 19, you can compete, than you have a spot in the lineup. If not, a veteran will suit best.

Europe wants to turn professional in baseball, it is a legitimate goal. But turning professional will mean giving less room to player’s development, at least in the top leagues. The example is right in front of our eyes: the mythological American Big Leagues. Each of the 30 clubs acknowledges that a player should go through 5 different steps of pro ball (Rookie, Class A short season, Class A, Class A advanced, Double A, Triple A) before getting a chance to play at the top level. Some players skip some of the levels, but their development still has to follow a course that is set by someone. Also in Japan a player grows up in their Minor League, before touching the heights of the Majors. So, why Europe should obtain improvements in a different way?

What I firmly believe is that Europe (CEB and the leading countries, with the support of MLB) should put together a plan for a European Instructional League, that could play during the Fall (warm up in late November, action in December exploiting all of the Christmas break) in places where the weather helps and facilities are already existing, like Sicily or Greece or (why not?) Israel. This way a bunch of promising players will get a chance to really improve. And we won’t be talking of the so called MLB prospects only. Because MLB scouts do not care about a player if they don’t see in him some MLB potential. Why should they? And are we sure we want to focus on the development of those players who have a future, if not in the Big Leagues, in AA or AAA ball only? And who should play in Europe, if we develop only players for other leagues? Foreigners? And what about a European player’s development plan then?

Development is something that you cannot do in a pro league. Pro baseball is definitely about winning and about people paying to get to the games. Development is about doing what is needed to make a talented kid become a real player.

Going back to the Junior World Cup, prospects where all around. And you could tell it from the number of radar guns that where waved into the air every time Cuba or Canada or Australia or Team USA or Korea or Chinese Taipei players. The level of play teams like Korea has topped is unbelievable. I would dare say that they could be competitors at the top European level, if they had a chance to prove it.

Korea won because they where the best team. Maybe not the most skilled, but for sure the one that tried harder. Pitcher Sung Yung Hoon made it to the mound against Taiwan for the quarter finals on Friday (120 pitches) and came back to pitch a complete game in the final on Sunday against Team USA. This is not exactly what we have in mind for player’s development. But for sure it’s what sometimes needs to be done to win. The running game by Korea was sparkling. Outfielder Jung Soo Bin could run from home to first in 3″8: unbelievable, if I hadn’t seen it with my eyes.

Cuba could have been the real contender, but the 11 time Junior World Champions had to come to terms that 2 of their best players (shortstop Iglesias and left handed pitcher Urguelles) defected. This of course was hard on team’s spirits, let alone on team’s chances. No other team could have made it to the silver medal, giving up for any reason their shortstop and their top pitcher. Still, the best talent on the team (center fielder Puig) will make it back to the Caribbean with the rest of the team. Baseball in Cuba is wounded, but still alive.

There were expectations about Canada, Team USA and Australia. Those teams were rich in prospects and most of their players had already signed pro contracts, but didn’t really go to Edmonton to win. Like Korea did.