Due to the upcoming Final Olympic Qualification Tournament in Taiwan, we have started a new poll. Eight teams will compete for the three remaining spots at the Olympics in Beijing. Opening Day is scheduled for March 7. Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Spain will play a single round robin to join the USA, Cuba, the Netherlands, Japan and host China, which are already qualified.
Go to Mister-Baseball.com, scroll down and vote.
Comment by Peter Ferak
March 1, 2008 | 5:14 pm
I think it would be a good idea if you could vote for 3 teams, rather than just one, since there are 3 spots available.
And also, quite the optimist whoever voted for germany, but I hope it does happen, it would be great for their program and for european baseball!
Comment by philipp
March 1, 2008 | 6:09 pm
We tried it, but with our plugin it is not possible.
Comment by Danny
March 1, 2008 | 6:35 pm
I think Australia, South Corea and Mexico will be the last qualified teams for the Olimpics. Australia has come a long way in International Baseball, plus they’ll arrive in Taiwan with almost the same team as they had in the World Cup and with a few warm up games in their resume, including a couple against Japan’s best in November.
South Corea is bringing a very strong team, filled with their own professional players.I heard they only two absents will be Chan Ho Park and Byun Kim. If they also bring “The Lion King” (last World Baseball Classic HR Leader) among their very best from Corea and Japan Professional Leagues they will be favorites to advance to Beijin.
Lastly, Mexico. The Mexicans put together their very best from their own Summer Professional League (Rated AAA by MLB) I’d say they will be competing with a team at 90% of next year’s World Baseball Classic level.
Others to keep in mind are Canada and Taiwan, with maybe Spain o Germany putting up a surpirse. But my picks are Australia, Corea, and Mexico. Best regards from Florida, Danny!
Comment by General
March 1, 2008 | 9:43 pm
It’s looking like it will be between Canada, Australia, Mexico and South Korea for the 3 spots. Chinese Taipei would be a suprise medal, but isn’t completely out of the question. It’s nice to dream, but you need to be realistic about South Africa, Germany, and spain actually having a chance.
Comment by johnny be good
March 5, 2008 | 8:09 am
Who in the hells voting for Germany? Maxico has 6x the team… australia’s missing a big punch from their world cup team, but still going to be good. Canada is solid, with a lot of veteran’s on the team. I will cut off a toe if Germany places above 4th.