Opening Day 2006 is upon us. Here's a look at players to watch for the 2006 Season.

National League

• Prince Fielder, Brewers, 1B
• Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals, 3B
• Xavier Nady, Mets, RF
• Jeremy Hermida, Marlins, RF
• Brian McCann, Braves, C
• Matt Cain, Giants, RHP
• Rickie Weeks, Brewers, 2B
• Brandon Backe, Astros, RHP
• Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks, 1B
• Miguel Olivo, Marlins, C

American League

• Felix Hernandez, Mariners, RHP
• Casey Kotchman, Angels, 1B
• Joe Blanton, Athletics, RHP
• Joe Mauer, Twins, C
• Mark Teahen, Royals, 3B
• Kris Benson, Orioles, RHP
• Josh Beckett, Red Sox, RHP
• Robinson Cano, Yankees, 2B
• Sean Burroughs, Devil Rays, 3B
• Justin Morneau, Twins, 1B

I just returned from vacation and, as usual, picked up the local papers from my travels. One thing I see that's the same with each sports section: the stories are the same.

Reading the MLBLOGOSPHERE post today about how we write, also has the same concept with the sports pages of newspapers. From The Oakland Tribune, to The Press of Atlantic City to The New York Times, they all write the same story but just in a different way. I bring this up because two stories that stuck out in the seven or so major daily newspapers that I picked up are: the Barry Bonds book saga and Alfonso Soriano not wanting to play left field for the Nationals.

The Bonds story just keeps getting bigger and bigger, with the Commissioner's Office involved to the courts. It's a shame that this is what baseball has become.

One has to ask why?

One has to wonder if the homerun record is broken, will Hank Aaron honor it or be skeptical about it?

One thing is true, an asterisk should be placed if the record is broken.

Alfonso Soriano added fuel to the fire, until he backed down and decided to play left field. He may have talent as a ballplayer, but not as a second baseman. That was evident as he led the league in errors at second.

Sometimes, people try to take the shortcut in life -- but it backfires! I tend to think that the latter issue is solved, but the Bonds issue is not. I don't think it'll be solved anytime soon.

It's a shame that baseball came this low -- a black eye for the good guys that play the game.

Here's Part II of baseball players from Long Island, my hometown.

• Jay Loviglio, Freeport (Phillies, White Sox & Cubs)
• Terry McDermott, Rockville Centre (Dodgers)
• Shane Monahan, Syosset (Mariners)
• John Morris, North Bellmore (Cardinals, Phillies & Angels)
• Keith Osik, Port Jefferson (Pirates, Brewers, Orioles & Nationals)
• A.J. Pierzynski, Bridgehampton (Twins, Giants & White Sox)
• Pete Richert, Floral Park (Dodgers, Senators, Orioles, Cardinals & Phillies)
• Wade Rowdon, Riverhead (Reds, Cubs & Orioles)
• Mickey Rutner, Hempstead (A's -- Philadelphia)
• Jeff Schaefer, Patchogue (White Sox, Mariners & A's)
• Ray Searage, Freeport (Mets, Brewers, White Sox & Dodgers)
• John Valentin, Mineola (Red Sox & Mets)
• Tom Veryzer, Port Jefferson (Tigers, Indians, Mets & Cubs)
• Frank Viola, Hempstead (Twins, Mets, Red Sox, Reds & Blue Jays)
• Al Weis, Franklin Square (White Sox & Mets)
• Desi Wilson, Glen Cove (Giants)
• Ron Witmeyer, West Islip (A's)
• Carl Yastrzemski, Southampton (Red Sox)

I just received my issue of Sports Illustrated in the mail. I read with great interest their story, "WRITING UP A STORM," by Chris Ballard. I must say, that the Internet is changing the way we receive information -- especially sports news and information. As I read the whole article, I'm shocked, but not surprised, that they didn't mention MLB.com's MLBLogs.

MLBLogs is only hosted by one of the largest, if not the largest, sports organization in the world. They made reference how many in the media business are skeptical of blogs, but I know from my own experience, this is the way the information era is developing. I, too, had bylines published in magazines, newspapers, weeklies and authored two of my own books.  I also know that many who have an MLBLog are very knowledgeable of baseball. This is not a pop-shot at SI, but MLBlogs has all the right tools, all the right people and all the writers in the world.

MLBLogs is here to blog, write and stay. Maybe some might call us "washed-up" writers, but they should think again.

2006 Season Preview

Here's an estimated preview of how each MLB team will finish.

National League

East

1. New York
2. Atlanta
3. Philadelphia
4. Washington
5. Florida

Central

1. Houston
2. St. Louis
3. Milwaukee
4. Chicago
5. Cincinnati
6. Pittsburgh

West

1. Los Angeles
2. San Francisco
3. San Diego
4. Arizona
5. Colorado

American League

East

1. New York
2. Toronto
3. Boston
4. Baltimore
5. Tampa Bay

Central

1. Chicago
2. Minnesota
3. Cleveland
4. Detroit
5. Kansas City

West

1. Los Angeles
2. Oakland
3. Texas
4. Seattle

2006 World Series: Chicago White Sox vs. New York Mets

2006 Winner: Chicago White Sox

Japan Wins, But Cuba Rallies

In classic fashion, Japan won the Inaugural World Baseball Classic final yesterday beating Cuba 10-6. Japan didn't wait, they surged to a 4-0 lead, but Cuba rallied in the eight inning. But, the teamwork of Japan, Ichiro and their leader, World Baseball Great Sadaharu Oh, they held off Cuba and won 10-6.

Cuba Can Change

Japan is known for their work ethic that can surpass any nation. Cuba, controlled by Communist Leader Fidel Castro, fought their way into the Classic and should be proud of what they accomplished. If Cuba changed their political views their baseball players could elevate to the next level of play -- Major League Baseball.

2009, Next Classic

So, we will have to wait until 2009 for the next World Baseball Classic, which was created to showcase the World to Baseball. Tournaments will take place once every four years and MLB's goal is to increase the number of Baseball Federations. In time, we may have a World Baseball League competing against the Major Leagues.

WBC Championship Game

PETCO Park, San Diego California

9:00 p.m. (EST)

Television Coverage: ESPN

Radio Coverage: ESPN Radio

JAPAN

Ichiro Suzuki, RF., Munenori Kawasaki, SS., Norichika Aoki, CF., Nobuhiko Matsunaka, DH., Takahiro Arai, 1B., Akinori Iwamura, 3B., Kazuhiro Wada, LF., Ryoji Aikawa, C., and Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B.

Pitchers: Koji Uehara, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Shunsuke Watanabe.

CUBA

Ariel Pestano, C., Michel Enriquez, 3B., Yulieki Gourriel, 2B., Eduard Paret, SS., Joan Carlos Pedroso, 1B., Frederich Cepeda, LF., Yoandy Garlobo, DH., Alexei Ramirez, RF., Carlos Tabares, CF.

Pitchers: Ormari Romero, Pedro Luis Lazo and Yadel Marti.

I still predict Japan to win, however for Cuba this is also their shining moment, when the United States Government blocked them from playing and reversed their decision.

This is it.

After a politically filled tug-of-war over Cuba's inclusion into the World Baseball Classic, they are in the Championship game after a stunning defeat of the Dominican Republic. This is more than a game, this is Cuba's time to shine.

They will be playing Japan and the legendary manager of that team, Sadaharu Oh. I believe that Japan will give Cuba a run for their money. This goes to show everyone that Cuban baseball is important as is their political affiliation. We will see the outcome tomorrow.

My original WBC winner, the Dominican Republic, was sent home. Now I must say Japan will win, but Cuba will also win for its country. They already have shown true gamesmanship.

The Final Game

March 20 9:00 p.m. ET

• Japan vs. Cuba
• PETCO Park, San Diego, CA.

San Diego, CA PETCO Park 3/18

3:00 p.m. Game

• Cuba
• Dominican Republic

10:00 p.m. Game

• Japan
• Korea

WBC Batting Leaders Top 5

1. Adam Stern CAN .667
2. Ken Griffey, Jr., USA .524
3. Brett Williamburg RSA .500
4. Yoandy Garlobo CUB .471
5. Jason Bay CAN .455

Pitching Leaders Top 5

1. Adam Loewen CAN 1-0 0.00 ERA
2. Kelvim Escobar VEN 1-1 0.00 ERA
3. Chan Ho Park KOR 0-0 0.00 ERA
4. Jason Grilli ITA 1-0 0.00 ERA
5. Carlos Silva VEN 0-0 0.00 ERA

Bye, Bye USA

Well, this is it.

Team USA and the dream Buck Martinez had, was stopped short by Team Mexico. Now, George Steinbrenner can breath a sight of relief. Johnny Damon will be OK. Jeter has no black eyes and A-Rod is ready for the hot corner.

I must say, I enjoyed the Classic. It was a breath of fresh air for a long and drawn out winter. Now, with the hoopla over this weekend, the regular MLB season can start.

November is Better

One thing that must be pointed, and as I said in the past, November is much better for the World Baseball Classic. I wrote about this back in January and again, with the platform of MLBLogs, reiterate that the timing of this was not good. My mind was put to rest when Chipper Jones told Long Island Newsday that the "Classic should be moved to the fall." His main concern, as is mine, is that the players are in "game-shape" and "injuries will probably be minimal." I also don't blame George Steinbrenner being concerned for Johnny Damon; after all, he's under contract with the Yankees and not Team USA.

All I ask is that the Classic is kept alive and going, but just move it to November after the World Series.

It will be a homerun for everyone.

Pool 1

1. Korea 2-0 KOR 7, USA 3
2. Japan 1-1 JPN 6, MEX 1
3. United States 1-1 KOR 7, USA 3
4. Mexico 0-2 JPN 6, MEX 1

Pool 2

1. Dominican Republic 2-1 DOM 2, VEN 1
2. Puerto Rico 1-1 VEN 6, PUR 0
3. Cuba 1-1 DOM 7, CUB 3
4. Venezuela 1-2 DOM 2, VEN 1

Here's the current WBC team batting & pitching standings.

WBC Team Batting

1. Japan .356
2. United States .337
3. Cuba .314
4. Dominican Republic .314
5. Korea .313
6. Puerto Rico .302
7. Mexico .297
8. Canada .279
9. Chinese Taipei .265
10. Netherlands .265
11. South Africa .253
12. Venezuela .235
13. Italy .200
14. China .185
15. Panama .165
16. Australia .113

WBC Team Pitching

1. Korea 3-0 1.00 ERA
2. Puerto Rico 3-0 1.08 ERA
3. Mexico 2-1 2.42 ERA
4. Dominican Republic 3-0 3.00 ERA
5. Japan 2-1 3.00 ERA
6. United States 2-1 3.13 ERA
7. Venezuela 2-1 3.33 ERA
8. Italy 1-2 4.30 ERA
9. Panama 0-3 5.19 ERA
10. Cuba 2-1 5.67 ERA
11. Netherlands 1-2 6.48 ERA
12. Chinese Taipei 1-2 6.84 ERA
13. Australia 0-3 6.85 ERA
14. Canada 2-1 7.33 ERA
15. China 0-3 9.72 ERA
16. South Africa 0-3 13.50 ERA

Round 2 Pool 1: Anaheim, California

• 3/12 Japan vs. United States Angel Stadium
• 3/12 Mexico vs. Korea Angel Stadium
• 3/13 United States vs. Korea Angel Stadium
• 3/14 Japan vs. Mexico Angel Stadium
• 3/15 Korea vs. Japan Angel Stadium
• 3/16 United States vs. Mexico Angel Stadium

Pool 2 San Juan, Puerto Rico

• 3/12 Pool C Runner-up vs. Venezuela Hiram Bithrom Stadium
• 3/12 Pool C Winner vs. Dominican Republic Hiram Bithrom Stadium
• 3/13 Dominican Republic vs. Pool C Runner-up Hiram Bithrom Stadium
• 3/13 Venezuela vs. Pool C Winner Hiram Bithrom Stadium
• 3/14 Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic Hiram Bithrom Stadium
• 3/15 Pool C Runner-up vs. Pool C Winner Hiram Bithrom Stadium

After that, then the finals will be played at PETCO Park in San Diego, California.

WBC Standings Pool B, C & D

Pool B

1. Canada 2(W) 0(L) CAN 8, USA 6
2. Mexico 1(W) 1(L) MEX 10, RSA 4
3. United States 1(W), 1(L) CAN 8, USA 6
4. South Africa 0(W), 2(L) MEX 10, RSA 4

Pool C

1. Puerto Rico 2, 0 PUR 8, NED 3
2. Cuba 1, 0 CUB 8, PAN 6
3. Netherlands 0, 1 PUR 8, NED 3
4. Panama 0, 2 CUB 8, PAN 6

Pool D

1. Dominican Republic 2, 0 DOM 8, ITA 3
2. Venezuela 1, 1 VEN 6, ITA 0
3. Italy 1, 2 DOM 8, ITA 3
4. Australia 0, 1 ITA 10, AUS 0

Batting Leaders Top 5

1. Yulieski Gourriel CUB .750
2. Adam Stern CAN .714
3. Raylinoe Legito NED .667
4. Brett Willemburg RSA .625
5. Karim Garcia MEX .600

Pitching Leaders Top 5

1. Adam Lowen CAN 1, 0 0.00
2. Bartolo Colon DOM 1, 0 0.00
3. Elmer Demens MEX 0,0 0.00 2.0 IP
4. Chan Ho Park KOR 0,0 0.00 4.0 IP
5. Freddy Garci VEN 1, 0 0.00

Here's the WBC standing up-to-date:

Pool B

1. United States 1(W), 0(L) USA 2, MEX 0
2. Canada 0(W), 0(L)
3. South Africa 0(W), 0(L)
4. Mexico 0(W), 1(L) USA 2, MEX o

Pool D

1. Dominican Republic 1(W), 0(L) DOM 11, VEN 5
2. Australia 0(W), 0(L)
3. Italy 0(W), 0(L)
4. Venezuela 0(W), 1(L) DOM 11, VEN 5

Team Pitching

1. United States 1-0 0.00 ERA
2. Korea 3-0 1.00 ERA
3. Mexico 0-1 2.25 ERA
4. Japan 2-1 3.00 ERA
5. Dominican Republic 1-0 5.00 ERA
6. Chinese Taipei 1-2 6.84 ERA
7. China 0-3 9.72 ERA
8. Venezuela 0-1 10.00 ERA

Team Batting

1. Japan .356
2. Dominican Republic .333
3. Korea .313
4. Venezuela .286
5. Chinese Taipei .265
6. United States .207
7. China .185
8. Mexico .138

KIRBY PUCKETT #1 TWIN

Today is a sad day in baseball, with the passing of Kirby Puckett. I remember as a young sportswriter, I interviewed New York Times Sports Columnist Ira Berkow and we talked about Kirby Puckett. How for such a small person, he was one of the best in the game. He'll be missed and we'll remember Kirby Puckett for his style of play. RIP Kirby, we miss you already!

The World Baseball Classic will play under the same rules as Major League Baseball. However, there are some slight modifications for this tournament.

They are:

After 50 or more pitchers, a pitcher must be given at least four days rest. 30 to 49 pitchers, a pitcher must have at least one day of rest. In the First Round, a pitcher may not throw more than 65 pitches. During the Second Round, a pitcher may not throw more than 80 pitches.

During the Semi-Final/Final Round no more than 95 pitches are allowed. If there are 10 or more runs after seven innings or 15 or more after five innings, a game can be called in the First Round.

Besides the rule changes, there's also Olympic Style drug testing taken place during the WBC.

Pool A Standings

1. Korea 3(W) 0(L) KOR 3, JPN 2
2. Japan 2(W) 1(L) KOR 3, JPN 2
3. Chinese Taipei 1(W) 2(L) TPE 12, CHN 3
4. China 0(W) 3(L) TPE 12, CHN 3

Korea won the Pool A title and now will wait to play the next round, with the other pool teams beginning next week.

With every WBC baseball team, is a good manager. Listed below are the managers of each team and their backgrounds relating to baseball.

WBC Managers:

Team Mexico: Paquin Estrada, played over 30 years in the Mexican Baseball League. Has 33 years managerial experience and played in one game for the Mets in 1971.

Team Panama: Anibal Reluz Vasquez, scout with the Astros from 1991-2002. Has extensive coaching experience.

Team South Africa: Rick Magnante, extensive managing and scouting experience with the Tigers and A's.

Team Cuba: Higinio Velez, Manager in the Cuban League.

Team Dominican Republic: Manny Acta, played six seasons in the Astros' Minor League system. Currently, third base coach with the Mets.

Team Italy: Matt Galante, Special Assistant to the GM with the Astros. Part of the 2002 Mets' Coaching staff.

Team Korea: In-Sik Kim, managing since 1972. Lead Team Korea to the Bronze Medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Team Australia: Jon Deeble, Head Coach in the 2004 Olympic Games for Australia. Scout with the Red Sox in the Pacific Region.

Team Chinese Taipei: Hua-Wei Lin, former national team manager. Bronze finish at the 2001 IBAF World Cup.

Team USA: Buck Martinez, played 1969 to 1986 with the Royals, Brewers and Blue Jays. Managed the Blue Jays in 2001 and 2002.

Team China: Jim Lefebvre, played 1965 to 1972 with the Dodgers. Member of the 1965 World Champion Dodgers. Managed the Mariners from 1989 to 1991, the Cubs from 1992 to 1993 and the Brewers in 1999.

Team Canada: Ernie Whitt, played from 1976 to 1991 with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Braves and Orioles. Played on the 1985 All-Star team.

Team Venezuela: Luis Sojo, played 1990 to 2003 with the Blue Jays, Angels, Mariners, Pirates and Yankees. Member of the 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 Yankees World Championship teams.

Team Netherlands: Robert Eenhoorn, played 1994 to 1997 with the Yankees and Angels.

Team Puerto Rico: Jose Oquendo, played 1983 to 1995 with the Mets and Cardinals. Played in the 1987 World Series.

Team Japan: Sadaharu Oh, see earlier story on his career.

To date, here's the standings for Pool A teams.

Pool A Standings

1. Korea 2(W) 0(L) Last game: KOR 2, TPE 0
2. Japan 2(W) 0(L) Last Game: JPN 18, CHN 2
3. Chinese Taipei 0(W) 2(L) Last Game: KOR 2, TPE 0
4. China 0(W) 2(L) Last Game: JPN 18, CHN 2

Team Batting

1. Japan .423
2. Korea .377
3. Chinese Taipei .203
4. China .155

Team Pitching

1. Korea 2(W) 0(L) 0.50 ERA
2. Japan 2(W) 0(L) 3.00 ERA
3. Chinese Taipei 0(W) 2(L) 9.00 ERA
4. China 0(W) 2(L) 13.50 ERA

On the Major League level, Hank Aaron is known for his 755 home runs, however there is one player that surpasses him -- Sadaharu Oh.

Oh played for the famed Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League, where we saw last season former Mets' Manager Bobby Valentine lead them to the Japanese Championship. The thing that stands out about Oh, is that he's the reigning home run King, doing it all naturally. Oh amassed an amazing 868 career home runs, 2,786 hits, 2,170 RBI's and a lifetime batting average of .301.

In 1959, Oh signed with the Yomiuri Giants as a pitcher and then switched to first base, where he continued to improve his hitting skills and batting stance.

Some of Oh's other baseball achievements are:

• Drove in most runs for thirteen straight seasons.
• Led the Japanese League in home runs for fifteen seasons, thirteen straight.
• Five-time batting champion.
• Japanese batting triple crown twice.
• With the Giants, won eleven championships.
• Named Japanese League MVP nine times.
• Named to the All-Star team eighteen times.
• Inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
• Managed the Yomiuri Giants and the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks.

Besides the above, we can see Oh managing the WBC's Japanese team. The only thing missing for Sadaharu Oh is enshrinement into Cooperstown. Will it happen? Some don't think so, however I think he should be enshrined next to Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and others. Hats off to Sadaharu Oh, a great baseball player.

17 former Negro League baseball members have been enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame. One of them, Effa Manley, the first female selected, owned the Newark Bears. The two that didn't make it are the famous Buck O'Neill and Minnie Minoso. By all accounts, they should be in the Hall.

The others are:

• Ray Brown, pitcher with the Homestead Grays.
• Willard Brown, played with the Kansas City Monarchs.
• Andy Cooper, Kansas City Monarchs & Detroit Stars.
• Frank Grant, played second base during the 19th century.
• Pete Hill, centerfielder with the Pittsburgh Keystones.
• Biz Mackey, catcher.
• Effa Manley, mentioned above.
• Jose Mendez, pitcher.
• Alex Pompez, owned the New York Cubans.
• C. Posey, owned the Homestead Grays.
• Louis Santop, catcher.
• Mules Sutler, first base.
• Ben Taylor, pitcher.
• Cristobal Torriente, outfielder.
• Sol White, author.
• J. L. Wilkinson, owned Kansas City Monarchs.
• Jud Wilson, played third base.

The best of the World Baseball Classic. A list of some of the best talent playing in the WBC.

China

• Sun Lingfeng, OF

Japan

• Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP

South Korea

• Seung-Yeop Lee, 1B

Taiwan

• Ching-Lung Hu, SS

Canada

• Erik Bedard, LHP

Mexico

• Karim Garcia, OF

South Africa

• Carl Michaels, RHP

United States

• Roger Clemens, RHP

Cuba

• Yulieski Gourriel, 3B

Netherlands

• Andruw Jones, OF

Panama

• Carlos Lee, OF

Puerto Rico

• Carlos Beltran, OF

Australia

• Justin Huber 1B

Dominican Republic

• Albert Pujols, 1B

Italy

• Mike Piazza, C

Venezuela

• Johan Santana, LHP

There are many more good players, but this is just a brief description as reported by most of the media covering the WBC.