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Shane Victorino was one of the lucky players to be selected to play for Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Victorino signed a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox over the winter and departed from spring training early to go represent his country. In five games with Boston during camp, he went 0-for-11 with a pair of runs, four walks and three strikeouts.

One of four outfielders on manager Joe Torre’s United States roster, Victorino played a variety of roles. Ryan Braun, Adam Jones and Giancarlo Stanton were more dangerous threats, so Victorino didn’t see much time in the outfield. He did get his fair share of playing time, though.

Unfortunately for Victorino and Team USA, the Americans’ dream of winning the WBC came up short. The United States went 2-1 in Pool D play, but later lost two of three in Pool 2 and were eliminated from further contention. It’s the third straight year Team USA failed to make the semifinal round.

But let’s focus in on the play of Boston’s newest right fielder, examining how he did in the World Baseball Classic.

Patriotism: A+

I’ll give credit to any player that wants to play for their country. There seems to be a big disconnect between some of the top players in Major League Baseball and their desire to play in the World Baseball Classic, a topic that’s been widely discussed since the rosters were announced.

But that can’t be said for Victorino, who took part in his second WBC. It was an interesting decision considering he was new with Boston and decided that instead of developing close ties with his new teammates that he should take advantage of an opportunity that doesn’t come around too often.

Victorino is no longer in his prime, but he was more than proud to accept the offer. According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, Victorino said:

To represent your country is something you dream of as a child. Putting on a USA jersey, I never thought growing up in Hawaii I’d wear a USA jersey and put on No. 50, to represent my state. I’m excited to wear 50 again. I’m pumped.

It’s encouraging to know that he so was excited to play for Team USA. Hopefully he’s just as excited to play for the Red Sox the next three years.

In-Game Results: F

I hate to say it, but Victorino was a major disappointment in my eyes at the World Baseball Classic. I understand that it’s a little early in the year to be playing such meaningful games and maybe he wasn’t as prepared as he could’ve been, but he was a non-factor for Team USA.

Here are Victorino’s game-by-game results:

Mexico vs. USA: 0-for-1 (PH)

USA vs. Italy: DNP

USA vs. Canada: 1-for-5, RBI, 3 K (LF)

Puerto Rico vs. USA: DNP

Dominican Republic vs. USA: 0-for-1 (PH)

Puerto Rico vs. USA: 0-for-4, 2 K (DH)

As you can clearly tell, Victorino didn’t see a lot of time on the field. He started just twice and came off the bench twice, sitting the remaining two games. Even still, he didn’t make much of an impact. Combined, he went 1-for-11 with one RBI and five strikeouts.

Now, we can’t just throw out the excuse that the other pitchers were just better than the Americans because some players on Team USA played very well. Take David Wright, for instance. Even though he missed the final game due to injury, he went 7-for-16 in the WBC with three extra-base hits and 10 RBI.

I’m not trying to compare Victorino to Wright; I’m just stating that hitting in the international competition was possible. In fact, Victorino was the only player on Team USA with at least 10 at-bats not to hit at least .200. His bat just wasn’t there during the WBC.

Overall: C-

Once again, I love that Victorino decided to play. Since spring training started, he’s had just as many total at-bats as many other Red Sox players despite leaving camp to play in the World Baseball Classic. You can’t blame a guy for wanting to play for his country instead of playing exhibition games with the team he recently signed with.

But as I’ve stated, despite the experience, Victorino was horrible for Team USA. The United States as a whole played poorly at times and Victorino certainly was one of the reasons why. Does he deserve all of the blame? Absolutely not, but he deserves some of it. He only had one hit in 11 at-bats. That’s not good no matter which way you spin it.

Victorino couldn’t help Team USA win the WBC title, but here’s to hoping he makes a difference with the Red Sox in 2013.

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Less than a day after beating the United States in an elimination game, Puerto Rico will be back on the diamond Saturday afternoon against the Dominican Republic at Marlins Park in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez will get the ball for the Dominican Republic, and Orlando Roman is the probable starter for Puerto Rico.

The Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico 4-2 in pool play back on March 10.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

SCORE UPDATE:

Final: Dominican Republic 2 – Puerto Rico 0

W: Wandy Rodriguez

L: Orlando Roman

S: Fernando Rodney 

Semifinals (single-elimination round)

Semifinal 1: Puerto Rico vs. Japan, Sunday at 9 p.m. ET

Semifinal 2: Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic, Monday at 9 p.m. ET

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Just like that, the 2013 World Baseball Classic has come down to four teams.

We all expected that Japan would come out of Pool 1, and the two-time WBC champions are joined in San Francisco by a Netherlands squad that nobody thought had the pitching to make a deep run in the tournament.

That same line of thought applies to Pool 2 as well, where we all expected the Dominican Republic to advance, but weren’t quite sure if Puerto Rico had the arms to get past the sleeping giant that was the United States or an upstart Italian squad.

Well, the giant still sleeps, back into hibernation for another four years, while the upstarts beat themselves with shoddy defense.

There’s plenty of blame to go around—and plenty of accolades to be handed out as well.

Let’s take a look at who came up big—and who wilted under the spotlight.

Begin Slideshow

The United States has made a habit of leaving a lot to be desired in the World Baseball Classic, with a fourth-place result in 2009 being the best showing.

That’s not the worst thing. After all, other countries’ success might benefit the event and help market it to the rest of the world. 

Here are the biggest takeaways from the United States’ run in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. 

One injury can deflate a lineup

The first thing people talked about with the United States’ roster was its depth and star power in the lineup. How could hitters like Ryan Braun, Giancarlo Stanton, Joe Mauer, David Wright and Brandon Phillips be stopped?

While Team USA struggled to score runs—averaging 4.7 per game—New York Mets third baseman David Wright delivered. He batted .438 with one home run, 10 RBI and seven hits in 16 at-bats. 

Then came word (via MLB.com) that Wright was scratched from the lineup against the Dominican Republic. The U.S. lineup was stymied, scoring just one run on six hits in a 3-1 loss. 

Team USA went just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position against the Dominicans without Wright. He was easily the best offensive weapon the United States had, so to lose him really hurt this lineup. 

Pitching lags behind at this time of year

The pitching staff for Team USA was a bit of a soft spot. Some of the best pitchers (Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw) decided to stay with their teams and get ready for the regular season. 

Even with R.A. Dickey, Gio Gonzalez, Craig Kimbrel and Ryan Vogelsong on the team, you didn’t know what to expect because those players had only a few weeks of work in spring training. This is the time of year when pitchers are still working on things (mechanics, pitches, etc.) to see what is working. 

When you throw them on a stage like this before they are at the top of their games, there will be struggles. Kimbrel gave up two runs to the Dominican Republic—the first time since 2011 that he gave up more than one run in an inning. 

Dickey came back with a good start against the Dominican Republic but didn’t have the sharp knuckleball against Mexico in his first start. Vogelsong started out sluggish against Italy before finding his rhythm long enough for David Wright to provide the heroics. 

All-Stars don’t equal championships

This one is easily identifiable to most fans because every year we see teams load up on talent in the offseason (Red Sox in 2011, Yankees in the mid-2000s, Angels in 2012) and declare them champions before a game is played. 

Team USA is great on paper. If the players had time to gel and really get their feet wet, they would probably end this event with the best record over the course of 162 games. But that is not how this event works. 

Anything can happen in a short series, as we know from the MLB playoffs every year. Having these names on the roster makes for great conversation, but nothing is guaranteed. Everyone else wants to prove the Unites States team isn’t unstoppable.

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As the World Baseball Classic winds down, it is important to remember just how it is we got where we are. There are four countries left standing, with Pool 2 ending on Saturday and the Championship Round beginning Sunday, trying to determine which is the best in the world. 

This event has really taken on a much bigger feel than I think a lot of people were anticipating. You could feel the buzz across the other countries, but it wasn’t until the Dominican Republic-United States game on Wednesday night that showed just how important this event is. 

But we aren’t done yet. The next few days will be just as intense and combative as the previous two weeks. Here are the most important games of the event so far that have gotten us to this point. 

Full results can be found on WorldBaseballClassic.com by clicking here. 

Pool 2: Dominican Republic 3, United States 1 (Thursday, March 14)

We might as well start with the biggest game of the event so far. United States closer Craig Kimbrel, who gave up two runs in the ninth inning after not allowing more than one in any game last season, said after the game (via ESPN.com) that the game felt “like October, not March.”

This was the matchup everyone had circled on their calendar. The Dominican Republic and United States are the two best teams on paper in this event. Both have the star power to bring in casual fans, and the game certainly delivered. 

The U.S. took an early 1-0 lead on a bases loaded walk by Eric Hosmer in the first inning. Hanley Ramirez’s home run off R.A. Dickey in the top of the second tied things up 1-1. It would stay that way until the ninth inning. 

By winning this game, the Dominican Republic took control of Pool 2, locked up its spot in the Championship Round and proved one more time it is the team to beat in the World Baseball Classic. 

Pool 1: Japan 16, Netherlands 4 (Sunday, March 10)

If the Dominican Republic is the No. 1 team in this tournament, Japan has made a compelling case to be at least No. 2, if not 1A. It took a few games for everything to click, but when it did, it really worked. 

It’s true that Netherlands doesn’t have any pitching depth, which likely made Japan’s offense look better than it really is, but you don’t churn out 17 hits, 16 runs and six home runs all by accident.

Japan proved it wasn’t a fluke by scoring 10 runs against Netherlands in the final game of Pool 1, when both teams had already secured their spots in the Championship Round. 

But it was this game where Japan went from second-tier contender to standing right alongside the big boys of the event. Japan’s offense was more methodical than dominant in Pool A, but as this team has advanced, everything has started to click. 

Pool 1: Netherlands 7, Cuba 6 (Monday, March 11)

Cuba powered its way through the first round-and-a-half of this event. It was clear that the Cuban team and Japan would be the teams to come out of Pool 1 and make it to the Championship Round. 

A funny thing happened along the way, as the Netherlands found just enough pitching and its high-powered offense came to life at the end of the game to procure a walk-off victory on Kalian Sams‘ sacrifice fly. 

The whole inning was set up by Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gurriel’s error on an Andruw Jones chopper. All told, there were five runs scored by both teams in the eighth and ninth inning. 

Cuba looked like it was back in control after scoring twice in the top of the eighth to take a 6-4 lead. Andrelton Simmons’ two-run homer in the bottom half of the inning gave the Netherlands life one more time, and then the sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth won the game. 

It was the second time the Netherlands defeated Cuba in this round, but this was the game that gave hope to the country that it could be a factor in the Championship Round. 

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Day 14 at the 2013 World Baseball Classic featured one monumental showdown in Miami. The United States and Puerto Rico went head to head in an elimination game. 

The Americans defeated Puerto Rico, 7-1, in their first Pool 2 matchup on Tuesday, but the stakes were much higher heading into the weekend. With Japan and the Netherlands having already advanced to the championship round, Friday’s classic matchup in South Beach had tons riding on it.

Here we’ll get you caught up on the latest action.

Puerto Rico 4, United States 3

Nelson Figueroa put on a show at Marlins Park in Miami on Friday night, pitching six scoreless innings for Puerto Rico, to lift the Caribbean territory to a 4-3 win over the United States. The win sets them up a matchup with the Dominican Republic on Saturday and eliminates the Americans from the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The loss was the United States’ second in two days, and for the third straight time the American team will come up short in its chase for the WBC title.

Ryan Vogelsong started on the mound for the United States on Friday, giving up a run in the first inning off a Mike Aviles single. The San Francisco Giants pitcher recovered nicely, however, recording four scoreless innings before surrendering one more run in the top of the sixth. He would leave after five and two-thirds innings pitched, allowing just four hits, two runs and striking out one.

After Vogelsong left, Andy Gonzalez increased Puerto Rico’s lead to 4-0 with a sixth-inning double. At that point, Puerto Rico had seized all momentum.

The United States weathered the storm, though. They finally got on the board in the seventh inning, scoring on a Giancarlo Stanton single to left field. Ryan Braun narrowed the gap with a double in the eighth inning, and Brandon Phillips scored on a walk to pull the Americans within one run.

In the end: Puerto Rico’s pitching would steal the show, shutting down the American bats and defeating the United States on its own soil—sending them home from the World Baseball Classic disappointed yet again.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter. 

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With a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals on the line, Puerto Rico shut down the United States early and held on late for a shocking 4-3 win on Friday night.

38-year-old journeyman Nelson Figueroa completely baffled the Americans, holding them to just two hits and one walk through six scoreless innings, striking out two in the process. 

Puerto Rico took the early lead in the first inning when Mike Aviles singled home Angel Pagan off starter Ryan Vogelsong.

The veteran settled down and went back and forth with Figueroa for the next several innings, but after walking Carlos Beltran in the sixth, Vogelsong was replaced by Vinnie Pestano, who quickly loaded the bases, walked Carlos Rivera and gave up a double to Andy Gonzalez, which stretched the deficit to 4-0. 

Team USA would hardly fold over, though. It added a run in the seventh when Giancarlo Stanton roped a single into left to score Joe Mauer and then put together its most dangerous rally in the eighth. 

After Ryan Braun doubled home Jimmy Rollins, Mauer walked to load the bases with one out. Stanton popped up, however, and after an RBI walk by Zobrist, Eric Hosmer grounded out to end the threat with Puerto Rico still leading, 4-3.  

J.C. Romero finished things off for the four-out save, and Puerto Rico will now take on the Dominican Republic on Saturday afternoon, with the winner facing Netherlands and the loser drawing a matchup with Pool 1 champion Japan. 

Team USA is now eliminated and has never won the WBC.

Grades

Nelson Figueroa, Puerto Rico: A

Figueroa, who posted an ERA of 8.69 in 2011 during his last major-league stint, was truly marvelous against the stacked American lineup.

He didn’t overpower anyone, as evidenced by the two strikeouts, but the veteran painted the corners beautifully, kept the United States off balance and displayed gaudy command.

It was the game of his life. 

Andy Gonzalez, Puerto Rico: B+

Gonzalez had just one hit in four at-bats on the night, but what an important hit it was. 

The third baseman’s bases-loaded, two-out, two-run double gave Puerto Rico some necessary breathing room and turned out to be the game-winning hit. 

Vinnie Pestano, United States: F

Coming on with his team down by just one run and still very much in contention, Pestano simply has to do better.

He came on with one runner on and two outs, but proceeded to give up two walks and two hits without recording an out, thus busting the game open. 

Jimmy Rollins, United States: A-

Leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins did just about everything he could to help propel his country to victory. 

He was caught stealing by Yadier Molina in the sixth, but he made up for that with two singles, one run scored and several impressive defensive plays, including one marvelous sliding catch to keep things close in the top of the ninth. 

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David Wright could be out for the rest of the World Baseball Classic with sore ribs, and Team USA officials already have the perfect replacement and another great young third baseman on their radar in Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres.

Speaking to Bill Center of the San Diego Union Tribune, Headley did indeed say that he has been contacted about joining the team should they advance to the finals by defeating Puerto Rico tonight.

“Team USA reached out to see if I was interested,” said Headley. “I am. It’s always been a dream of mine to play for Team USA. Obviously, I hate to see someone get hurt.”

No matter how you look at it, Wright’s skills and leadership make him a huge loss for both Team USA and his New York Mets. Prior to his injury, he was batting .438 and leading the United States with one home run and 10 RBI.

Playing for the Mets in 2012, he hit .306 with 21 home runs and 93 RBI, plus 15 steals while also representing the National League at the All-Star Game. In every way, shape and form, losing him would be a terrible blow to Team USA’s WBC championship aspirations.

Unless, of course, Headley replaces him on the roster.

Not only is Headley two years younger than Wright, at 28 years old, but he also gives Team USA a fourth switch-hitter in addition to Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Ben Zobrist.

He hasn’t yet shown as keen an ability to hit for average as well as Wright does, but just take a look at his numbers from spring training this season.

Through 10 Grapefruit League games, Headley is hitting .440 with three RBI and two extra-base hits. The power he showcased last season has yet to make an appearance, but that is another reason why Team USA should bring him aboard should they advance to the next round.

Hitting for power is one thing that Headley does just as well as Wright, if not better. Last season, he hit .286 with a career-best 31 home runs, 115 RBI and .376 OBP. 13 of those long balls came in pitcher-friendly Petco Park, so it’s clear just how powerful Headley‘s swing is.

That all being said, there is really no reason why Headley should not replace Wright on Team USA’s roster should the United States defeat Puerto Rico tonight.

Wright was the heart and soul of the team’s offense, and bringing in Headley to take over is a far better move than rolling the dice with utility infielder Willie Bloomquist or moving Ryan Braun to the hot corner—where he has not played since committing 26 errors there during his rookie season in 2007.

The fact of the matter is that Headley is one of the best young third basemen in MLB right now and if Team USA makes the next round, bringing him aboard would be the best move in order to ensure a potential WBC championship.

If anyone’s going to replace David Wright, there really isn’t anyone better than him.

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USA defeated Puerto Rico in the second round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, 7-1.

The Americans got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning. After 2011 National League MVP Ryan Braun walked with two outs, catcher Joe Mauer doubled to center field to drive him home.

USA tacked on another in the third inning. After second baseman Brandon Phillips singled, Braun singled and Mauer walked, third baseman David Wright grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Phillips.

The Americans expanded the lead in the fifth. Jimmy Rollins led things off with a single to right field. He advanced to second after a bunt by Phillips. After Braun struck out and Mauer walked (again), Wright singled Rollins home with a line drive to right field. USA had the lead, 3-0.

San Francisco Giants left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt replaced USA left-hander Gio Gonzalez in the sixth inning. He pitched a scoreless sixth.

Cleveland Indians right-handed relief pitcher Vinnie Pestano faced four batters in the seventh—only giving up a single to Indians teammate Mike Aviles—en route to a scoreless inning. 

The Americans struck again in the bottom of the seventh. After young first baseman Eric Hosmer singled with two outs and stole second base, outfielder Adam Jones singled him home with a ground ball up the middle.

It was 4-0, USA.

The Puerto Ricans showed some life in the eighth inning. After pinch-hitter Jesus Feliciano was hit by a pitch to start the inning, left fielder Eddie Rosario doubled him to third. Center fielder Angel Pagan’s groundout scored Feliciano.

The Americans came back with a vengeance in the bottom of the eighth. With the bases loaded, Wright doubled to score three runs and put the game out of reach.

Gonzalez pitched five innings of scoreless ball, allowing three hits and striking out five. It was the Washington Nationals starter’s first action in the 2013 WBC. Puerto Rico right-hander Mario Santiago was touched for three runs in 4.1 innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out three. 

Atlanta Braves right-hander Craig Kimbrel finished off the game for the Americans, getting Aviles to ground into a double play.

USA joins the Dominican Republic at 1-0 in Pool 2.

Grades for Puerto Rico

Mario Santiago, SP: D+

Mario Santiago’s first outing of the WBC did not go well.

While the right-hander wasn’t exactly torched by the Americans, he was charged with runs in the first, third and fifth innings, ending up with a 6.23 ERA for the day.

USA had scored 17 runs in three WBC games coming into Tuesday’s contest (including nine against Canada in the first round), so it could have been worse. Still, it wasn’t that good, either.

Angel Pagan, CF: B

Angel Pagan not only drove home Puerto Rico’s only run, he also added a stolen base. The San Francisco Giants outfielder went 1-for-4 for the day, albeit in a losing effort. Headed into the contest, Pagan was hitting .455 in 11 at-bats (one RBI, one run, one stolen base).

Alex Rios, RF: F

As Puerto Rico’s No. 3 hitter, Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios simply didn’t come to play on Tuesday. The right-hander went 0-for-4 while leaving three runners on base. He also committed an error in the sixth inning.

Grades for USA

Gio Gonzalez, SP: A

You can’t ask for much more than five scoreless innings. 

Gio Gonzalez stepped up big for the Americans on Tuesday, allowing just three hits (one double) while recording five strikeouts.

It was the left-hander’s first WBC action in his career and he didn’t disappoint. It’s not exactly surprising, given Gonzalez posted a 21-8 record with a 2.89 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 207 strikeouts in 199.1 innings with the Washington Nationals in 2012. 

Joe Mauer: B+

Joe Mauer not only went 1-for-2 with one RBI, one run and three walks on Tuesday, he also led the USA pitching staff to a strong showing against Puerto Rico.

The talented catcher may not have lit up the box score, but he was important on offense and defense for the Americans. The five-time All-Star and 2009 American League MVP was a steadying influence for USA.

David Wright: A

David Wright went 2-for-5 on Tuesday, driving in five of USA’s seven runs in the ballgame. He blew the game open in the eighth inning, doubling with the bases loaded to clear the bases.

Wright was hitting .455 with one home run, five RBI and four runs before Tuesday’s game.

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The United States and Puerto Rico face off to begin Pool 2 play tonight. The Americans were expected to reach this point, although they faced a lot more pressure than expected to secure a spot, while the Puerto Rican squad is a minor surprise.

It was able to advance as the second seed out of Pool C behind the expected winners from the Dominican Republic. Venezuela was expected to claim the other spot, but a win in their head-to-head meeting allowed Puerto Rico to move on.

There were some tense moments for the United States against Canada over the weekend in what amounted to a win-or-go-home matchup. It pulled away late, though, and now has a chance to reset and make a run at the championship.

Here’s a look at all the viewing information for the game, followed by a preview and a prediction for which country will move one step closer to the semifinals.

Where: Marlins Park in Miami, Fla.

When: Tuesday, March 12 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: MLB Network

Preview

Gio Gonzalez, who didn’t pitch for the United States in the opening round, joins the rotation to start the first game of Round 2. The Washington Nationals lefty went 21-8 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP during his terrific 2012 campaign.

Getting Gonzalez into the mix is a major boost for Team USA, which received some lackluster starts in group play. Ace R.A. Dickey gave up four runs in four innings in the team’s loss to Mexico. Ryan Vogelsong and Derek Holland were only marginally better.

Gonzalez should bring some stability to the rotation starting tonight. The limit on pitches increases to 80 for this stage after being at 65 to start, which will help the starters have a bigger impact on the outcome.

Puerto Rico will counter with Mario Santiago. He last pitched in the U.S. in 2011 with the Kansas City Royals organization. He went 3-3 with a 5.70 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 19 appearances. He pitched for SK Wyverns in South Korea last year.

Based on that matchup, the advantage is clearly in Team USA’s favor. The only problem, and it’s been a concern throughout the event, is that the American hitters don’t know Santiago like they would another MLB pitcher. So it takes time to adjust, which causes some slow starts.

On the other hand, every American player should feel like a massive weight was lifted off their shoulders by surviving the first round. An early exit would have been a gigantic disappointment, and they were able to avoid that.

It’s almost like they’ve been given a second chance, and that should help them play loose. David Wright is already hitting well and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see guys like Adam Jones and Giancarlo Stanton get hot, too.

Puerto Rico can’t match that type of offensive firepower. Expect another close game in the early innings, but the second time through the lineup, the United States should be able to have a couple big frames to pick up the victory.

Prediction: United States 6, Puerto Rico 3

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