The Asian region pools for the premier international baseball tournament, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) 2017 have been finalised, with Australia scheduled to take on Japan (ranked #1), Cuba (#5) and China (#18) in Tokyo in March 2017.
The Tokyo Dome will host both the first and second round pools, with pool play getting underway on the 7th of March. Australia needs to finish either first or second in their pool to advance to the second round.
Team Australia manager Jon Deeble is excited by facing the #1 ranked team in the world.
“I’m really excited we’re in this pool,” Deeble said.
“It will give us a chance to go up against some of the best teams in the world in Japan and Cuba.”
The Australian side will look for an improved performance at the WBC after getting some all-important match practice at Honkbalweek in the Netherlands last month.
Honkbalweek was a valuable experience for Team Australia leading into the WBC according to manager Jon Deeble.
“Honkbalweek was very important as it gave us a chance to see the guys who aren't in pro ball, as well as seeing who possibly could help us in the WBC,” Deeble said.
“It also allowed us to get some of our experienced guys like Luke Hughes, Trent Oeltjen and David Kandilas some at bats against quality opposition in the off season.”
Australia is currently ranked 13th in the world, and according to Team Australia Manager Jon Deeble; the Australian Baseball League will be an important part of preparation for the WBC.
"The ABL season and the ABL All-Star game will be vital for our selections,” Deeble said.