When quadruple-A players (better than AAA, but not really MLB talent) continue to rack up huge numbers in the Japanese leagues, it's a sign that the league (in general) isn't up to MLB levels just yet. Nice switcheroo. Baseball is a team game, and as the Classic shows, no amount of individual skill can carry a badly trained team. Japan leaguers are the equal of MLB teams, not because they are as physically and athletically dominant, but because they have top notch fundamentals and team play. I think it would be better to say that the current MLB is not up to the standards of the J-Leagues.
posted by Heathen Dan at 06:55 PM on March 21, 2006
Japan wins World Baseball Classic
When quadruple-A players (better than AAA, but not really MLB talent) continue to rack up huge numbers in the Japanese leagues, it's a sign that the league (in general) isn't up to MLB levels just yet. Nice switcheroo. Baseball is a team game, and as the Classic shows, no amount of individual skill can carry a badly trained team. Japan leaguers are the equal of MLB teams, not because they are as physically and athletically dominant, but because they have top notch fundamentals and team play. I think it would be better to say that the current MLB is not up to the standards of the J-Leagues.