Defending Olympic baseball champion Cuba views Japan, not the United States, as the major threat in its bid to claim a fourth gold medal in five tries in what could be the sport's Olympic farewell.
A Cuba-Japan showdown today at Wukesong Stadium tops the opening slate and is a rematch of the 2006 World Baseball Classic final won by Japan.
Canada plays China, the US will meet South Korea and the Dutch face Taiwan in other openers.
Ichiro Suzuk of Japan, who plays for Seattle Mariners, hits an RBI single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning of their baseball game in Seattle on Aug 9. [Agencies] |
"Japan are a good team with strong ability. For us, they are the strongest rivals for the gold medal rather than the US," said Cuban outfielder Yoandry Urgelles. "Our goal is to win a medal first, but a gold medal would be best."
The Americans defeated Cuba in last year's World Cup in Taiwan and combined with Japan's Classic triumph, the Cubans feel some pressure to reclaim the throne ahead of the 2009 Classic.
"We returned to win and to return to the top of the world," Cuban outfielder Alexei Bell said. "Baseball means a lot to Cuba. It's the national sport."
Japan will field top talent from the Japan League while the Americans offer only top developmental talent from Major League Baseball organizations because the US elite league refuses to shut down for the Olympics.
"Japan will be our strongest opponents to win the gold medal," said Cuban outfielder Giorbis Duvergel.
The lack of Major League Baseball stars prompted a vote by the International Olympic Committee to dump baseball after Beijing, although a revival vote chance is scheduled for October, 2009.
"Baseball is played throughout the world. People should remember," Cuban outfielder Frederich Cepeda said. "It's an important sport and should be in the Olympics."
The island settled for silver only in 2000 when current US major league hurler Ben Sheets baffled Cuban batters in the final.
Cuba will be led by pitcher Pedro Luis Lazo and shortstop Eduardo Paret, both two-time Olympic champions, and guided by Cuban Olympic veteran Antonio Pacheco as manager and batting coach Orestes Kindelan, the all-time Olympic leader in home runs and runs batted in.
The Americans missed the 2004 Olympics after a college team failed in regional qualifying, making this year's task tougher for a talented squad that has been assembled for barely two weeks.
"Athens definitely added pressure," US infielder Brian Barden said. "The US is considered a powerhouse and is always expected to come home with a gold. It's important for us to show baseball is important and needs to be continued."
"We have to make a statement after missing 2004," US manager Davey Johnson said.
Sparking US hopes will be Jayson Nix, last year's World Cup's Most Valuable Player, and Mike Hessman, who has more than 280 minor-league home runs. "The Japan team is really strong and of course Cuba," Hessman said. "Japan is bringing their big boys from the professional league so it's going to be interesting."
The reigning Asian champion Japan took bronze in 2004 and boasts elite talent, including top pitcher Yu Darvish. South Korea offers its national league's best as well, including top pitchers Kim Kwang-hyun and Ryu Hyun-jin.