You don't need much forensic evidence to know the World Baseball Classic finally had its breakthrough moment _ it's here to stay.
There was talk of the tournament dying a slow, painful death, buried with no hope of being restored in 2021. But not after a week of must-see games and the emergence of Team USA as champions. Rob Manfred says he wants the WBC to grow the sport, but let's not be naive: having the Americans run the table was the outcome the commissioner was hoping for.
Manfred now has public-relations leverage over the stars who boycotted the tournament. As a result, just watch, Noah Syndergaard and Clayton Kershaw will become converts, and you can add Bryce Harper's name too, now that Mike Trout has already volunteered for the '21 edition.
There was plenty to like about this year's tournament _ as well as a few glaring flaws that need to be addressed. That is, if the WBC is to be regarded as baseball's version of the World Cup and not a glorified spring training exhibition series.
In brief: we love the patriotism all the way around. Hate the 11th-inning shootout rules. Hate the late starting times on east coast. Not crazy about playing the tournament in March.
Here are some final thoughts on a memorable ride:
