i feel imperialized

I would like to begin this entry with a quote from the supremely talented Ichiro Suzuki prior to the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006:

 "I want to beat South Korea so badly, that the South Koreans won't want to play Japan for another 30 years."

Years before that he had this to say about a visit to Korea:

"Korea smells like garlic." (GreensandBrowns would have responded: "You smell golden. You also smell like a shower.")

If possible, it's always easier to tell a story with a protagonist endeavoring to overcome the dastardly deeds of the antagonist. It's even easier when the villain is beady-eyed and rodent-like. (For more information on this supreme jack ass, visit the Ichiro Exhibition Center).

Korea lost to Japan on Monday night (3-5, 10 innings) in the championship game of the 2009 WBC. Up until Monday’s final, I couldn't help but feel that the tournament was too exhibition-like. All of that changed when all that stood in Team Korea's way was the school bully (with spiky blue and pink hair). 

As such, the contest turned out to be one of the most exhilarating baseball games that I have ever watched, and I’m still a little peeved at myself for not taking the day off to personally attend the game. As I've told ML in the past, my presence at sporting events (or even watching on TV) alters outcomes. It just does. I'll take full responsibility for this loss. I see no other way to salvage this blunder but to attend this (I am a dutiful servant to the motherland).

Japan clearly churns out superior talent, and Team Korea's valiant rally at the end of the game couldn't be sustained in extra innings. The comeback alone was worth the four hour commitment during the game and the subsequent post-game hours wondering "What if?" What more could a Korean ask for? Our precondition demands that we we relish the role of prideful loser. We can blithely convince ourselves that the agony of defeat breeds a strength and character greater than those of the victor.

Tangent: The Japanese players actually look like athletes - lean and hungry; several of them should be playing in Major League Baseball. A few of the Korean players look like they eat too much rice.

Perhaps the loss would have been easier to stomach had the game winning hit come from someone other than Suzuki. Perhaps not. Irregardless, there is no shame in losing to this baseball juggernaut. I’m just glad we didn't lose any women from this exchange. Kudos, Korea.

Anyway, here is an ESPN package of the game's highlights, complete with the great John Miller’s play-by-play sprinkled throughout. It’s too bad this doesn't include every momentum changing play. For instance, it doesn't show Korea’s amazing double play turn that kept Japan from padding their lead, and it doesn't showcase Korea cutting into the lead by half on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth that set the table for the ninth inning dramatics.

If you like your kimchee spicy, I highly discourage you from watching this clip past 2:30 or so.

One last thing. How about we plunk Suzuki in the head the next time there is an open base?

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