[baseballonly]

Most experts predict Pool 1 ending in a runaway by the United States and Netherlands.

South Korea
South Korea has budding pitcher Dae-Ki Park, who managed a 2.31 E.R.A. in college ball last year, but after that the rotation drops off. Their lineup is full of below-average hitters with little speed, making South Korea one of the teams in the tournament.

Netherlands Antilles
This team actually has a decent lineup, but that is more than cancelled out by their horrid pitching staff. Their top starter, Cecil Boerboom, pitched a 6.38 ERA in college last season and and it only gets worse after that. The offense is led by Max Schuur, who nearly hit .400 in each of his three college seasons. He has also developed some power, with 30 home runs in 151 games.

The Netherlands
The Netherlands look like they will easily get out of the pool and can compete in the knockout stages. They have a solid lineup filled with players who should have no trouble reaching base. It lacks speed, however, and defense could be an issue. The starting rotation, led by Tomas Verhagen, has three top pitcher as well as a fourth solid one.

United States
The Americans are clear-cut favorites to win the pool and possibly the whole cup. At the top of their line-up is Ron "Tiny" Johns, the speedy shortstop who hit .408 last season. They have Phil "Milkman" Nelson at catcher, a career .331 hitter who is considered by some the top player in the game. First Baseman Foster "Rock and Roll" Nicholas possess great power and can make consistent contact. The USA's pitching staff is led by Andres "Pooky" Rodriguez, and with six above-average pitchers makes them the most complete team in the world. It looks as if the tournament is their's to lose, although they will be up against some great competition.