Is Japan the Favorites to win the WBC next year?

Question

They are the defending champs, and obviously USA is wayy better than everyone on Paper. But what are the chances that Japan repeats the World Baseball Classic next year?

Japan's Projected Roster:

1B: Ogasawara

2B: Kaz Matsui or Tad Iguchi

3B: Akinori Iwamura (played 3B last time)

SS: Munenori Kawasaki

LF: Hideki Matsui (assuming Steinbrenner lets him)

CF: Ichiro

RF: Kosuke Fukudome

C: Kenji Johjima (maybe)

P: Dice-K Matsuzaka

*They have a solid Bullpen with Akinori Otsuka, Takashi Saito, etc.

Answer 1

USA is the favorite because they have the best players in the world, and they are looking for redemption.

Answer 2

Dominican republic

Answer 3

The U.S.A is the best Team, no foreigners can beat us in our sport, however Japan,Mexico, and The Dominican Republic have The Best Chanse of beating The U.S

Answer 4

There is no doubt that the USA has the best overall talent, but the American players are too complacent. The Japanese, Dominicans, Cubans etc. all care more about winning this thing. If I were to put money on anybody for the '09 WBC, it'd be Japan.

Answer 5

I would say they have a good chance but I think there are stronger teams, for one America is strong as well as Cuba, Venezuela is good. But I think the favorite has to be the Dominican Republic.

Answer 6

Japan or The U.S I think a Darkhorse is Mexico remember they beat the U.S last time