I don't know the cheer for Team Netherlands off the top of my head, but it's about time I found out. There's no rule saying we MUST root for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. As I've said before, it will be an odd thing when they boo Team USA in a bar in Boston as the lineup is read that includes Jeter, A-Rod, and Damon, and cheer for a Dominican Republic team that features Big Papi and Manny.
But Team Netherlands, the team of Andruw Jones and Ardley Jansen. The team of Randall Simon; a man unafraid to not only use his bat against the baseball, but also against anyone who may run by him. The unpredictable drunken buffoonery of Sidney Ponson. The all-vowel all-star, Kirk Saarloos. Mark `Agent' Mulder. For my money, team Netherlands is where all the fun is at. And as Braves fans, why not root for them vis-a-vis Andruw Jones.
Not to mention they have a good chance of making it out of their bracket. No one knows what to expect out of team Cuba, or if they will even show up. Team Panama is anchored by Bruce Chen and Carlos Lee and not much else. Team Puerto Rico may be the only significant challenge, with Javier Vasquez, The Flying Molina Brothers, two Javy Lopez's, and Carlos Beltran. And two teams advance from each bracket.
The US bracket is actually a tougher bracket, with Mexico and Canada. Who knows what to expect from Team South Africa. They may come dressed as Cricket players and throw googlies at us the whole tournament. And isn't everyone going to be rooting for Team USA? Borrrring.
We will have had enough of that ra! ra! ra! USA chant after the Olympics. Let's try something different for a change, and throw our support behind the Dutch (and their subservient colonies). Besides, do you know what they let you smoke in the Netherlands?