Fair Territory with Ken Rosenthal Team USA slips past DR, Italy faces Venezuela, Tim Kurkjian joins!
Mar 16, 2026
Tim Kurkjian, veteran MLB writer and ESPN analyst known for storytelling and baseball history. He breaks down Team USA's 2-1 thriller and the missed final-pitch controversy. He highlights rising stars like Gunnar Henderson and Mason Miller. He previews an Italy vs Venezuela semifinal and debates WBC timing, ballpark favorites, and a rule change he'd make.
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Mason Miller's Comeback And Dominance
- Kurkjian recounts Mason Miller's comeback from illness to regain weight and velocity, producing dominant WBC strikeout numbers.
- He recalls Miller dropping to 150 pounds, rebuilding to ~215, then overpowering batters in the tournament.
Base Running Fundamentals Are Declining
- Kurkjian argues base running fundamentals are eroding and can cost games, citing Fernando Tatis Jr. held at second after being thrown out earlier.
- He connects modern focus on power and speed to less emphasis on leads, secondary leads, and base-running teaching.
Paul Molitor As A Master Base Runner
- Kurkjian names Paul Molitor the best base runner he's covered and shares Molitor's Hotbox practice that made him exceptional at leads.
- He quotes Joe Maddon and describes Molitor taking such large leads he could see catcher's signs from first.