Fair Territory with Ken Rosenthal Team USA vs Mexico WBC preview, DOMINANT DR, Tarik Skubal's dilemma
Mar 9, 2026
A lively preview of Team USA vs Mexico with crowd vibes, lineups and Mexico’s bullpen strategy. Updates on Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico and a dominant Dominican lineup. A deep dive into Tarik Skubal’s tough choice between national pride and injury/contract risk. Rapid-fire segments on Yoshida’s trade value, Profar’s appeal timing, NL rookie candidates and why Lucas Giolito is still unsigned.
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Mexico's Pitching Depth Has Eroded
- Mexico will open with Manny Pareda in a bullpen/startup approach while Paul Skenes debuts for the U.S.
- Mexico lost several expected starters (Urquidy, Taj Bradley, Cody Ponce) making their staff thinner than in 2023.
Dominican Republic Is The Tournament Favorite
- The Dominican Republic has been the tournament's offensive juggernaut, outscoring opponents 24-4 in early games.
- Rosenthal ranks their lineup (Guerrero, Tatis, Machado, Marte, etc.) as on par with or above Team USA.
Skubal's Emotional Dilemma Staying Or Leaving
- Tarik Skubal is personally torn about staying with Team USA after pitching once; he showed visible emotion in postgame interviews.
- He originally planned to throw only once but felt the pull of teammates and the jersey experience.