Auction Block: Pricing the Classic

Is the World Baseball Classic moving memorabilia?

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"Bleed eterno blu Dodger."

World Baseball Classic.

Are any of those words accurate?

The one in the middle works: despite the guaranteed presence of the designated hitter and mandatory pitch counts, the game being played is undoubtedly baseball as we know it. We guess World is OK, too, though we're still trying to figure out why China and Chinese Taipei get separate teams, let alone where and what Chinese Taipei is.

Classic. Perhaps residents of Japan, where the inaugural WBC trophy is housed, consider their national team's 10-6 victory over Cuba in 2006 to be memorable, but we don't hear much about it on this side of the Pacific.

Sometimes, the concept of the Classic seems a bit forced. Nobody can deny the viability of a team made up of players born in Cuba, Japan, Venezuela, the Dominican, or the USA. Korea has provided enough strong players to secure a spot. But calling on China or South Africa to field a competitive team? That seems like a stretch. And Italy? The team is peppered with Italian-American ringers like Frank Catalanatto and Nick Punto. They even hired Mike Piazza as a hitting instructor, but they still have a ways to go: they've already been eliminated this year.

The influx of foreign players into MLB has been gradual, to the point that roughly thirty percent of the players on opening day rosters are born outside of the U.S. When Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia won an MVP award last season, it was the first time an American-born player had won the AL award since Jason Giambi in 2000. There is no doubt that excellence in baseball is a global commodity in the 21st century. Since the summer Olympics are generally played in the middle of the MLB season and with minor-league talent, the WBC may be our only chance to see top players take the field for national pride.

For our purposes, however, the question is whether the WBC generates any cool gear that can be bought, sold, or traded on the internet. And, not to be too zen about it, but if A-Rod's signed Dominican Republic ball lands on eBay, and nobody bids, is it even really a collectible?

We're midway through the second WBC, and the next one isn't scheduled to be played until 2013, so the market for international baseball merchandise is being partially delineated right here and now. The Classic has its own auction site going, and of course, eBay is loaded with signed balls, among other options. Let's take a look at the offerings.

Johan Santana's Game-Worn 2006 Jersey: It should come as no surprise that MLB has some of the really awesome stuff. It's guaranteed authentic but not signed.

Pedro Martinez signed ball: Then again, resourceful attendees from some of the big games have put some nice stuff on eBay, too. Here's a ball signed by future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. He has lovely penmanship.

David Ortiz "Dominicana" jersey: We'd buy anything Papi. This one has his signature snuggled between the uniform numbers on the back, as well.

Game-used second base: This one comes directly from MLB, who guarantee it was used in the 9th inning of the Dominican Republic vs. Cuba game from 2006. It's scuffed and dirty, and the logo is torn to shreds, which definitely gives it a historical feel.

Japan Cap: These guys won the inaugural classic, and have a great chance to do so again. Many of the series caps are confusing; would you know automatically that NL meant Netherlands? But this one leaves no doubt.

"Baseball Spoken Here" T-shirt: The phrase is repeated in seven different languages, which makes sense, since several participating teams speak the same mother tongue.

Ichiro signed ball: Another memento from the winning team. This one has added value, because it comes from one of the most quotable characters in the game.

2006 Chinese locker tag: This was taken from the locker of Chinese outfielder Hongbo Zhang. We don't really know who he is, but we like saying Hongbo Zhang.

Mexico baseball lapel pin: We don't know if these will ever be as popular as Olympic pins, but we like the tiny national flags incorporated into the design.

XL WBC fleece pullover: This has a pretty nice, understated design. Could be a cool item to wear next time you take in a late-season game with your buddies.

Tan alternate Puerto Rico cap: We've always liked the spirit of the little island commonwealth. Celebrate beisbol with a little extra style this summer.

Seen anything stellar on the auction block? Let us know at collectespn@gmail.com!

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