Here's Two Reasons Why You Should Watch The Cubs Representatives In The World Baseball Classic

Most baseball experts would argue that the World Baseball Classic is a useless tournament that nobody takes serious. In addition that it, it happens to fall right in the middle of Spring Training which makes exactly zero MLB managers happy. While I wouldn't disagree with the viewpoint that the tournament is a pain in the ass, I would never say that it is useless either. The value of the two week tournament lies in the opportunity for players to show their pride in their country by representing them on the field as well as getting to team up with other MLB players that they've had relationships with since they were young children. The Cubs will be represented on two teams, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, during the tournament which runs from March 6-22. Javier Baez will play for Puerto Rico and Hector Rondon will play for Venezuela. For those who are saying the WBC is a waste of time, I'll give you two concrete reasons you should watch the tournament (at least the games that involve Baez and Rondon).

1. Puerto Rico Will Have The Best Middle Infield In the Tournament

Team Puerto Rico will probably lead the tournament in total tattoos as well as blowing away the competition in overall levels of swag. Javier Baez will play his usual second base and will be joined by the Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor at shortstop to create the quickest and flashiest middle infield in the tournament. You may remember Lindor from the World Series last year as the guy who seemed to get a hit at every at-bat as well as flashing a ridiculous glove in the field. Lindor and Baez have a friendship that goes WAY beyond the MLB as they were back-to-back draft picks in the 2011 draft. The two grew up together in Puerto Rico and played with (and against) each other growing up in Puerto Rico.

"He's like my brother. We've kind of had the same life," said Baez.

Cubs fans have seen what Baez can do with the glove but should watch the tournament to see what magic Lindor pulls off as well. Let's just say this -- any ball hit up the middle will be an absolute joy to watch. (use the arrow at the top to continue)

2. Update On Hector Rondon's Health

The second reason to watch the WBC is in no way as entertaining as the first reason but true Cubs fans will want to tune in to watch Venezuela play their games. Why? Because former closer Hector Rondon will be throwing as close to live pitching as you'll see before the start of the season. If you recall, Rondon was sidelined last season with a sore triceps around the first of August and was essentially shut down for the rest of the season -- including the playoffs. Before the injury, Rondon was lights out for the Cubs serving as both the closer and the set up man at different points last season taking a backseat to Aroldis Chapman. It'll be interesting to see how Rondon is used by Venezuela since he's only pitched one inning thus far in Spring Training but more the reason for Cubs fans to watch to see how he looks in any potential extended situations. If you're interested in checking out the WBC games, you can view the full schedule here.