As February draws to a close, baseball fans around the globe are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the spectacle that is the World Baseball Classic. But here’s where it gets exciting: by this time next week, the tournament will be in full swing, showcasing the incredible talent and passion that make baseball a truly global sport. Earlier this month, Kiri Oler provided an in-depth preview of the WBC with four comprehensive team-by-team analyses—one for each pool (Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, and Pool D). And this is just the beginning! We’ll have even more coverage next week as we dive headfirst into the tournament. Personally, I’ll be in Miami covering Pool D, which features powerhouse teams like Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua. If you’ve got burning questions about the first-round action at loanDepot park, you know where to find me.
But the World Baseball Classic isn’t the only thing heating up in March. And this is the part most people miss: we’re less than four weeks away from Opening Day—the earliest traditional start to an MLB season in history! On Thursday, March 26, 14 games will kick off the season, but the real fireworks begin the night before. The Giants will host the Yankees in a primetime showdown, airing exclusively on Netflix. Yes, you read that right—Netflix. Because who doesn’t love adding another streaming service to their list?
Now, let’s shift gears to this week’s mailbag, where we’ll tackle your burning questions. From the NL Central to the value of a foul ball, we’ll explore it all. We’ll even dive into a hypothetical Hall of Fame election where every player regains eligibility for one year—a thought experiment that’s sure to spark debate. And just for fun, we’ll rank the most and least valuable baseball last names. But here’s where it gets controversial: do certain surnames carry an unfair advantage in the sport? Let’s discuss!
Before we get into the questions, a quick reminder: this mailbag is exclusive to FanGraphs Members. If you’re not a member yet, now’s the perfect time to join. Not only will you gain access to this content, but you’ll also support our team and unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including ad-free browsing, unlimited articles, customizable data tools, and much more. Plus, you’ll get access to RosterResource, The Board, and our glossary—all at your fingertips. Here’s the kicker: membership also includes enhanced Steamer projections, historical ZiPS data, and even a personalized year-end site usage review. Ready to join the ranks? Click here to become a member and start enjoying the full FanGraphs experience.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With the World Baseball Classic and Opening Day just around the corner, which event are you more excited for, and why? Do you think Netflix’s foray into baseball broadcasting is a game-changer, or just another streaming service cash grab? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
