Is It Any Surprise to Be in Anaheim?: Frankly, if there is a surprise team playing in Anaheim, it certainly is Team Mexico. Many people expected Jason Bay, Matt Stairs and Team Canada to march into Round 2 along with the United States, especially after the Canucks nipped the Americans, but the Mexicans had other ideas, and no unanswered questions loomed after Mexico blazed through Team Canada. So maybe it is a surprise for Mexico to be playing still, but it certainly is no fluke.
Mexico's Esteban Loaiza
lasted five-plus innings, giving up three hits and a run to
spur his country to a 9-1 win
over Canada on Friday,
clinching a spot in the second round.
What Must Change to Go to San Diego?: Mexico had a slow start out of the gates, and now that the ball is rolling, there is no time to stall the momentum. Any loss of progress could be huge because top-to-bottom, Mexico may not be not as talented as other teams in this group. One bad game will force their hand and turn up the pressure for the rest.