That was really cool

The World Baseball Classic has become a truly great tournament, and the final didn't disappoint. And, I'm sure it went just like Jed Hoyer and the Cubs drew it up for their guys.

Alex Bregman, who they just signed to a five-year, $175 million contract came up in a huge spot in the ninth, due to face his Cubs' teammate, and Venezuela's closer Daniel Palencia...and, was pinch hit for by Gunnar Henderson.

And Palencia, one of the breakout stars of this tournament was in the game for a second night in a row throwing 101 MPH. It was awesome, and he dominated again, and if you concentrated you could hear his ulnar collateral ligament groan with every pitch.

The tournament ended with Palencia on the mound blowing strike three right by the very talented Roman Anthony.

As impressive as that pitch was, the one before it, a 91 MPH splitter that moved about three feet right before it reached home plate was a thing of absolute beauty.

Daniel faced 17 batters in the tournament and struck out nine of them. Is that good?

Seems good.

When the lights got bright in the elimination games in Miami, Palencia didn't flinch. I'm sure he'll be fine adrenaline-wise trying to close out a 5-2 game in front of 11,000 people in Pissburgh in April.

It was impossible not to feel great for Venezuela and its fans when they won. For us, this tournament is a fun break from boring spring training baseball. The fact that the tournament gets better and better every time is all the better.

But to the other countries this is so much more.