Japan's pros have edge on US, Cuba

Compiled by Globe Staff, 09/15/2000

WHEN: Sept. 16 (vs. Japan), Sept. 18 (vs. South Africa), Sept. 19 (vs. Netherlands), Sept. 20 (vs. South Korea), Sept. 22 (vs. Italy), Sept. 23 (vs. Cuba), Sept. 24 (vs. Australia), Sept. 26 (semifinals), Sept. 27 (medal).

US ENTRIES: Pitchers: Kurt Ainsworth, Ryan Franklin, Chris George, Matt Ginter, Shane Heams, Rick Krivda, Roy Oswalt, Jon Rauch, C.C. Sabathia, Bobby Seay, Ben Sheets, Todd Williams, Tim Young; catchers: Pat Borders, Marcus Jensen, Mike Kinkade; infielders: Brent Abernathy, Sean Burroughs, Mike Coolbaugh, Travis Dawkins, Adam Everett, Shawn Gilbert, Doug Mientkiewciz; outfielders: John Cotton, Mike Neill, Tony Sanders, Brad Wilkerson, Ernie Young.

FAVORITES: 1. Japan; 2. Cuba; 3. US.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Lords of the Rings invited the planet's professionals to a true World Series, but scheduling conflicts made that fantasy a non-starter. Still, enough money players will be on hand to make this the most competitive Olympic field since the sport was added to the program in 1992. The Americans, who won the bronze medal in Atlanta using collegians, are beefed up with 13 Triple A minor-leaguers who've all had time in The Show. But the Japanese, who blew away the US in their 1996 semi, are sending eight current pros. And the Koreans, in the cellar last time, have halted their national league to free up their best. All of that could spell trouble for the ``amateur'' Cubans. They've never lost a game at Olympus, but age and defections have made them vulnerable.