ON TODAY'S SCORECARD
Re-Seeds
The question is how high does Italy rise after its shocking first-place finish in Pool B? And is Team USA still the favorite?
The World Baseball Classic quarterfinals are set after a dramatic final day of pool play Wednesday.
Several familiar names fill out the bracket with a few surprises mixed in.
Momentum for the tournament has been jump-started by Team USA's flirtation with elimination and everyone learning a new formula for tiebreakers.
Throw in the best player in the sport leading what appears to be a dynasty and future Hall of Famers blasting clutch home runs adding to the excitement.
Sports Illustrated took a swing at re-seeding the eight remaining teams as they march toward their goal of a championship. These are their Top Four teams...
4. Puerto Rico
The trio of Seth Lugo, Luis Quiñones and Eduardo Rivera allowed just a single run over a combined 12 1/3 innings as the Pool A hosts wrapped up their spot in the quarterfinals early.
While Puerto Rico may not have the most prolific offense on paper following a late string of dropouts due to injuries and insurance issues, they've managed to get the job done and are willing to play small ball and use their athleticism to eke out runs, which becomes even more important as the WBC goes on. Do not be surprised if they fly a bit under the radar all the way to the finals
3. United States
About 48 hours ago that shocking loss to Italy looked really bad. And let's be clear, anytime a team's fate is in someone else's hands it's cause for concern. But Italy continuing their hot play in a win over Mexico suggest that they are a real contender and Team USA's great sin boils down to a few bad innings from Nolan McLean and Ryan Yarborough.
Mark DeRosa is seemingly under fire depending on which dramatic headline you want to click but this does not seem like a team that's going to panic or get tight down the stretch. No team in the tournament has a better offensive lineup and no one else has Paul Skenes. Or the depth available out of the bullpen. So the sky is not falling. Yet.
2. Dominican Republic
Perhaps the most impressive team on display to this point, the Dominican Republic posted three blowouts before edging out Venezuela to finish their pool play with a perfect record. A star-laden lineup has slugged 13 home runs already—and five players have gone deep multiple times. Oneil Cruz in particular has taken advantage of the showcase by hitting two dingers and a double in his three official at-bats.
Not to be overlooked, seven of the nine pitchers to throw under this tremendous support have been stellar, led by Brayan Bello and Luis Severino, a pair of hurlers who aren't afraid to take the ball in key situations.
1. Japan
Let's not overthink it. The defending champions are seeking their fourth WBC crown in six events and show absolutely no signs of vulnerability. Shohei Ohtani continues to be the best player on this planet—and any other planet—as he put on a show for the home fans in Tokyo during pool play. The bright lights of the tournament seem to bring out the very best in him as his career statistics hardly seem real. All Ohtani has done as a member of Japan's tight-knit group is slash .469/.630/.906 at the plate and, oh yeah, get the most celebrated out in the event's history from the mound.
Australia and Korea played the reigning kings tough but that could be a good thing for them ultimately as they ease back into elimination mode.
Current odds to win the tournament are: USA (+140), Dominican Republic (+230), Japan (+450), Venezuela (+900), Puerto Rico(+1800), Canada (+3000), South Korea +5000). | 
