Nolan Writin'
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Grading Each Rangers World Baseball Classic Performance

ByConnelly Bock|
Mar 15, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Venezuela infielder Rougned Odor (12) reacts after a home run in the seventh inning against the United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. The United States won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Venezuela infielder Rougned Odor (12) reacts after a home run in the seventh inning against the United States during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. The United States won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 9, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Dominican Republic infielder Adrian Beltre (29) hits a base hit in the fifth inning against Canada during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Marlins Park. Dominican Republic won 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Dominican Republic infielder Adrian Beltre (29) hits a base hit in the fifth inning against Canada during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Marlins Park. Dominican Republic won 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Beltre

Oh captain, my captain, how it hurts to grade you so low. Adrian Beltre decided last second that he would play for the Dominican Republic despite battling a calf injury.

“I would like represent my country. This will be my last WBC, and I’m proud to be called Dominican. Hopefully we win.” Beltre said in an interview shortly before he left to join the Dominican team.

Beltre was not on the 2013 Dominican squad that eventually won the tournament. With superstar, Manny Machado at third base, the Dominican Republic used Beltre as the full-time DH. While is veteran leadership and lovable personality was valuable to the clubhouse, his bat, not so much.

Among players with at least 15 at-bats Beltre ranked last in average, OBP, slugging, and OPS. His one hit in four games was a long cry from his 2006 performance which netted him All-WBC Team honors.

Rangers fans don’t need to worry. Beltre is a notorious slow starter and will surly be back to his All-Star form in no time. The future Hall of Famer starts 2017 only 58 hits shy of 3,000.

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