Is this Australia's Time?

Kelly McGiffin impressed with pitching

I was looking at the World rankings and although the top 8 or so are very close, I think the Aussie's are the ones to watch. After following the line scores for their Nationals, I notice James Darby is back playing softball.

In 2001 when we were in Australia for the Jr World's, they had two flamethrowers - Andrew Kirkpatrick and James Darby. Darby threw harder and was more overpowering. He was signed by the San Diego Padres that same week and has been playing minor league ball the past few years. I heard he had given the pro's up - or they had given up on him - and now I see he's back playing fastball at home.

He would be about 25 years old. If he gets back into it, Australia could have the most dominant pitching staff in the World come 2009: Kirkpatrick, Folkard and Darby.

Their hitting isn't all that bad either, with another kid by the name of Matt White coming back after a serious car accident, and a youngster named Michael Tanner, added to an already strong lineup of Keifel, Goolagong, Winters, etc - and they're young!

I'd always bank on pitching, just like Canada did in the old days of Zack and Piechnik and I think Australia might just be the favorites of the future.

New Zealand has hitting, experience and young Manley is tough, so they'll be right there.

Canada had trouble in Mexico - forget the "we brought youngsters along" line - they had a good squad and just continue to struggle with finding the right mix, but there is still a lot of talent here.

If Argentina ever puts it together with their pitching, they'll also have a solid chance.

Venezuela showed they can play and only need a good pitching performance at the right time.

Japan will be better than in 2004. I think they were very disappointed by their performance in New Zealand and they'll waste no time making the adjustment.

Finally, if the US ever solve their pitching issues - can you say Paul Koert and Darcy Byrne - and start a stronger scouting effort for their own talent, they can hit and defend with anyone.

Remember, Venezuela was proof that if you have all the other parts, you only need your pitchers to come up with a few great games in order to suceed.

2009 is shaping up to be a very interesting world tournament, but I'm really liking Australia's chances.

Just some thoughts,

Kelly McGiffin