During this time of year, baseball fans are usually tuned into Spring Training games to see how their favorite teams are looking. This year is different, however. Every four years millions of people take a break from Spring Training and tune into the emotional roller coaster of The World Baseball Classic.

The World Baseball Classic is considered to be the baseball version of the FIFA World Cup. 16 countries from all around the globe form super teams and compete for the pride of their people. Some of these teams include: Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico and the USA. The teams begin the tournament by playing teams within their pool. There are four pools with four teams in each pool. The winner and runner up from each pool continue on to the next round. From there, winners and runner ups continue to play through the semi-finals. Eventually only two teams are left with a chance to make their entire country proud.

In 2013, the last World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Republic took the throne from a Japanese team that was looking for a 3-peat. The power-packed Dominican team faced a youthful Puerto Rican team in the championship of 2013. This year’s Dominican Republic team may be just as impressive as the championship team, if not more impressive. Their all-star-packed lineup includes Robinson Cano, who took home the World Baseball Classic MVP award in 2013. The team did lose an experienced slugger in David Ortiz, but added a special young talent in Manny Machado. The favorites for this year are hoping to go for a repeat.

Another potential championship team is Japan. The Japanese won the tournament in 2006 and 2009. Daisuke Matsuzaka was named the MVP in both tournaments. In 2013, the team reached the semifinal but fell to a hard-hitting Puerto Rican squad. Japan is led by righty pitcher Ryo Akiyoshi and five-foot tall outfielder Shogo Akiyama. The Japanese are not known for their brute power but do not be surprised if they hit a few home runs a game. The status quo for the Japanese is a plethora of small ball. They get their bunts down and advance runners one by one. So far this method has worked for the Japanese. The quick and elite team from Japan look to reclaim their throne in 2017.

Another team that can make a run in this year’s tournament is the USA. This year’s team for the Americans is star-studded and power-packed. The team for the United States has always make a decent run in the tournament but just can’t seem to get over the hump. They are currently no. 2 in the world rankings, according to the IBAF. Their team is packed in every aspect of the field and lineup. Some of the big hitters in their lineup include: Buster Posey, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, and Giancarlo Stanton. This doesn’t even cover half of their team’s power. They are also filled with aces and flame-throwing closers, which include: Chris Archer and Marcus Stroman. Even their defense looks impressive. Defensive stars, Alex Bregman and Ian Kinsler look to hold it down in the infield. This might be the best chance the Americans have in taking home a trophy.

The final team that will be previewed is the Latin island of Puerto Rico. In the past two tournaments, Puerto Rico has made impressive pushed in the deep rounds of the tournament and even made it to the finals of 2013. The Puerto Rican squad takes on a different look this year. In past years, they have been full of experienced players. This year they are packed with youthful all stars. This does not mean they do not know how to win however. Infielders Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez just competed against each other in the World Series. Both players have been in the league for less than two years. Puerto Rico’s infield may be the best in the entire tournament. Their infield includes Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Javier Baez and more. The experience is behind the plate and in the outfield. These experienced players include: Yadier Molina (the captain of this year’s team), Angel Pagan, and Carlos Beltran. They also have plenty of powerful arms that will show up on the mound.

Many people around the world are looking for a rematch between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, but there are many other teams that are hoping to ruin that from happening.