Team Japan had the best pitching staff.
That’s because, for whatever reason, Team USA did not bring its best starting pitchers.
And Team USA had three very good relievers but was thin thereafter in the bullpen.
Obviously, Team USA had the best group of position players.
Think that if Team Japan—this exact group—played in the majors as a team, they would be a contender in most any MLB division. They are really good.
Why not? They’ve been playing baseball in Japan for over a century.