Bobby Valentine, long time MLB manager, and current Japanese manager stated he believes ANY Japanese baseball player could be an everyday player in the MLB, however, over half of MLB could not be an everyday player in Japan.
Look for Japan to do very very well.
Also, I think a majority of managers are worried, like George, that their stars are going to be injured playing a irrelevant exhibition tournament.
I also dont like that fact that many American playes are playing for other countries. Example: Mike Piazza is American born, his relatives came to America in 1900. Piazza is playing for the Italian team. Not many people are treating this as an opportunity to play for their country. I find that unfortunate.