With just a few days remaining until the start of the World Baseball Classic on Thursday, it’s time to break down the double-elimination opening round. This week, it’s Pool D, being played in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Part 7 in a 7-part series)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2006 finish: Lost semifinals

Key players: 3B Alex Rodriguez, SS Jose Reyes, RHP Edinson Volquez

Strength: Superstar-rich lineup

Weakness: No proven ace

Outlook: The team with the highest ceiling and the biggest potential to bust. Headline for A-Rod’s squad could be DR-Fraud.

Prediction: 2-2

NETHERLANDS

2006 finish: Eliminated pool play

Key players: RHP Sidney Ponson, RHP Rick VandenHurk, 3B Yurendell de Caster

Strength: Some pitching

Weakness: Limited offense

Outlook: A repeat of its performance at the 2008 Olympics (fewer than five hits per game) will mean a quick exit.

Prediction: 0-2

PANAMA

2006 finish: Eliminated pool play

Key players: OF Carlos Lee, RHP Manny Corpas, C Carlos Ruiz

Strength: Low expectations

Weakness: Inexperience

Outlook: Mariano Rivera isn’t playing, but a talented young group of mostly minor leaguers could spring an upset.

Prediction: 1-2

PUERTO RICO

2006 finish: Eliminated

2nd round

Key players: OF Carlos Beltran, 1B Carlos Delgado, C Geovany Soto

Strength: Depth

Weakness: Table-setters

Outlook: There’s a shortage of top-tier talent, but there aren’t many holes, either. Poised for a deep run.

Prediction: 3-0