TEMPE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Andrelton Simmons returned to Angels camp Wednesday after playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic and said he enjoyed the experience despite the Dutch team's heartbreaking exit from the tournament.
The Netherlands fell to Puerto Rico, 4-3, in 11 innings Monday in a semifinal game at Dodger Stadium. It was a disappointing end for the Netherlands, which was hurt by a pair of baserunning gaffes in the first that undermined a potentially big inning for the club. Simmons committed one of the miscues when he was caught straying too far off second base on a bunt attempt.
"It was fun," Simmons said. "I feel like we had a better team than I thought we had. At the end, even though we messed up a couple plays that would have changed the game, we had it in our hands. It hurts that we could have won it in our eyes, but we also threw it away by not doing certain stuff. But it was fun. Good experience."
Simmons, a native of Curacao, batted .344 (11-for-32) over his seven-game stint in the Classic and said he hopes to use that stretch as a launching pad for the regular season.
"I can't predict the future, but I definitely feel more locked in than normal Spring Training," Simmons said. "I feel like it's a lot more focused at-bats. It's a lot more intense because every at-bat matters. You're trying to win something, so you're more focused. I felt really good playing the tournament."
While Simmons said the travel was a bit grueling -- the Netherlands opened the tournament in Seoul, South Korea, and made a stop in Tokyo before finishing in Los Angeles -- he remains a fan of the Classic and encouraged other Major Leaguers to consider participating in the future.
"It's a fun experience," said Simmons, who also played in the 2013 Classic. "Some people can't risk playing. Maybe they're trying to fight for a job, or whatever, but if you have the opportunity and you're healthy, it's a fun experience. Spring Training is cool and all, but the Classic is way intense. And it's fun to represent your country."
With Opening Day less than two weeks away, Simmons will now be able to focus on building chemistry with new double-play partner Danny Espinosa, who was acquired from the Nationals in an offseason trade. The two middle infielders played in only one Cactus League game together before Simmons departed camp, but Simmons said he doesn't think it will take them too long to get acclimated to each other.
"We're going to be fine," Simmons said. "He's a good defensive player, so it shouldn't be an issue. There will be some things we'll pick up as we go, but it'll happen pretty quick, I think."