PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Chris Archer couldn't stay awake until the end of Team USA's 8-0 win over Puerto Rico to win the World Baseball Classic, but the right-hander was happy about the result on Thursday morning.
"It's fantastic," Archer said. "I think it shows the level of talent that USA has. You know, people were upset because player X, Y or Z weren't there, and we still won.
:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::
"People were upset because [Clayton] Kershaw and [Madison] Bumgarner and whoever else weren't there. But starting pitchers had a one-point-something ERA."
• Spring Training: Info | Schedule | Tickets | Gear
Archer started for Team USA in its opening game against Colombia, retiring the 12 batters he faced on 41 pitches. He then returned to Rays camp. When asked if he felt like he was still a part of the team, Archer said, "As much as one could."
• Archer says Classic energized him for season

"I didn't have 50,000 fans chanting, 'USA! USA!' or 'MVP,' but I feel like I was a part of it," Archer said. "I wish I could have been there, but I don't know if I could have done much better than the starter did."
Marcus Stroman started for Team USA on Wednesday night and carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning en route to Most Valuable Player honors. Archer noted that he was "ecstatic" for his friend.
"Especially with the way he bounced back from the previous start against the same team," Archer said. "He's a big-time pitcher. So I'm looking forward to hopefully facing him in the playoffs this year."