Cuba can now play. | SportsFilter

oops-should have put US Gov.

posted by daddisamm at 10:04 AM - reply - flag:

Now, in the spirit of socialism, drop the ticket prices to something affordable.

posted by ?! at 10:19 AM - reply - flag:

S'kay, I thought maybe "Us" meant the SpoFi government, and we finally got this backroom deal done. It's still not kosher with the embargo ... but it's the right thing to do. Plus, perhaps the Cards can find a lefty on the Cuban roster to kidnap convince to stay here.

posted by wfrazerjr at 10:20 AM - reply - flag:

This is excellent news. Baseball is a huge source of pride for the beleaguered Cuban people. I'm glad we're not going to punish them for Castro's transgressions.

posted by vito90 at 10:32 AM - reply - flag:

It's about time some common sense was exercised by the powers that be. Anybody expecting Cuba to excell, well don't hold your breathe. This isn't International "Ametuer Baseball". I'd be very surprised if they finish anywhere near the top but it's nice they're being included.

posted by skydivedad at 10:37 AM - reply - flag:

I thought all along that the Cubans would play. It wouldnt be a "world tourney without the Cubans.

posted by daddisamm at 10:51 AM - reply - flag:

I'd be very surprised if they finish anywhere near the top Cuba took home the gold medal in baseball at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, and took the silver in 2000. They've got players and skillz, and they'll provide more of a challenge than you think. Italy, on the other hand, is considering starting me at shortstop.

posted by rocketman at 11:04 AM - reply - flag:

Cuba's Gold in the Olympics were acquired playing against Ameteurs. That is not the case with the WBC. Let's revisit this after the WBC is over.

posted by skydivedad at 11:08 AM - reply - flag:

They've got players and skillz, and they'll provide more of a challenge than you think Especially if you are trying to stop them from throwing the ball around the horn for a half hour every inning.

posted by chris2sy at 11:28 AM - reply - flag:

I am glad that Cuba is playing, but if you go solely off the rosters, this will be a showdown between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. The D.R. has the heavy hitters and the U.S. has the elite pitching. It is going to be very interesting to watch.

posted by mcstan13 at 11:59 AM - reply - flag:

Oh god, did Scottie McClellan really say the United States concerns were "centered on making sure that the World Baseball Classic would not be misused by the regime for spying"? Paranoia, soul destroya. Geeze, it's not like the United States doesn't have a permanent military base in Cuba and monitors everything that moves via extensive satellite surveillance over the island. It amazes me that the United States is running a massive trade deficit with China -- a communist nation that has multiple nukes aimed at them -- and yet stands on top of a chair like June Cleaver trembling at the sight of a mouse when they think about the Beard's baseball team. Play ball!!

posted by the red terror at 12:47 PM - reply - flag:

Where's STLCardinal fan - Look!! They're betraying America!! Traitors!! Traitors!! Just joshing. Good on the ol' USA. Now go out and beat the hell out of the Cubans - their team sucks.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:20 PM - reply - flag:

the commissioner's office and the players' association reapplied after Cuba said it would donate any profits it receives to victims of Hurricane Katrina. That's commendable. These guys know how to work a deal.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 02:01 PM - reply - flag:

It's still not kosher with the embargo ... but it's the right thing to do. Plus, perhaps the Cards can find a lefty on the Cuban roster to kidnap convince to stay here. posted by wfrazerjr at 10:20 AM CST on January 20 The Embargo itselve isnt kosher. Its has out-lived its usefullness.

posted by daddisamm at 02:04 PM - reply - flag:

www.sportingnews.com If you could cut and paste the shortcut above, you'll find it very interesting. It's MLB related, so one might like it. It says that the Marlins and Nats are contraction locks for 2007. It also says that the Twins chances of contraction are better than being saved. Very interesting.

posted by Joe88 at 02:35 PM - reply - flag:

I think Jeffrey Loria is a lock for contraction.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 04:15 PM - reply - flag:

Joe to save people the trouble I've included it as a link.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 04:15 PM - reply - flag:

Oh god, did Scottie McClellan really say the United States concerns were "centered on making sure that the World Baseball Classic would not be misused by the regime for spying"? It isn't unheard of...

posted by grum@work at 04:28 PM - reply - flag:

Did you ever read The Catcher Was a Spy? Well worth a read.

posted by yerfatma at 05:31 PM - reply - flag:

Loria is MLB's Hand of Death. I've always believed his job is simply to so completely ruin a fan base that no one complains when the team is contracted.

posted by ?! at 05:54 PM - reply - flag:

Thanks for the link Ying Yang Mafia. DrJohnEvans is correct. Jeff Loria and his Marlins are a lock for contraction. However, I doubt that they will be alone. As soon as the house cleaning began, I knew 2006 was the end for the Fish. Especially, after Jack McKeon resigned, I knew that he knew that this next season would be the end. He did not want to be a part of this hell. It's over in South Beach. However, as I keep on saying, they will not be alone. The Nats are hovering around 80% for contraction, but it could be 90 by Opening Day, it all depends on (the Anacostia) Riverfront Stadium. The Twins and Carl Pohlad are hovering around 60% right now. The Twins are also seeing the numbers move with the stadium issue.

posted by Joe88 at 07:02 PM - reply - flag:

I figure this "tourney" will turn out like Basketball in the olympics. In 92' the dream team whupped up on everyone they faced. The teams started slipin and now the end product is that our "Pros" can't get it done. I forgot if they even qualified for a medal or not this past olympics. I won't be watching it anyway.

posted by chuy at 07:14 PM - reply - flag:

Did you ever read The Catcher Was a Spy? Well worth a read. The great Moe Berg! They said he could speak seven languages, but he couldn't hit in any of them. Lots of good info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Moe_Berg

posted by vito90 at 10:29 PM - reply - flag:

Thank god you're back, vito. I missed ya.

posted by Ufez Jones at 10:34 PM - reply - flag:

Thanks Ufez. It's possible I've found an outfit that will ship beer via USPS. You still at the same address?

posted by vito90 at 10:50 PM - reply - flag:

From the article Joe88 selected (and YYM helpfully linked): The Twins are trying to get out of their Metrodome lease. This means: A. Thrifty owner Carl Pohlad really enjoys playing old-fashioned country hardball with state officials over new-stadium funding. B. Maybe the whole contraction thing isn't dead after all. Between the stadium-challenged Twins, Nationals and Marlins, three prime contraction candidates back in '02, baseball might still have options. And, hey, time is running out on MLB's ability to slice teams without union permission. Just a conspiracy theory. . . Please to note especially the portions I've highlighted. "Maybe," "might," and, of course, "Just a conspiracy theory..." But, in Joe's world, that means that three Major League Baseball teams are a "lock (your word, not mine) for contraction. I'll believe it when I see it, not when Joe says it.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 10:55 PM - reply - flag:

I say I "believe," so that does not mean it will exactly happen. say that that is my opinion. Finally, I was not the lone soldier in saying the MARLINS would contracted.

posted by Joe88 at 11:42 PM - reply - flag:

Actually, I went back and carefully read all your posts in this thread; nowhere does the word "believe" pop up, except in your last comment. The following words and/or phrases, however, DO pop up in your previous comments: Marlins are a lock for contraction. I knew 2006 was the end for the Fish. after Jack McKeon resigned, I knew that he knew that this next season would be the end. It's over in South Beach. I keep on saying, they will not be alone. The Nats are hovering around 80% for contraction, but it could be 90 by Opening Day The Twins...are hovering around 60% right now. I especially liked the part where you read Jack McKeon's mind. That was impressive.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:04 AM - reply - flag:

I think it would be stupid to contract a team that has won two championships since its expansion year around ten years ago. The Nationals would make more sense though.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:39 AM - reply - flag:

C'mon guys, they're playing a baseball tournement in Puerto Rico, not setting wiretaps in Langley, Virginia.

posted by the red terror at 08:20 AM - reply - flag:

I'd say give Washington a chance, they had an attendance of 2,692,123 in 2005 which was good for 11th best. Season totals sorted by game average: Kansas City: 2001: 27th - 1,536,371 2002: 27th - 1,323,036 2003: 22nd - 1,779,895 2004: 28th - 1,661,478 2005: 29th - 1,371,181 Tampa: 2001: 28th - 1,298,365 2002: 28th - 1,065,742 2003: 29th - 1,058,695 2004: 29th - 1,275,011 2005: 30th - 1,124,189 Minnesotta: 2001: 25th - 1,782,926 2002: 20th - 1,924,473 2003: 20th - 1,946,011 2004: 23rd - 1,879,222 2005: 22nd - 2,013,453 Who should they contract if any?

posted by Steeler_Fan at 12:00 PM - reply - flag:

It's possible I've found an outfit that will ship beer via USPS. You still at the same address? Nope, and don't sweat it. The owing has become greater than the sweet tasty beer. It's all very existential. And stuff.

posted by Ufez Jones at 12:18 PM - reply - flag:

I could hold that beer in escrow if it helps.

posted by yerfatma at 02:57 PM - reply - flag:

Anyway, TheBlackHand, let's just try to foregte about this because this will not be an issue until next season. Maybe I jumped the gun a little. However, to CLOSE this subject I want to offer my OPINION to Steeler_Fan's most sensible words that WSH, MIN, TB, and KC have the bad numbers. There is no way on Earth KC and TB will be contracted. I have no idea why, but from the Bud Selig I have seen, they'll stay. Need more info, email the Commish.

posted by Joe88 at 02:59 PM - reply - flag:

Predictions for the Series: ---- Champion: -Dominican Republic- 2nd Place: -USA- 3rd Place: -Venezuela- 4th Place: -Cuba- 5th Place: -Puerto Rico- 6th Place: ---- who cares-----

posted by zippinglou at 04:32 PM - reply - flag:

ohh wait, ARod is now playing for the US team.... this means I will have to drop the US to third.... move Venezuela to second.

posted by zippinglou at 04:33 PM - reply - flag:

Friday, January 20, 2006

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