Should the Cubans be allowed to play in the WBC?

[© tweed]

Here's the story.  Even non-sports fans should have a say in this; it's a political issue.

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is like a World Cup of baseball, where countries from around the world will submit their national teams to try to win.  It's similar to an olympic team sport.

About a month ago, Fidel Castro said that he was going to allow the Cuban National Team to play in the WBC, coming as a surprise to many.

But two weeks ago, the US Government said that they wouldn't let the Cubans play on American soil due to USA opposition to the communist Government in Cuba.

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL21), who was born in Havana, has supported the USA's decision and would like to replace the Cuban national team with a team of Cuban defectors, such as Kendry Morales, Jose Contreras, Livan Hernandez, etc.

The Puerto Rican Gov't said it will pull out as a host of the WBC if Cuba isn't allowed to play in the USA.  The end result of the fiasco is unclear.

So, where do you stand?  Should the Cubans be allowed to play, or no?

[Emsworth]

The government should have no say in the matter. If the organizers of the WBC want the Cuban team to play, then the Cuban team should be allowed to play.

[Jake]

The Bush Admin is making the correct legal decision here. Cuba shouldn't be allowed to participate because of the embargo. The real travesty here is not allowing the Cuban renegades to organize and field a team, simply because the IBF recognizes the Castro Cuban Federation as the true national team.

[Akno21]

I'm not sure on the legality of this, but from a fans perspective, I'd like to see the Cubans play.

Also, if this is illegal, why were the Orioles allowed to play a home and away against the Cuban national team in 1999?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Absolutely. Are the Chinese allowed to play?

[Akno21]

Absolutely. Are the Chinese allowed to play?

It never came up because they weren't invited to the WBC.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Absolutely. Are the Chinese allowed to play?

It never came up because they weren't invited to the WBC.

But if there were, there would be no dispute at all. This double standard toward Cuba is rather ridiculous.

[Jake]

It never came up because they weren't invited to the WBC.

Yes they were. They're playing with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in the Asian Bracket.

[Akno21]

It never came up because they weren't invited to the WBC.

Yes they were. They're playing with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in the Asian Bracket.

Oh, well then to answer BRTD's question, they were allowed to play.

Good luck to them, it's basically Chien Ming-Wang, various minor leaguers, and players in the Chinese Leagues, though they can probably beat Taiwan and Korea, which would get them to the next round.

[opebo]

Banning the Cubans, who have never harmed anyone, makes far less sense than banning the team or teams of the Rogue Nation.

[Jake]

Good luck to them, it's basically Chien Ming-Wang, various minor leaguers, and players in the Chinese Leagues, though they can probably beat Taiwan and Korea, which would get them to the next round.

I'm almost certain Chien will be playing for Taiwan. As for my picks, I'll go with Korea and Japan to come out of that bracket.

[Frodo]

I don't see why not.  This is a freakin' game -I don't see how any harm could come out of allowing them to participate in it, especially since I heard that Cubans are legendary baseball players. 

[Akno21]

Good luck to them, it's basically Chien Ming-Wang, various minor leaguers, and players in the Chinese Leagues, though they can probably beat Taiwan and Korea, which would get them to the next round.

I'm almost certain Chien will be playing for Taiwan. As for my picks, I'll go with Korea and Japan to come out of that bracket.

Oh, I feel pretty stupid now, Chinese Taipei is Taiwan, didn't realize that when I was glancing over the rosters.

[Gabu]

I don't see why not.  The whole Cuban embargo thing is rather silly, anyway, and I don't see who it's hurting to - God forbid - allow Cuban nationals to set foot on American soil.

[© tweed]

U.S. government relents, will allow Cuba to play in WBC

[MasterJedi]

The Bush Admin is making the correct legal decision here. Cuba shouldn't be allowed to participate because of the embargo. The real travesty here is not allowing the Cuban renegades to organize and field a team, simply because the IBF recognizes the Castro Cuban Federation as the true national team.

^^^^^

[Akno21]

U.S. government relents, will allow Cuba to play in WBC

Great news. It's stupid not to let them, it's just a game. The tournament would lose all credibility whatsoever if one country was allowed to prevent another from participating. Politics should have no impact on this tournament, and thankfully, they won't.

[Jake]

Politics should have no impact on this tournament, and thankfully, they won't.

I wouldn't say that. What country a player (A-Rod?) is playing for has turned into a big controversy. Any type of international tournament is going to turn political, simply because of the nature of the competition.