Whose ball is it anyway?

The inaugural World Baseball Classic is going to be held next spring. Maybe it'll turn into something but right now it's not lighting my fire.

What is interesting is that there's a battle going on over who will represent Baseball crazy and talent rich Cuba.

The US government won't let the Cuban National Team come and play in the US. Naturally, everyone is crying foul. The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation* was supposed to host some of the games but says it will pull out if the Cubans can't play.

A group of Cuban exile players who are in the majors want to represent Cuba but MLB says no.

So, this whole WBC thing is off to a fine start!

Personally, I say let the exiles play ("Let them play! Let them play! Let them Play!"). I am not one of those who gets all weepy when politics interferes with sport. The Cuban government has no moral standing to represent the people of Cuba. We need to move beyond this idea that just because governments have succeeded in enslaving their people they are legitimate representatives of those people. That's the basic fallacy of the UN. Syria=Sweden. It's nonsense.

Now, Cuban-American politicians in Florida don't help the cause with dumb statements like:

"Cuban baseball players are only asking to have the same rights as other major leaguers, and to be able to participate in the World Classic and other such events," said Cuban-American congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.).

"It would be totally unacceptable and an act of discrimination if these Cuban players do not have the chance of taking part in the World Classic," added Diaz-Balart.

Now Congressman, they are seeking special treatment and that's okay. Let's just not pretend it's otherwise. There's nothing wrong with letting freemen in exile represent their country (Paging General de Gaulle, Paging General de Gaulle) but it's a thumb in the eye of the Cuban government and a privilege no other team would get.


*Why do Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have their own international sports teams? They are freaking US citizens. Either you are in or you’re out. Personally, after spending time in PR I think we should give them their independence (not that they really want it, mind you). It's a different culture and just doesn't fit in with the rest of the country. It'll never happen but it should.