Looks like the last baseball powerhouse will join the World Baseball Classic next March.
Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the players association said, “They’re not formally in yet. There’s a process that you have to go through to play with the Cubans, through the United States government. The license has been applied for. We’re hopeful for a favorable response. I personally don’t believe that the participation of Cuba poses any problems.”
As a contingency, there are other countries will fill in just incase if Cuba can’t come. However, Orza mention “Bear in mind that America plays against Cuba in a host of international tournaments. I fully expect the Cubans to be in Puerto Rico in round one.”
Paul Archey, senior vice president of Major League Baseball International, also express same feeling, he said “We’re going through the processes we need to go through in this country and they’re going through the same processes. We’re going through communications with them that lead us to believe that they’ll play.”
Japan decided to participate in World Baseball Classic 2006 two weeks ago, which means among 16 countries who World Baseball Classic invites; Cuba is the only team not yet to decide.
The inaugural international tournament featuring with Major League Players is scheduled to begin on March 3, and the final championship will decide at San Diego’s PECTO Park on March 20.
Cuba may play in World Baseball Classic
Report: Cuba Likely To Play In World Baseball Classic
World organizers expect Cuba to play
