Why Am I Not Surprised?

“U.S. bans Cuba from World Baseball Classic” – USA Today

I wonder why the US didn’t just come out and say the real reason for this decision: “Cuba is probably our biggest challenger and the only way we can ensure victory is to ban them on some stupid technicality.”  This is like banning the Canadian hockey team from participating in a tournament in the US because Canada represents the best competition.

The article did go on to say that the organizers would push to have the decision reversed.  All they want is the best countries represented so that the fans are in for a treat (and, of course, financial reasons).  Even Republican Senator Jose Serrano is against the government’s decision and is doing his part to see the decision reversed.  

"Let's leave the politics out of this," Serrano said in a statement. "The World Baseball Classic should not be tainted by our grudge against Cuba's government. Cuba produces some of the finest baseball talent in the world and they deserve to participate."

I couldn’t agree more.  How fitting would it be to see the US lose out in the first round and Cuba go on to win the whole thing.