Hardball: IBAF Threatens To Not Sanction WBC Without Cuba

Rodriguez Re-Evaluating Decision On WBC Participation

The Int’l Baseball Federation (IBAF), “disappointed with the current U.S. Treasury Department’s stance on Cuba not being allowed to participate” in the inaugural World Baseball Classic (WBC), has “let it be known that if Cuba is not allowed to compete, the event will not be sanctioned,” according to Bob Elliott of the TORONTO SUN. Countries competing in the WBC would “be expected to follow suit and drop out, or face being banned from any future international competitions.” IBAF President Aldo Notari wrote in a fax to the MLBPA, MLB and all the countries involved that the IBAF sanctioning of the tournament was “based on the fundamental principles of the Olympic charter.” Elliott notes the IBAF is a member of the IOC and “thereby must abide by the Olympic charter” (TORONTO SUN, 1/5).

A-ROD: On Long Island, Ken Davidoff reports Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is “re-evaluating his decision to sit out” the WBC. Rodriguez, who is of both American and Dominican descent, last month announced he would not play in the tournament because he was “concerned [about] offending one of his two ‘native’ countries.” Scott Boras, Rodriguez’ agent, said, “Alex has received calls from [MLB] and the [union] asking him to meet to discuss the matter. He has agreed to talk with them to discuss the WBC” (NEWSDAY, 1/5).