Although MLB’s three-day trip to Cuba "is officially billed as a 'Goodwill Tour,' the larger goal is that it will help smooth the way for the league to return" to the island and "clear the way for Cuban players to go to the majors," according to Nancy Armour of USA TODAY. There is "much work that needs to be done, some completely out of MLB’s hands," but the dialogue "at least has started." MLB Chief Legal Officer Dan Halem said, "You’ve got to really crawl before you can walk. But just being here, having our players here and having some Cuban players here, I do think is an important and symbolic step. Hopefully we can build on that" (USA TODAY, 12/17). Halem added, "It's going to be awhile before we really get significant progress. There was a willingness to speak to us and try to work out issues that have been lingering for decades. Whether that's because of the change in U.S. policy or a shift in Cuba views, I don't know. But there's certainly a willingness on behalf of the Cuban Baseball Federation to speak to us regarding a system in which their players can play legally and return to Cuba" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/17). MLBPA Senior Adviser Omar Minaya said, "The fact that the Cuban officials allow these guys to come back is a very positive message. It sends a big message of wanting to engage and have a dialogue" (L.A. TIMES, 12/17).
DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH: In New Jersey, Bob Klapisch writes fans should not expect "a wave of Cuban stars any time soon." In fact, it "could be years before a reciprocal agreement is in place." Klapisch: "If you’re thinking Cuba will be the next Japan as a feeder system, you’re better off waiting for a developing Latin American country such as Brazil, which has MLB-sponsored baseball academies throughout its cities." Although the Obama administration "restored full diplomatic relations with Cuba" in December '14, the 54-year-old restriction on trade "is still in effect." Only Congress "can lift the embargo, and it’s unlikely any action will be taken before the next election." Furthermore, it is possible the next administration "could reverse President Obama’s initiative" (Bergen RECORD, 12/17).
ODDS & ENDS: ESPN's Pedro Gomez said of the baseball clinic hosted by MLBers in Cuba, “This was a day that left these kids beaming over what had taken place in front of them.” Gomez added he spoke to “several older Cuban players who have won Olympic Gold Medals and World Championships, as well as the current crop of Cuban players who are here,” and there is “growing interest in the fact that there could be a unified Cuban team for the next” World Baseball Classic. Gomez noted if MLB does play Spring Training games in Cuba this March, the “belief is” Angel Hernandez and Laz Diaz, the “two Cuban umpires in the Major Leagues, will each be here to umpires those games” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 12/17).
