MLB is "determined to expand the product internationally," according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred "hopes to have a spring training game in Cuba next March, and he's meeting this month with Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre." Montreal is "hopeful to attract the major leagues again after the Expos left" following the '04 season. Manfred said, "We're doing a wholesale review of our international strategy, and the review process is underway. We've only gone as far as identifying priorities. But in terms of actual tactics and execution, we're just not there yet" (USA TODAY, 5/22). FS1's Jon Paul Morosi reported MLB wants to "expand its footprint in Europe," and London "is a natural place to go." MLB just needs to "find a soccer stadium or a cricket stadium to go to." Any games played in England "likely would happen around the All-Star break to account for the extra travel time there and back." Morosi: "But really, when you think about it, N.Y. to London is not that much further than Seattle to Miami." Additionally, a return of regular-season MLB games in Mexico will occur "probably in the next few years." The Padres have "played games in Mexico in the past" in '96 and '99. Meanwhile, while MLB is "not close to an announcement" regarding a Spring Training game in Cuba, it is "certainly possible by next March” (“MLB Whiparound,” FS1, 5/20).
