http://ftw.usatoday....mlb-yasiel-puig
And while a warmer relationship between the two countries could ultimately lead to smaller initial contracts for top-flight Cuban stars due to MLB’s international free-agency restrictions, it could ultimately make life a good deal less complicated for Cuban ballplayers on both sides of the Gulf of Mexico.
http://hardballtalk....ions-with-cuba/
As for baseball: if this (a) allows more Cubans to participate in organized baseball in places other than Cuba; and (b) prevents Cubans who would seek to do so from having to put themselves in the hands of smugglers and criminals, well, it’s hard to see a downside.
MLB Statement: “Major League Baseball is closely monitoring the White House’s announcement regarding Cuban-American relations. While there are not sufficient details to make a realistic evaluation, we will continue to track this significant issue, and we will keep our Clubs informed if this different direction may impact the manner in which they conduct business on issues related to Cuba.”
