World Baseball Classic

[ATLien]

I don't want to turn this into a race/political thread, which this is on the verge of becoming (I apologize for that). But these Latin American countries wouldn't be in such shitty conditions if the US Govt. hadn't supported the dictators that ruthlessly ruled the lands decades ago. That is just my 2 cents, though. It is not the COUNTRY of Mexico or Dominican Republic that they are honoring, it is their culture. If you live in America, you have the right to celebrate your customs and traditions. You shouldn't have to change that or be called a traitor. That is absurd.

[nyjunc]

I think we are on the verge of getting too political here, politics can get real dicey and I like to stay away from them on sports MBs. I like and respect all that have participated in this discussion, we have all made our views known. Maybe it's time to move and and concentrate on the games?

[ATLien]

True dat.

[Porter]

The fact of the matter than ATL and I have is its just a game. Its not like its the end of the world if we lose. Seesh, this is pathetic (yeah i said it) that a bigger deal is being made over one guy wanting to play a baseball game for another country being this big of topic. I dont see where he should be chasticed for this. I just dont see it.

[Porter]

Im done too. I didnt see the other 2 posts until i did mine.

[Hmark6]

I'm not getting political at all... I've said if you value any freedom given to you by the country you were born and raised in, then it would be selfish to represent another country at an international event.

[Porter]

I wished we had this passion for the NBA players that dont want to go play for the olympic team.

[ATLien]

Well, I am done with this debate.

My point is that Alex is of Dominican heritage and grew up in Dominican-dominated neighborhoods, in Miami & New York. It isn't like he threw a bunch of countries into a hat, and randomly picked one. These are his people. But he is a citizen of both country, so it is his choice to who he wants to play for.

Calling him a traitor is pushing it, IMO.

[Providence A's]

but why stop here? Mike Piazza is Italian, is he going to get to play for Italy because he "identifies" more with the country? C'mon...

[ATLien]

I wished we had this passion for the NBA players that dont want to go play for the olympic team.

That is because America was rooting against the Dream Team. Don't you remember? The media called them a bunch of thugs, LOL. LOL, ESPN kept saying how they should have picked those white boys (Ridnour, Korver) instead of those "thugs." I will always hate ESPN for how they treated the dream team.

[Porter]

Piazza is still feeling the effect of the shot he took from Clemens...so who knows

But please there are more important things than choosing a country for a baseball game. Had this been Soccer and anywhere else from here. Hed probably be lynched right now.

[Porter]

That is because America was rooting against the Dream Team. Don't you remember? The media called them a bunch of thugs, LOL. LOL, ESPN kept saying how they should have picked those white boys (Ridnour, Korver) instead of those "thugs." I will always hate ESPN for how they treated the dream team.

Point taken ATL, but i felt that it was similar to whats happening right now.

We could have used Korver or Ridnour in those olympics. Maybe we would hit a shot.....ok back on topic.

[Fishercat]

I think the difference between the NBA players and A-Rod is that the NBA players just won't do it, while A-Rod will do it, just not for America. I can definitely see the points of people like Junc and Hmark, if Rodriguez has taken advantage of America's fruit, why shouldn't he be part of the crew to maintain the fields.

I think the argument is if you think this is a cultural or political event. Logically, Alex has a much stronger connection to the U.S. if only because he has lived most of his life here. Culturally, and if you see it as a cultural event, I see no issue for playing for the D.R. Likewise, if it is a political event to see what country has produced the best team, then why not America where his advantages came from and where he became this great player.

I think he should represent America, but I have little problem with him going for the D.R.

[ATLien]

Point taken ATL, but i felt that it was similar to whats happening right now.

We could have used Korver or Ridnour in those olympics. Maybe we would hit a shot.....ok back on topic.

It's not even about that. It's about Americans being so arrogant that they can't believe another country could come close to competing with them.

[Porter]

I thought i summed it up earlier.