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Cuba Libre

Frayed Knot Dec 19 2018 05:14 PM

OK, this is kind of a big deal. Essentially it's an agreement by MLB and their player's association (MLBPA) with the FCB (Federation for Cuban Baseball) which mimics the agreements currently in place between MLB and the Japanese (NPB), Korean (KBO), and Chinese (CPBL) baseball associations for the purpose of allowing an orderly and fair transfer of players between professional leagues. In particular with the case of Cuba, it seeks to end the exploitation of players trying to leave their homeland and for their need to defect at all in order to pursue jobs in MLB. Specifically: "Under this agreement, the FCB must release all players under contract to the FCB who are at least twenty-five (25) years old and have six (6) or more years of playing experience (known as "Foreign Professionals" under MLB rules) to sign with MLB Clubs. The FCB may also release younger players to sign with Major League Clubs. Once a player is released by the FCB, he is free to negotiate and sign with any Major League Club without leaving Cuba, subject to the same collectively bargained rules applicable to all international players. A Major League Club that signs a player released by the FCB pursuant to this agreement will pay the FCB a "release fee," the amount of which is calculated using the same formula contained in MLB's protocol agreements with the NPB, KBO and CPBL. When it is time for the player to report to the United States or Canada for baseball activities, he will do so pursuant to a standard work visa, which will also allow him to travel with his family and to return to Cuba during the off-season if he chooses." So drink a toast with a rum and coke tonight in honor of this change.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2018 05:18 PM Re: Cuba Libre

Individual 1 won't allow it, probably

Frayed Knot Dec 19 2018 06:58 PM Re: Cuba Libre

Ain't up to him.

Edgy MD Dec 19 2018 07:10 PM Re: Cuba Libre

He probably thinks it is. I mean, they're dealing with a hostile country under sanctions — sanctions that were largely lifted, yes, but then re-established by the boner in chief, so he'll probably try and stick his nose in it. He already took on the NFL, to the benefit of nobody. Of course, God knows how many weeks he has left.

Lefty Specialist Dec 20 2018 06:23 AM Re: Cuba Libre

Che Guevara's spinning in his grave. :)

Frayed Knot Dec 20 2018 08:09 PM Re: Cuba Libre

As if on cue (actually, this ran four days ago) George Will talks about the role, one that Congress has largely abdicated in recent times, of the legislative branch in deciding matters of international commerce: "... the president’s power in foreign relations is plenary [absolute] except regarding commerce, where the president has no independent power and where the Constitution’s Commerce Clause establishes Congress’ primacy. iow, according to that pesky Constitution thing anyway, a President cannot unilaterally negate commerce agreements with other countries and previous Supreme Court decisions have said that Presidential power is at "its lowest ebb" when the President acts against "the expressed or implied will of Congress". Specifically here Will is not talking about baseball (unusual for him, I know) but rather about a current bill proposed by three Republican representatives anticipating a potential Presidential termination of the Congressionally approved NAFTA treaty in order to force a vote on what he proposes as its replacement. So, yeah, there is the potential for Agent Orange to think that deals between MLB and Cuba are up to him but they aren't unless Congress decides to sit back and allow him to do so. But, seeing as how the constitution specifically vests power in the Congress to "regulate commerce with foreign countries" it would be nice if they'd stop sitting by while the executive branch broadly usurps those powers.

Edgy MD Dec 20 2018 09:49 PM Re: Cuba Libre

Nonetheless, the administration is all over it.