Major League baseball bars playing in Venezuela

[Judi Lynn]

Source: The Hill


BY ZACK BUDRYK - 08/22/19 10:29 PM EDT



© Getty


Major League Baseball announced Thursday it has banned all players from participation in the Venezuela winter league in response to President Trump’s imposition of an economic embargo against the nation, according to ESPN.

"MLB has been in contact with the relevant government agencies regarding the Executive Order issued by President Trump on Venezuela," the league said in a statement. "MLB will fully adhere to the policies implemented by our government.”

“With respect to the Venezuela Winter League, MLB will suspend its involvement in that league until it receives direction from the relevant agencies that participation by affiliated players is consistent with the Executive Order,” MLB added, according to the network.

Historically, numerous players travel to the nation for the winter series, many of them relying on the opportunity to augment lower minor league salaries.




Read more: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/458508-major-league-baseball-bars-playing-in-venezuela

[SpankMe]

1. But, what about the jobs?

Minor league players play in Venezuela during the off season to make money (minor league players are poorly paid in the US, which is a scandal all its own) and to gain playing experience so they have a shot at the majors when they return to the US for baseball season.

Here's another group that Trump hurts with his shoot-from-the-hip foreign/economic policies.

Of course, I don't know what offenses Venezuela committed to earn this embargo. But, knowing Trump's team, someone in Venezuela probably called Trump a name and hurt his feelings.

[mr_lebowski]

2. Not even the first time even this year MF45 has meddled in MLB affairs ...

Of course in this case, he was rolling back what Obama did, cause ... that's all he really knows how to do ...

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-administration-moves-undercut-mlb-s-deal-cuba-n992191

MLB, unlike other sports leagues, has some sort of intrinsic link to the US Government, that's why the steroid hearings took place before Congress earlier in the decade which would never happen w/other sports. I'm not sure how it works, it may be tax-status related ... but I'm pretty sure it's a real thing from what I've read over the years ... though I don't know what it 'is' exactly.

[oldsoftie]

3. Good. Dont reward Maduro, who is the one who would make & keep the money these games produce.

Play summer league games in neighboring countries; problem solved.
Strangle Maduro and his corrupt regime of any dollar they can steal.