Castro criticizes Cuban baseball player defectors (ESPN)

ESPN.com ^ | 11/27/05 | njrighty

[NJRighty]

ESPN.com: Baseball

Thursday, November 24, 2005 Updated: November 25, 2:06 PM ET Castro criticizes Cuban baseball player defectors

Associated Press

HAVANA -- President Fidel Castro criticized Cuban baseball players who have left the country for multimillion-dollar contracts in the major leagues, saying the island always finds better players to replace them.

During a five-hour appearance on state television Wednesday, Castro remarked on those players "who cannot resist the millions of the major leagues" and acknowledged that baseball "is the sport in which we have been beaten the most" when it comes to defections.

Still, the 79-year-old leader insisted Cuban baseball has always survived the losses.

"When one leaves, another 10 better players emerge," he said.

[NJRighty]

You're right to be annoyed, Fidel. Why would anyone want to leave that paradise you created for fame, fortune and freedom?

[Chi-townChief]

Ya gotta love when Fidel el gusano maximo Castro get his panties in a bunch.

[raccoonradio]

Cubans who wanted to see El Duque in this year's World Series had to watch in on TV or hear it on radio in secret, as I understand. Banned by Fidel, you see (was mentioned during World Series coverage)

[mtbopfuyn]

He's still alive?

[Gay State Conservative]

Oh,so *that* is why he wanted Elian so badly.He knew that "The Revolution" would be in desperate need of a second baseman in about 15 years.

[BunnySlippers]

"When one leaves, another 10 better players emerge," he said.

It's a win-win situation then. Why gripe?

[Zuben Elgenubi]

... and Castro slides into second base. The fans go wild . . .

[Zuben Elgenubi]

There's ALWAYS another good player to replace the defectors

[tet68]

All those lefty/liberal lovers ought to be forced to
sit and listen to a FIVE HOUR Castro speech some time.

Can't you see this, NBC news, President Bush to
address nation from 5pm eastern to 10 pm eastern
on state of steroids in baseball.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

You see, Dan, we'll just give the 10 remaining guys an offer they can't refuse.

[RichInOC]

Fidel, mi amigo viejo...if you're not cheating, you're not trying.

[Sonny M]

For what its worth.

The Baltimore Orioles will not sign or have any players who defected from Cuba on their roster according to their owner Peter Angelos.

Unless Castro gives them approval, as a matter of policy, the Orioles will not sign nor trade for any player who defected from Cuba.

[NJRighty]

All those lefty/liberal lovers ought to be forced to sit and listen to a FIVE HOUR Castro speech some time.

And bring a box of Kleenex so they can wipe the tears of joy out of their liberal eyes as they listen to his brilliant moving words that they so strongly agree with.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

All those lefty/liberal lovers ought to be forced to sit and listen to a FIVE HOUR Castro speech some time.

Imagine an Al Gore or John Kerry speech.

Now that's torture worse than Al Graib.

[NJRighty]

The Baltimore Orioles will not sign or have any players who defected from Cuba on their roster according to their owner Peter Angelos.

That figures. Peter Angelos is a huge Democrat donor and apparently he doesn't want to p*** off a Communist dictator.

[TruthWillWin]

What? Leave your country Fidel for millions after you promised a free rice cooker for all?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Major League Baseball. Did Castro spell the name correctly ?

[speedy]

Reminiscent of Charlie Hustle with his headfirst slide. Those folding chairs never stood a chance.

[gedeon3]

Hmmm... I wonder if all this talk by the dog Castro is nothing but b.s. How do we know that all these cuban players are not depositing money(millions) in some bank account in europe, that will be accessed by 'el perro' castro?

[Right Wing Assault]

His players wanted nicer locker rooms, that's all. Like ones with water and toilets.