Luis Sojo as Red Herring

World Baseball Classic pr is never without purpose. Luis Sojo has been appointed to manage the Venezuelan team again and says he "would like" more time from the players. It is common sense that the 2009 regular season must be shortened to accommodate the WBC to begin with. Players who choose to play should forfeit a portion of their salary back to their team of origin. Ticket prices should be lowered.

• MLB would exact similar business concessions for itself.

None of this will happen due to the 'grand silence' culture of baseball today. Since everyone becomes mute or achieves "consensus" with Bud Selig, players will likely be taken--sacrificed-- for even longer. Players who are not his. This AP story seems to float Bud's intention via Luis Sojo, saying it is Sojo who would like to have extra time from the players....

• (AP story): "(Luis) Sojo would like to have a two-week camp before spring training and then play more exhibition games next year. In 2006, many WBC teams had a short workout period and in some cases played just one exhibition game.

"The main thing as a baseball player, you've got to concentrate and play the game. My job is to try to get as many guys together so we can go there and compete," Sojo said. "I believe the committee, they're going to talk to Major League Baseball

• about getting more games as a team."

A beginning will be made when someone acknowledges the enormous financial and personal loss sustained by teams, team mates, families, fans who lose players who participate in the WBC. It is a staggering total, one that must be realized and compensated in some form. (sm)

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