Santurce

[Richard]

Santurce is seeking an exemption to not participate this season in the PR Winter League. Apparently Santurce could not come to an agreement with the city officials of San Juan to use the stadium. It is difficult to comprehend because this league was once the best in the Carribean. The owners should consult with the men who operate independent league baseball in the US. These guys amaze me considering they thrive with third and fourth tier talent in smaller regions of the country.

[NattyBaller]

Originally Posted by Richard

Santurce is seeking an exemption to not participate this season in the PR Winter League. Apparently Santurce could not come to an agreement with the city officials of San Juan to use the stadium. It is difficult to comprehend because this league was once the best in the Carribean. The owners should consult with the men who operate independent league baseball in the US. These guys amaze me considering they thrive with third and fourth tier talent in smaller regions of the country.

I'm a bit confused: is this evidence of the decline of baseball in Puerto Rico, the mismanagement of many of the teams in PR's independent league and in particular Santurce, or just a peculiar and particular problem that has occurred between this team and officials in San Juan that could highlight any number of problems from lack of facilities to local government shortcomings? Do you suggest that they should consult with independent leagues in the U.S. because they are having trouble with talent since the draft was introduced (and these independent US leagues obviously operate in an environment where a draft they are precluded from is a reality)? And isn't this a winter league?

[titorondon]

I hate it when historical teams like Pedrin Zorrilla's Cangrejeros are mismanaged or go broke and disappear.
I would like Escogido in the Dominican to become a good team again.
I would like San Fernando of Masaya in Nicaragua to be active again; it was founded in 1913 and Jose Ariel Contreras was its pitching coach when he was signed by the Yankees...
And of course, the whole Panamanian league.

[Richard]

What ever happened to the Panamanian league? Did the big guaranteed contracts of MLB cause the demise of some of these leagues? There is no incentive for MLB stars to play in these leagues anymore. I remember reading once that Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Reggie Jackson once played in Puerto Rico. Wow!