Is having Asian born players in Major League Baseball a bad thing for the league?

Question

Are they taking spots away from American born players?

Answer 1

Talent plays. No spot is assured to anyone based on their country of origin. In fact, I think we have too few ballplayers from the Far East, Eastern Europe, African continent and elsewhere. Somehow there is a guy out there that can do things with a baseball, but decides not to play because of his location in the world. Baseball should be a universal language, like soccer has been. Only xenophobic people have problems with it.

Answer 2

As a baseball fan, I want to see the most talented players in the world. I do not see why it is relevant that American born players are having spots taken away. They are free to travel overseas to play in other leagues.

I think that the globalization of baseball is a beautiful thing. I spend a lot of money to go to a lot of games. I do not want to be deprived of seeing the best talent in the world just because they are not American-born.

If you eliminated Asian players from the Major Leagues because they are not from the United States, you would also have to get rid of Latin-American players. I couldn't even imagine a league without the influence of Latin-born players. You'd have to get rid of Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, Miguel Tejada, Albert Pujols, Vlad Guerrero and a lot of other All-Star caliber players. Just look at the players that are not from the US that played in the World Baseball Classic: http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/rosters/index.jsp?sid=wbc.

Answer 3

If the Asian-born players are taking positions that would normally be held by American-born players, so be it.

I want to watch the best players in the world when I see a baseball game. If they are born in the US, Canada, Dominican Republic, Korea, Japan or Antarctica I do not care. Let 'em all play!

Answer 4

I don't see what difference it makes what nationality you are. I am a big Baseball fan and I think if your good enough to play then that's what matters. There are a lot of really great Asian born Baseball players in the MLB.

Answer 5

I dont think they are taking the spots of anyone. I accually like to see asian players out there, it kind of adds more flavor to the game, just like the players coming from mexico, and porta rico and you know, where ever, I personally think that anyone who has the skill and determination to become a major league ball player deserves to play here, I dont really see baseball as an "american" game really, (although I do realize of course that we invented it), I see it as a game. period. I love baseball, welcome all, but bring your A game.

Answer 6

Not really. I see your point about taking spots away, but the fan wants to see a good game. If there are good pitchers somewhere else go get them. Its not just Asian players, but how about all the players from Venezuala, the Dominican and other small latin countries.

Answer 7

No Way

Not having players from all over the world defeats the title of "World Series"

I think just being talented enough to get in the majors is a great accomplishment.

Answer 8

Not really. There are way more Dominican born players in the league than Asian.
Besides, it should be based SOLELY on talent, not place of birth.

Answer 9

I don't see how it could be a bad thing. Talent or skill is the thing that matters. People won't really care what race the player is, they're gonna be more concerned about how good he plays.

Answer 10

Sports is the most globalized industry in the world.
David Beckham plays in Madrid with Brazil's top players.
Soccer is only better.