MLB and Japan Exploring Global World Series

It appears the World Baseball Classic marketing ploy wasn't successful enough for MLB. Now they're laying the groundwork for their next marketing strategy - a global World Series.

According to the AP, Bud Selig and Japanese commissioner Ryozo Kato are meeting in Milwaukee to discuss the possibility of a Global World Series that would pit the World Series champions against the champions from the Nippon Baseball league in Japan.

Is Bud Selig only looking out for MLB's interest? After all, the MLB commissioner is scheduled to retire in 2012 and he might just be looking to leave his legacy (and stroke his ego) before he goes off into the sunset.

Even if the two leagues reach an agreement, can they overcome the challenges facing them? Besides the obvious challenge of scheduling, they will have to deal with the MLB owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) - and you can't blame them. Based on the results of the WBC, the owners will be reluctant to risk their investment, and the Players Association will be concerned about injuries and security traveling abroad. Even today, the MLBPA seems resistant to "ambassador tours" to promote the game.

It is understandable that MLB is looking to expand it's market share, but maybe they are looking in the wrong part of Asia! Wouldn't they better be served by promoting baseball to countries with billions of people with strong economic futures? To countries that don't even play baseball?

China and India are ripe for the taking. As these economies grow, their citizens crave everything Western. And in the case of India, baseball is similar to one of their most popular sports - cricket. And if Indians embrace baseball they won't have to wait 3 days for a game to finish.

Yankees Trade Cabrera for Vazquez

Early last week the Yankees decided to pull the trigger and make a trade for a possible number four starter. The Yanks came to agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a five-player trade that sent Melky Cabrera,two minor-league pitchers and $500,000 in cash to the Braves for right-handed pitcher Javier Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan.

Why did the Yanks make this move? The top two free agents available, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee had both signed; Halladay signed with the Phillies and Lee with the Mariners. The Yanks were left with a shortlist that consisted of the Reds' Aaron Harang, the Cubs' Victor Zambrano and the Atlanta Braves' Javier Vazquez.

According to sources, the Yanks tried to make a deal with the Cubs for Carlos Zambrano but the Cubs refused to pick up any of the $53 million owed to him over the next three years.

Brian Cashman then proceeded to his next option and completed the deal for the former Yankee. Javier Vazquez pitched in 2004 for the Yankees and had a great first half - even making the All Star Team. He had a disappointing second half due to shoulder problems. He is best known for giving up a grand slam to Red Sox Johnny Damon in game 7 of the 2004 Championship Series.

As it looks now, Vazquez is touted to be the number 4 starter with either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain in the number 5 spot.

If Javier produces like the Yankee management expects, the Yankee pitching staff could be the best in baseball in 2010.