One more day of the Olympics for this year - I haven't watched any of the baseball games, and haven't wanted to. I know their are a hundred reasons not to have MLB players participate, but their is one big reason to let them - publicity.
The National Basketball Association is spreading into markets all over the world like wildfire. The annual NBA draft includes players from many different countries. Yao Ming is a hero in China, and many of the different national teams playing in the Olympics have NBA stars. The field has become much more competitive since the dream team of 1992.
What if MLB players participated in the Olympics? Many of the teams would be loaded with talent. Could you imagine seeing a ball game with the best baseball players in the world competing for what most athletes consider the greatest athletic achievement - an Olympic gold medal. No money, no agents, no individual awards, just playing for pride and your country.
Major League Baseball would be exposed to new markets where it could thrive. Even better, more kids would play world-wide, leading to a deeper talent pool and maybe even other leagues across the world. Just look at the progress basketball has made.
I know their are so many reasons not to include MLB players - stopping the season, overextending pitchers, etc... This is a pointless discussion anyway, as baseball will not be included anyway. I won't miss Olympic baseball, it isn't too much different than watching a minor league game. It's just a shame MLB can't find a way to take advantage of an incredible publicity opportunity.
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