Caribbean Series preview

MLB.com has a nice look at the Series, which starts tonight. But, what caught my eye was the history section.

The history of the Caribbean Series in Latin America traces back to the union of the leagues in Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela -- and the formation of the Caribbean Federation in 1948. After Cuba in 1949, Puerto Rico played host to the Caribbean Series in 1950, Venezuela in 1951 and Panama in 1952.

The initial design was 12 games, with each team squaring off against each other twice. From 1949-60, Cuba won the title seven times. Puerto Rico won four times during that span and Panama won its first and only Caribbean Series title in 1950.

In 1959, Fidel Castro took over in Cuba and declared it a Communist nation, ending the country's participation in the event after 1960. Depleted, the Caribbean Series eventually disappeared for 10 years until a revival in 1970 that included the addition of the Dominican Republic and Mexico and the removal of Panama from the tournament.

What makes the Caribbean Series interesting is the fact that the championship teams in the Winter Leagues are allowed to pick up additional players from their respective leagues. However, these days many Major League players opt out of the tournament in order to prepare for Spring Training.

According to that, I'll need to check the boxscores closely to see if any ex-Rattlers have been added to the rosters. To see the former Rattlers playing in this Round Robin, head to this post.