The idea of merging the leagues currently housed in Eastern Asia is a very interesting notion, but it's one that's sure to face resistance for years to come. The countries that would have to be heavily involved in such a conglomeration are not exactly the best of friends. As the actions of the Japanese government and military in the years prior to and during (many would argue, still after) the Second World War have created such animosity and division among these nations that it would be incredibly difficult for many Japanese players to feel enough incentive to play elsewhere. What would happen if this super-league was constructed and a Japanese player gets traded to a South Korean team? Would the player go, knowing that - either fairly or unfairly - they and their families run the risk of being alienated in their new surroundings? Conversely, while there are South Koreans playing baseball in Japan, I cannot say with certainty that they are being treated equally with their Japanese counterparts. Even among the other countries, actions of the Japanese government in recent years such as the visitations by the Japanese Prime Ministers to the Yasukuni War Shrine and the revisions of history books used in Japanese schools that have presented their country's past in a more positive (yet with debatable accuracy) light, have damaged Japanese credibility within the region of the globe, inciting strong protests in numerous countries.

As far as perceived talent levels are concerned, Japanese ballplayers have the best reputation among the countries that would be involved in such a league. And yet, they carry with them serious excess baggage through no fault of their own but rather through history and recent politics. Looking at it positively, it may end up being similar to the Palestinians who became stars as members of the Israeli national soccer team. In a negative perspective, it could very well be akin to black soccer players in Europe who face discrimination outside (and sometimes within) their home countries. While as a baseball fan I'd be thrilled to see this happen, the realist in me just can't see it under the present political landscape.

Oh, I think you overstate the difficulties, Paul. All of these countries invest and buy from each other, and have been doing so for years. In fact I believe the rarity of outbreaks of ill-will between these nations, whom as you rightly say do have pasts of confrontation and violence, is a terrific credit to the free marketplace.

Which isn't what I wanted to say; which was: this reminds me of the Eddie Izzard bit about "I understand you played your World Series recently....and America won again! In fact you've won ALL the World Series'! Truly remarkable."

I hope you're right, DD, and perhaps I am being too pessimistic. But I still am inclined to disagree. While the economic benefits of the idea may be amenable to the owners of these teams, I still feel that players and nationalist fans will strongly resist. Furthermore, the economic disparities between wealthy nations such as Japan and China and those with smaller wallets such as South Korea and Taiwan may prove too large. This goes far beyond the Yankees vs. Royals.