Cuba Favored to Win Baseball Gold

Baseball may be the National Pastime of the United States, but the rest of the world can play some pretty baseball, as well. Especially Cuba, which has been made the favorite to win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

Unlike sports such as basketball and hockey, where all countries are able to send their best players, it's a different story in baseball, where Major League Baseball won't shut down to allow the best players in the game to compete. That could very well work against the United States, as several players selected for the original Olympic team have already been scratched, as they were called up to major league teams.

The United States isn't alone in this problem, as many other countries will have players still playing in the majors, but it may be less of a problem for the Cubans, as many of its best players still remain at home.

Find out more Cuba Favored to Win Baseball Gold in the Betting on Other Sports section of the site.

Photo: USA Olympic team member Jason Donald throws to first base.(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)