Rather than contract the Expos, let's move them. Rather than push Peter Angelos out of his supposed secure market (c'mon Pete, compete or die), let's bring back a concept as old as professional baseball itself — barnstorming.

This barnstorming franchise — the Havana Americans — could rotate "home" cities on an annual basis, starting with Washington, DC (RFK Stadium), moving to Portland in '04, Mexico City in '05, New Orleans in '06, etc.

Several wins here — new Havana uniforms each year tailored to the local tastes — justifyable merchandizing. This idea would promote the sport in areas that have the potential for a major league franchise (or at least a strong minor league presence). Cities can get excited about the team coming (becoming fans in advance), and have no regrets when they leave.

Naming the team the Havana Americans brings back the barnstorming team of the Havana Giants, but with a political edge this time. Cuba is nuts about baseball — a veritable factory that has produced players such as Luis Tiant, El Duque, Livan Hernandez, and more. Having their own "team" could produce a groundswell amongst the community, perhaps either fomenting revolution or at least forcing Fidel Castro, a decent pitcher in his day, to make concessions to his people. This could provide the crack in the system that has not existed.

The promise behind the team name would be that once Cuba is an open democracy, the Havana Americans will permanently move to Havana, providing a huge potential boost to the local economy, which will need it (Russia could have dealt with the Moscow Minks). Think of it as Manifest Destiny — only through sport, not war. It's an olympic ideal, but possible. Besides, once Cuba is free, they'll need baseball more than ever.