World Baseball Classic Lines MLB's Pockets

In case there was any doubt left as to the success of the World Baseball Classic, the number's closed the case: Lots of people made lots of money off this thing.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the WBC will ultimately turn a profit of about "$10 million to $15 million," which is impressive, though player salaries tend not to spiral out of control when the players are from Cuba.

It is pleasing to note that an event that spread the word of baseball throughout the planet also brought in plenty of cold, hard cash. Expect this to end up like many baseball promotions; a fat cow that is ultimately milked until it is gaunt, Iggy Pop-esque. Who's up for a World Baseball Classic next year?! Who's with us?!

After a Few Foul Balls, World Tournament Ends Up Being a Hit [WSJ.com]