There have been rumors floating around San Juan all week about the Caribbean Series expanding–possibly to eight teams–and Commissioner of the Latin Confederation of Professional Baseball Juan Francisco Puello said the Series could expand to include Nicaragua and Colombia as early as next year, though Cuba is still an afterthought.

“Cuba was in the series in the beginning,” Puello said. “And if would be exceptional to have their talent level bolster the competitiveness of the Series. But the Series doesn’t need Cuba in order to be sustained. We’re fine the way we are now.

“But as competitveness in the Nicaraguan and Colombian leagues have increased, it’s possible we could expand to at least six teams. We have no negotiations with Cuba, nor will we approach Cuba. If Cuba wants to come back into the alliance, they will need to approach us.”

Nicaragua and Colombia could join the Series as early as 2008, when the event will be held in Santo Domingo, D.R.