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Luis Valbuena, Former Pirates Infielder Jose Castillo Killed In Car Accident In Venezuela

By Steve Adams | December 7, 2018 at 7:52am CDT

In a gutwrenching and heartbreaking piece of news, Major League Baseball announced overnight that Luis Valbuena and former Pirates/Giants/Astros infielder Jose Castillo were killed in a car crash in Venezuela. The pair had played in a game for the Venezuelan Winter League’s Cardenales de Lara earlier in the evening and were both passengers in the vehicle, per BeisbolPlay journalists Carlos Valmore Rodriguez and Andrew Sanchez Ruiz. Valbuena was just 33 years of age.  Castillo was 37.

Suspects have been arrested in conjunction with the tragedy, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times writes. It is suspected that the vehicle crashed when it struck a rock that was placed in the roadway intentionally, as part of a horrific robbery ploy.

Valbuena spent the past two seasons playing with the Angels and, prior to that, spent two years with the Astros, three years with the Cubs, three with the Indians and part of one season with the Mariners. Known for his affinity for bat flips and an ebullient personality, Valbuena was a popular clubhouse fixture in his decade-plus as a Major Leaguer — as evidenced by the outpouring of emotional messages from former teammates on social media.

Castillo saw fairly regular action at second base with the Pirates from 2004-07 and split the 2008 season between the Astros and Giants. While he hasn’t played in the Majors since that 2008 campaign, he continued his career with a pair of seasons in Japan, where he suited up for the Yokohama Bay Stars and the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2010-11. He’s played in the Venezuelan Winter League every year since 2006.

“Every day, every single day he had a smile on his face, happiness in his heart and a genuine interest in making others feel the same,” Angels VP of communications Tim Mead tweeted of Valbuena. “He treated everyone with respect, sincerity,and his wonderful gift of humor. Every day, every single day.”

MLBTR joins the baseball world in mourning the loss of the two and in expressing heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and former teammates of both Valbuena and Castillo.

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154 comments
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Comments

  1. tmoneydogv1p

    2 years ago

    So sad. RIP

    6 Like
    Reply
  2. 15bricknerw

    2 years ago

    Wow, tough to read. Rest in peace.

    8 Like
    Reply
  3. c1234

    2 years ago

    rest easy, both will be greatly missed.

    3 Like
    Reply
  4. acarneglia

    2 years ago

    Rest In Peace Luis and Jose. On to the next great team in the sky.

    5 Like
    Reply
  5. Unclenolanrules

    2 years ago

    How terrible.

    5 Like
    Reply
  6. Ully

    2 years ago

    So sad to hear this.

    4 Like
    Reply
  7. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    2 years ago

    That aucks so much. The Cubs traded Luis Valbuena for dexter Fowler.

    10 Like
    Reply
    • c1234

      2 years ago

      Wow. You don’t even send your condolences you jump straight into baseball..how rude.

      6 Like
      Reply
      • ThatBallwasBryzzoed

        2 years ago

        I remember him because my team trade for him and traded him away. It was my own way to say it. Calm down

        15 Like
        Reply
      • PopeMarley

        2 years ago

        How is posting something on a baseball site considered sending a condolence?

        5 Like
        Reply
        • 3rdStrikeLooking

          2 years ago

          Are you the condolence master?

          6 Like
          Reply
        • mparkinson2

          2 years ago

          Go away troll

          6 Like
          Reply
        • 3rdStrikeLooking

          2 years ago

          E.A.D.

          4 Like
          Reply
        • Adam6710

          2 years ago

          3SL, go back to the dugout, you gone.

          6 Like
          Reply
        • vtadave

          2 years ago

          1/3 is being generous.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • Slevin

          2 years ago

          Again 1/3 the poster xabial will ever be…

          1 Like
          Reply
        • xabial

          2 years ago

          @Slevin

          mlbtr removes what I took as a compliment 3rdS not 1/3 smart as me just wittier, then proceed to keep much worse material from him on a daily basis.

          Tell me the truth, 3rdSL. Are you an Angel investor of mlbtr? (Parenthesis, parenthesis)

          backhanded compliment for sure. I approve. thanks Slevy

          4 Like
          Reply
      • sportznut1000

        2 years ago

        im pretty sure he was being sarcastic. it seemed pretty obvious to me based on the first few comments seemingly implying that only r.i.p. comments were appropriate. damn, some of you guys are extra uptight today. i cant believe this sarcastic comment has 13 downvotes

        1 Like
        Reply
        • baseballpun

          2 years ago

          This place is always uptight.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • yoyo137

          2 years ago

          Except this isn’t the time or place to be sarcastic. Show some respect, families just lost their father, brother, husband, probably uncle. Sorry if that’s “extra uptight” to not try to make a joke. Grow up. I hope nobody makes jokes when you lose a loved one, and if they do, keep that same energy.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • sportznut1000

          2 years ago

          i wont be on mlbtraderumors scouring the comments section when i lose a loved one. just like i would bet the farm these 2 players families are not on here either. thats great if you want to post r.i.p. to make yourself feel better but who do you think thats for? its not for their families or loved ones because if it was then you would try and reach out to them personally.

          2 Like
          Reply
      • tomrogic

        2 years ago

        He said that sucks so much

        Like
        Reply
  8. pinstripes17

    2 years ago

    So sad, may they rest in peace

    3 Like
    Reply
  9. powderb

    2 years ago

    I’ve heard driving is so sketchy over there with all issues going on. Street lights not working, stop lights losing power. Hugo Chavez left an amazing legacy behind.

    5 Like
    Reply
    • carlote

      2 years ago

      After a game in Caracas, they didn’t traveled to Barquisimeto in the team bus, instead, they take a particular car, on the road bad people try to robbed the car leading them to an fatal accident

      2 Like
      Reply
      • riffraff

        2 years ago

        1) rob the car not robbed the car 2) got a link because mlb.com doesn’t mention robbers or bad people – says the car they were in hit a rock causing fatal accident

        Like
        Reply
        • carlote

          2 years ago

          thanks for the correction, I live in Venezuela and this is a common practice of road thieves, they throw stones at vehicles to cause accidents and steal them, the truck try to avoid the rock and and the vehicle crash, killing both players.

          15 Like
          Reply
        • riffraff

          2 years ago

          Thanks for the insight – I can see why MLB would rather make it a pure accident than attempted robbery gone wrong. Are they reporting the robber angle down there or is that just your educated guess from experience? ( I don’t mean that in a nasty way am just curious)

          Like
          Reply
        • tsolid

          2 years ago

          According to media accounts from Venezuela, the crash occurred in Yaracuy. Conflicting reports indicated that the car they were in either hit a rock or swerved to avoid a rock before going off the road. The chauffeur and infielder Carlos Rivero, a teammate of Valbuena and Castillo who was also in the car, survived.

          New York Post.

          So, which story is true?

          nypost.com/2018/12/07/mlb-players-luis-valbuena-an…

          Like
          Reply
        • carlote

          2 years ago

          Yes, here the news are reporting the robber angle, even after the accident they stole all the belongings, unfortunately it happened to them, but it is something that happens daily in this country, this happened to me once and I was able to avoid the accident, RIP to both players.

          5 Like
          Reply
        • mordecai

          2 years ago

          You were 100% right Carlote, the story you reported earlier was just recently posted on ESPN. It was just as you described it hours earlier. Pay no attention to those who may have mocked you or doubted you, but thank you for your insight on what exactly goes on in Venezuela. You would know best, peace be to you and be careful yourself. Happy holidays.

          R.I.P.
          L.V.
          J.C.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • carlote

          2 years ago

          Happy holidays for you and your family Mordecai, thanks for the kind words.

          2 Like
          Reply
    • WarrenSpahn

      2 years ago

      this is what socialism looks like…

      Like
      Reply
      • iverbure

        2 years ago

        Weird don’t hear about swedish hockey players being killed every year.

        Like
        Reply
  10. Piro

    2 years ago

    Really sad.

    3 Like
    Reply
  11. No Soup For Yu!

    2 years ago

    My heart always skips a beat when I see these headlines. Just a horrible thing to see. Rest in peace, both of them.

    8 Like
    Reply
    • OhQq

      2 years ago

      You may have Atrial Fibrillation or Heart Palpitations, I’d strongly suggest getting it medically checked out.

      7 Like
      Reply
  12. geejohnny

    2 years ago

    Wow…..when something like this happens it kind of puts all other things in perspective. I’m checking for overnight baseball developments and I see this.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • gotothevideotape

      2 years ago

      gee,
      you are so right, but no one ever realizes that, or even when a killer disease comes along. Put things in the proper perspective….

      Like
      Reply
  13. elcarim_23

    2 years ago

    Never easy to lose these guys.. especially around the holiday season. R.I.P.. my condolences to both families.

    2 Like
    Reply
  14. honey nut ichiros

    2 years ago

    Such sad news. May you both Rest In Peace.

    3 Like
    Reply
    • MetsYankeesRedSox

      2 years ago

      Thumbs up for your screen name!

      Like
      Reply
      • Slevin

        2 years ago

        I see our shadow!!!

        Like
        Reply
        • MetsYankeesRedSox

          2 years ago

          Does that mean six more weeks of winter meetings?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Slevin

          2 years ago

          The winter meetings of our discontent!!!

          Like
          Reply
      • CheesyDiarrhea

        2 years ago

        I like it too

        Like
        Reply
    • gotothevideotape

      2 years ago

      Honey Nut,
      an awesome username

      Like
      Reply
  15. mparkinson2

    2 years ago

    So sad,
    RIP.

    Like
    Reply
  16. julyn82001

    2 years ago

    It’s so sad. Liked Valbuena. BTW. Late Presidente Hugo Chavez is the consequence not the origin of the problems in the beautiful country of Venezuela.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Boogaloo

      2 years ago

      What was the origin of the problem?

      Like
      Reply
    • Sid Bream

      2 years ago

      I really hate to say this but because there have been other ignorant comments it must be said, and actually I am sick of the lies that people try to sell.

      Really, “the consequence”? Have you any clue whatsoever?

      Socialism has never worked and never will work-in any country, and the people of Venezuela have paid a heavy toll for believing in such rubbish from Chavez and his ilk & cohorts. They are the facts of the matter of what is happening in Venezuela today and the poverty & inflation that exists because of Marxist policies & ideology that will take decades to recover from. Don’t attack the facts.

      Nearly every off season this happens somewhere in South America with ball players. Shocking & so sad.. Not to mention all the people who are not MLB players being killed in horrendous circumstances and/or road crashes.

      R.I.P to Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo

      Best to remember Luis Valbuena this way. youtube.com/watch?v=mqsoapks9bE

      4 Like
      Reply
      • mfm420

        2 years ago

        norway and sweden disagree with your little whining about socialism never works.

        but hey, let’s keep trying capitalism here in america (why the hell not? tirckle down economics has never worked once at the federal or state level, but 38 years of failure, keep going)

        4 Like
        Reply
        • Bunselpower

          2 years ago

          Insinuating that America is a nation of free enterprise is about as accurate as insinuating that Scandinavia is a land of Socialism. America’s “capitalism” is so shot through with Socialist/Fascist policies it doesn’t function like it could and Scandinavia’s “Socialism” is so supported by capitalist policies that it doesn’t collapse like it should.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • lysander

          2 years ago

          The Scandanavian countries are NOT socialist; they are very small capitalist countries with an extraordinarily high tax rates to fund what are essentially socialist programs. Lenin allowed a certain degree of capitalism for about 6 yrs after the Russian Revolution because after WWI and the revolution, there was nothing much to seize, but that particular policy certainly didn’t mean that 1919-26 Soviet Union was capitalist. Your reference to “trickle down economics is nothing but parroting of something you vaguely heard somewhere.

          1 Like
          Reply
      • lysander

        2 years ago

        It’s astonishing to see that you had seven people disagree with the fact that the most successful economic system in history has pulled billions out of poverty, while socialism has been a dismal failure and is being scrapped in every corner of the globe. We obviously need more free markets in the education industry.

        1 Like
        Reply
      • WarrenSpahn

        2 years ago

        Hugo Chavez and his cronies are/were looters and thugs….

        Like
        Reply
    • lysander

      2 years ago

      Chavez’s expropriation of a thriving, highly efficient oil industry-just a coincidence. His human rights abuses-just a coincidence. Elimination all political opposition-just a coincidence. General mismanagement of the Venezuelan economy-just a coincidence. Venezuela’s problems didn’t result in Chavez, they were a product of Chavez, and now Maduro.

      1 Like
      Reply
  17. axisofhonor25

    2 years ago

    That’s rough news, and I give my condolences to their families. I feel like every off-season there’s some type of accident. Why is that?

    Like
    Reply
  18. mack22

    2 years ago

    Sorry to hear this RIP

    1 Like
    Reply
  19. axisofhonor25

    2 years ago

    My apologies for not clarifying “every year for the last three years.” Since we are being specific, what is the correlation now as opposed to previous years?

    Like
    Reply
  20. swanhenge

    2 years ago

    This happens way too often. People in all walks of life are stricken w tragic news like this and it is tragic, but it seems like every year we hear about an instance like this. Car accidents, crime related deaths, kidnapping/ransom demands… it’s really heartbreaking. RIP to them both.

    This is a baseball message board that has no membership qualifications and appears to be allowed to police itself. To all of those who’ve deemed themselves as Condolence Police should just take it easy. Not every person who posts here is going to meet your expectations as to what is appropriate. Whether it’s a player acquisition or a player death, people will say what they want. Leave it at that. It’s a free forum whether you agree w the comments or not. In other words… lighten up Francis!

    Like
    Reply
  21. Chris

    2 years ago

    Damn sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers with their family and friends

    2 Like
    Reply
    • WarrenSpahn

      2 years ago

      keep your prayers…

      Like
      Reply
  22. Cuso

    2 years ago

    Something has to be done about the driving down there. Very sad.

    2 Like
    Reply
  23. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 years ago

    Luis always smiled and loved to play the game. So sad.

    4 Like
    Reply
  24. andrew farelli

    2 years ago

    R.I.P, your lives ended far too soon.

    Like
    Reply
  25. djkidooo

    2 years ago

    According to some Venezuela’s outlets they were killed as a result of a robbery. A gang put a rock in the middle of the road to produce the accident. RIP

    2 Like
    Reply
    • JJB

      2 years ago

      #BuildTheWall

      8 Like
      Reply
      • Ichiro51

        2 years ago

        Why because you’re racist and don’t realize that violence will exist in our country whether or not you build a wall?

        6 Like
        Reply
        • baseballpun

          2 years ago

          Maybe he wants to protect Central America from all the American gun nuts and mass-murderers.

          7 Like
          Reply
        • Boogaloo

          2 years ago

          Protect central america from gun nuts? Lol

          You clearly know alot about the region.

          Like
          Reply
        • 3rdStrikeLooking

          2 years ago

          Dick

          Like
          Reply
        • Slevin

          2 years ago

          ydo

          Like
          Reply
      • unpaidobserver

        2 years ago

        How many great ballplayers were stymied by prejudice like yours? Leaving aside race and national origin, how many guys didn’t “look” like baseball players and were passed over for promotion to The Show?

        Heart and hustle shouldn’t have to wait for your approval that it came from someone whose birth and look you accept as American. They want to work hard and pay their dues? In baseball and in life, that’s good enough for me.

        3 Like
        Reply
        • Boogaloo

          2 years ago

          How many great people have been killed by socialism?

          2 Like
          Reply
        • baseballpun

          2 years ago

          Fox News is a crappy history book, dude. Try getting info from more than one source.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • aj_54

          2 years ago

          cue the “well you watch Fox news” guy. Gee, never heard that one before

          Like
          Reply
  26. TrueOutcomeFan

    2 years ago

    Dang.

    Like
    Reply
    • Tom the Baller

      2 years ago

      Cmon you can do better, homes

      Like
      Reply
  27. Stu Baron

    2 years ago

    Just yesterday, mlb.com ran a feature story on the 12- player trade involving the Indians, Mariners, and Mets at the 2008 winter meetings that sent Valbuena from the Mariners to the Indians. Creepy.

    4 Like
    Reply
  28. dewssox79

    2 years ago

    geez. RIP

    1 Like
    Reply
  29. sss847

    2 years ago

    dudes doing bat flips in heaven now. RIP

    2 Like
    Reply
  30. Joel

    2 years ago

    Oh man. Yesterday I was just thinking of how we usually get this sort of tragic news on MLBTR around this time of year. Sorry to hear.

    Like
    Reply
  31. Rolltribe48

    2 years ago

    Thoughts and prayers go out to the families RIP

    3 Like
    Reply
  32. themed

    2 years ago

    Very very sad news.

    1 Like
    Reply
  33. J leathal86

    2 years ago

    Sad praying there in heaven

    Like
    Reply
    • 3rdStrikeLooking

      2 years ago

      Downvoted. Improper grammar. Thank you and have a nice day.

      4 Like
      Reply
      • pinkerton

        2 years ago

        you seem distraught.

        3 Like
        Reply
        • 3rdStrikeLooking

          2 years ago

          Actually, its sunny and I am well. Thanks for thinking of me today. Are you ok? Family is good? Got your tickets for the Powerball? If so, I hope you win.

          Have a great weekend, sir!

          3 Like
          Reply
        • pinkerton

          2 years ago

          I don’t play Powerball. I don’t want people coming after my family. You read about it all the time in the papers.

          Rock on!

          3 Like
          Reply
      • aj_54

        2 years ago

        i hope t his wuz sarchazm

        Like
        Reply
  34. tylerknowsbaseball

    2 years ago

    Coming in hot

    1 Like
    Reply
  35. gotothevideotape

    2 years ago

    This is really sad, their poor families, and at the holidays
    no less. RIP
    Death is so final, but the callus, bitterness, and immaturity on here will go on for eternity!

    5 Like
    Reply
  36. yamsi1912

    2 years ago

    Now he is an angel for life.

    5 Like
    Reply
  37. Vizionaire

    2 years ago

    hope there aren’t any accidents in after-life. pray for their families.

    Like
    Reply
  38. sufferfortribe

    2 years ago

    Gut wrenching and heartbreaking?

    Like
    Reply
  39. parttimebum

    2 years ago

    Venezuelan Bo Diaz died when a satellite dish fell on him.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • MetsYankeesRedSox

      2 years ago

      Mike Edwards of the rock band ELO was killed when his van was struck by a runaway round bale of hay.

      bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-11195393

      When your numbers up, it’s your turn.

      Like
      Reply
  40. robluca21

    2 years ago

    Is it just me or does something like this happen every offseason in Venezuela?

    5 Like
    Reply
    • 3rdStrikeLooking

      2 years ago

      Just you.

      2 Like
      Reply
  41. LosAngelesAngelesAngelesAngels

    2 years ago

    I feel bad that I would go to games and every time he bat flipped on a single I would shake my head…dude was just having fun.

    Like
    Reply
    • bigdaddyhacks

      2 years ago

      Exactly. He had passion for the game. I still lol about the double he bat flipped and haniger threw him out at 2b. He was just having fun. He was a lighthearted guy and at least in Seattle a super nice guy that took time with the fans. Rest easy Luis.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • LosAngelesAngelesAngelesAngels

        2 years ago

        He had a great sense of humor and such an infectious smile. I can see why his teammates loved him. I heard while he was in Houston when Bregman took over 3rd, Luis was genuinely supportive of Alex. Great person, and great teammate.

        1 Like
        Reply
  42. EverlastingDave

    2 years ago

    :-(

    Like
    Reply
  43. JDGoat

    2 years ago

    Why do people feel the need to comment on here to make fun of people, push agendas or be critical of the article? Especially on an article like this. Jesus some people suck.

    11 Like
    Reply
  44. Phillies2017

    2 years ago

    Hate reading these posts. RIP

    Like
    Reply
  45. Frisco500

    2 years ago

    RIP fellas. This is sad, and way too common. I dont know the details other than they were passengers. Ive driven in some of these countries, roads can feel like a war zone. But was speed a factor? It usually is. These guys need governors in vehicles they drive in. No joke

    2 Like
    Reply
    • jaysfan1994

      2 years ago

      It’s a shame for sure.

      1 Like
      Reply
  46. RATTY

    2 years ago

    Please Lord..give their Families strength at this time…R.I.P

    2 Like
    Reply
  47. imindless

    2 years ago

    Valbuena was a class act really tough to read. Rip

    3 Like
    Reply
  48. Sid Bream

    2 years ago

    -JD Goat

    He’s actually just stating facts. Socialism leads to poverty, and in the end in that country as a result of such ideology and policies rampant inflation exists and high crime rates along with it. However, don’t let the facts bother you at all.

    4 Like
    Reply
    • davidcoonce74

      2 years ago

      Yes, there’s no poverty in the United States.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Sid Bream

        2 years ago

        Who stated there was “no poverty in the USA”? Do point me to that comment. That is laughable indeed. Change your user name to ‘Strawman’.

        6 Like
        Reply
        • jaysfan1994

          2 years ago

          Clearly those “Democratic Socialist” countries in Europe have no idea what they’re doing with poverty despite having the LOWEST reported poverty in the world. They also have the best education systems and are the happiest according to MANY world studies.

          I know that triggers you to read, it’s a FACT though and it doesn’t meet your narrative so you’ll ignore it and bring up Venezuela some more. Almost like pure socialist and capitalist societies don’t exist and their ideals aren’t administered the same?

          3 Like
          Reply
        • mfm420

          2 years ago

          you first, sid

          Like
          Reply
        • davidcoonce74

          2 years ago

          You actually posted that there was no poverty in the United States.

          Like
          Reply
        • Boogaloo

          2 years ago

          It’s called sarcasm moron.

          Poverty in the US is nothing compared to Venezuela

          Who do you know that is in poverty in the US through no fault of their own or their parents? Please tell me.

          In countries like Venezuela there are many who are in abject poverty through no fault of their own, rather government failure.

          The same government you morons want here.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • lysander

          2 years ago

          You;re confusing “happiest” with “contented”. Some non-productive people can be contented with a modestly re-filled EBT card at the first of each month; just enough to finance their weed habit, but a happy person is a productive person. It’s easy to have a low poverty rate in a country with fewer people than Indiana and half it’s size. Danes are not multicultural; most think, act and look the same; closer to a large commune than a country.

          Like
          Reply
      • Boogaloo

        2 years ago

        Typical clueless leftist.

        Poverty is the US is nothing compared to poverty in these countries.

        Countries like Sweden have hight taxation that results in choices in health care and other benefits for those who put into it.

        The harder you work, the better your choices are

        That is not the kind of socialism you lazy pigs want.

        You want the same educational, healthcare and lifestyle standards regardless of what you put into society.

        That’s great for the lazy filth of society but not really good for anyone else.

        Socialism is evil, only a complete fool would think giving more power to any government is a good idea.

        Let’s take all the money from hard working people so a bunch of people who would rather party than take care of their own children can have more, lol.

        Oh and make politicians more powerful, wonderful plan

        2 Like
        Reply
        • JKB

          2 years ago

          Boogalo you tell it like it is!

          Like
          Reply
    • jaysfan1994

      2 years ago

      Facts aren’t opinion based that make you feel good. Sanctioned economies via trade like what the US has been doing to political enemies for nearly a century is what leads to poverty. You should look up what those pesky “Democratic Socialist” Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland) are doing with their healthcare, education and low poverty levels. All best ranked in the world. Happiest people surveyed too.

      Likely because it’s hard to get US support to intervene in their economies because they’re located in Europe but who’s to say?

      3 Like
      Reply
      • Boogaloo

        2 years ago

        Oh God, it’s the United States fault Venezuela is a hell hole?

        Lol

        Not socialism which has historically led to millions dying, no it’s the mean old USA.

        You really are clueless if you think Sweden is run like Venezuela.

        Sweden has been rolling back social programs for the last 15 years because of their failures.

        They have adapted to a high tax rate, coupled with a choice is healthcare, education and so on.

        You put in alot to the system you get alot.

        You put in nothing, you get next to nothing.

        That doesn’t sound like the democratic socialism you clowns think they have.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • jaysfan1994

          2 years ago

          Which social programs are they rolling back? I’d love to know with polling data showing they’re a failure otherwise it’s partisan nonsense.

          My prior statements of US meddling in Latin American to overthrow democratically elected governments is backed by facts. Look up the “banana wars” which are backed up by public declassified CIA doccuments.

          The US also installed dictatorships in Iran with the Shah and Cuba with Batista. Ironically those dictatorships crumbled and lead to US foriegn enemies because the successor governments distrusted allowing US corporations in their countries. Hey Vietnam and China are okay now despite being “communist”. Maybe it had little to do with actual ideology and more corporate greed?

          Remember how Cuba was bad? We got American hotels there now. Funny how that Obama got that done by opening relations with them. Despite Trump’s sanctions against them those pesky hotel chains are still running in Cuba.

          1 Like
          Reply
      • JKB

        2 years ago

        You left wingers are free to move to those countries. Adios.

        1 Like
        Reply
    • mfm420

      2 years ago

      Socialism leads to poverty.

      you spelled religion wrong

      1 Like
      Reply
    • JDGoat

      2 years ago

      Boogaloos whole rant was based on the fact that they were robbed. Thank God that doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.

      1 Like
      Reply
  49. jaysfan1994

    2 years ago

    I love this talking point, Venezuela has private sectors (oil) that mean it’s not a socialist country but I’ll humor you. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are all social democratic countries with lots of socialist elements like a Venezuela or Cuba IE: Nationalized healthcare systems and government run industries. Heck even firefighters and policemen in every respective country are considered a form of socialism because they’re paid by a government that gets funding via taxation. They’re doing fine aren’t they?

    Want to look up how poverty is the lowest in those countries? Or how their education systems are ranked tops in the world? How about how high their taxes are to pay for the welfare states they live in? It’s all counterproductive to your narrative I know.

    People love to talk politics when it suits their narrative yet they have little idea how world politics really are.

    5 Like
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    • Sid Bream

      2 years ago

      Your narrative is totally incorrect. However as you attempted to try and assert that “Venezuela is not a socialist country”‘, which in itself is such a fatuous statement, I’ll have to set the record straight. There is absolutely no comparison of Venezuela with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland or Iceland. But you did make one good point, the more wealthy you are in Sweden the more tax you pay-it sounds fair, don’t you agree? Denmark’s top marginal effective income tax rate is 60.4 percent. Sweden’s is 56.4 percent. Pray tell do tell what taxation system Venezuela use. Your comparisons are farcical.

      Venezuela has not, of course, fought a war in recent years. But the combination of plummeting oil revenues and years of government mismanagement has virtually killed off the country’s economy, sparking a humanitarian crisis that threatens to engulf the region. Caracas refuses to track inflation (or at least publish its findings), but the National Assembly calculates the annual rate to be more than 4,000 percent, and the International Monetary Fund predicts it could hit 13,000 percent this year. Given how much prices have already risen since January, the real number could be 10 times higher.

      Tell your lies elsewhere.

      6 Like
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      • jaysfan1994

        2 years ago

        Venezuela was not in a good situation prior to Hugo Chavez. It had dictator after dictator before he came to power and socialized some of the economy by kicking out foreign owned companies (largely American) by nationalization. Which is why the US sanctions their economy. Just like how Cuba was a puppet American state prior to Castro overthrowing it.

        You should look up what the “Banana Wars” are because there’s a decent reason why Latin American countries are in the state that they’re in today and it has to do with US business interests having no respect for democracy in other countries if they dared to hurt their monopolized profits.

        I don’t tell in lies, my truths are in polls and largely CIA declassified information which is readily available to the public because of a great act that was passed decades ago.

        4 Like
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        • mfm420

          2 years ago

          when dealing with right wing (and likely fundie) nut jobs like sid, facts and evidence doesn’t matter to them.

          just whatever trump , fox news, and breibart tells them is good enough (well, those groups and their cult, oops, i meant church, tells them to think)

          2 Like
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        • Masternachos

          2 years ago

          I’ll have you know I get all my information from BuzzFeed, thank you very much.

          Like
          Reply
        • JKB

          2 years ago

          @mfm

          You bleeding heart liberals never let the facts get in the way your your liberal narrative. Just whatever MSNBC tells you.

          1 Like
          Reply
  50. Cubguy13

    2 years ago

    Stop yourselves. It sucks that they died but enough with the overdramatic and fake caring. “Oh its so gut wrenching” no it’s not. We didn’t know them and they didn’t know us. If you get “gutwrenched” whenever you hear of a stranger dying, you must have some serious IBD cuz ppl die daily. Just stop with the fake bs cuz tomorrow you will be onto the next big thing in baseball and forget about this.. smh

    7 Like
    Reply
    • pinkerton

      2 years ago

      you seem distraught.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • Slevin

      2 years ago

      Positive reality check right here.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • yoyo137

      2 years ago

      Why are people so bothered by others paying respects to someone who died? Do you not get enough attention at home? This doesn’t even concern you, go comment on another article if you don’t want to see people giving condolences on AN ARTICLE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO JUST DIED. Go look for attention somewhere else troll

      3 Like
      Reply
      • Slevin

        2 years ago

        Step down off your soapbox there Sally before you fall and skin those delicate knees.

        5 Like
        Reply
    • kiddhoff

      2 years ago

      Wouldn’t normally agree with a Cubs fan, but you’re spot on.

      Valbuena wouldn’t have wanted it this way—he would want you to celebrate his career. Sounds sappy dont it? Sending condolences in a comment section probably ain’t gonna help matters.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • ripaceventura30

      2 years ago

      Wow tough guy maybe some people follow the sport closely enough to feel a connection with everyone they watch play the game they love every night.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • WarrenSpahn

      2 years ago

      Don’t Fear the Reaper! – BOC

      Like
      Reply
  51. Phillies2017

    2 years ago

    This isn’t the place for political rants. Just out of respect, I think we should just keep this thread more civil

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Slevin

      2 years ago

      How about blank?

      3 Like
      Reply
  52. J. C. Hahne

    2 years ago

    Dear MLBTradeRumors. You ought to close the comments on this thread out of respect for Valbueana and Castillo. Sad to see how many disrespect these 2 humans and their families.

    7 Like
    Reply
    • Slevin

      2 years ago

      Says the guy disrespecting Valbuena by misspelling his name.

      5 Like
      Reply
      • 3rdStrikeLooking

        2 years ago

        Quality dig. Upvoted. Enjoy.

        1 Like
        Reply
  53. MetsYankeesRedSox

    2 years ago

    MLBTR should start a death pool.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Slevin

      2 years ago

      I guess we are the peanut gallery..smh

      Like
      Reply
  54. David Banos

    2 years ago

    Sorry to hear about Valbuena, it was noticable watching Angels games this season that he smiled a lot and had fun talking with fans down the first base line.

    2 Like
    Reply
  55. ReverieDays

    2 years ago

    Came here to say goodbye to a guy I liked on the Cubs. See a bunch of people arguing about socialism. Get a grip.

    1 Like
    Reply
  56. Mike's Trout

    2 years ago

    This comment section is disturbing. Two people died. Please have some respect.. RIP

    4 Like
    Reply
  57. Cat Mando

    2 years ago

    RIP guys. At least it appears they may have those responsible
    “Police have arrested four people suspected of robbing former Angels infielder Luis Valbuena and former Pirates second baseman José Castillo after the two players were killed in a car crash in Venezuela early Friday morning.”
    si.com/mlb/2018/12/07/police-arrest-suspects-luis-…

    Like
    Reply
  58. JD396

    2 years ago

    Gotta love the compassion flowing in here. The way people capitalize on a tragedy to climb on top of their online soapbox and try to be more right than everyone else… it’s truly moving.

    Jesus… We watch this sport so closely and discuss and debate everything from the way the game is played on the field to the economics of the game… and it’s so easy to forget that these are real live human beings out there. They’re every bit as mortal as the rest of us. But this happens, two of the guys we watch out on the field are suddenly cut down and we’ve apparently dehumanized them to the point that all we see is an opportunity to turn yet another comment thread into a political flame war.

    1 Like
    Reply
  59. acmeants

    2 years ago

    Sad news. Condolences to their friends and families.

    Like
    Reply
  60. Adam6710

    2 years ago

    Frazier, Ellsbury, and Florial for Valbuena– get it done, Cashman!

    Like
    Reply

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