HAVANA -- The Orioles landed in two waves at Jose Marti International Airport yesterday afternoon and immediately began walking the tight line between defending their honor in today's historic exhibition, respecting their Cuban hosts and avoiding the political pratfalls that could taint the first competition involving American professionals on a communist island.
The Orioles and a team of Cuban all-stars will play today at noon before an international audience and Cuban President Fidel Castro.
Little more need be said about an event that has stirred political allegiances and competitive juices.
"It's good. Let's make the most of it," said Scott Erickson, who will start today for the Orioles against a yet-to-be-named Cuban. "It's definitely a little more exciting than a normal game. We're going to come down here, have a good time and try to do the best we can."
"This is a chance to be part of history," said general manager Frank Wren, among the few in the Orioles' party who had previously been to Cuba. "You appreciate an opportunity like this."
The Ori oles have given lip service ever since the game's announcement that this will serve as nothing more than another exhibition leading up to the regular season. However, the company line began to crack yesterday, even among the most casual team members.
"I don't play games to lose. Every time I walk on the field I try to do the best I can," said Erickson, scheduled to go six innings or 100 pitches before an invitation-only crowd at Latin American Stadium.
Most of the club has never experienced anything resembling what awaits today when flag-waving partisans stand, dance and sing throughout a game that may take four hours to complete.
"We know it's not just a love for these fans. It's a passion," said closer Mike Timlin.
The game will feature wooden bats, the designated hitter, the international baseball and a four-man umpiring crew devoid of American League arbiters. While manager Ray Miller described the predicament as a "no-win situation" last week, he downplayed any potential competitive disadvantage upon arriving yesterday.
"I think the level of anticipation has gone up as the game has gotten closer," said pitcher Scott Kamieniecki, one of five players to arrive with Major League Baseball officials and representatives from other teams. "Everyone is aware of the historical significance. But we still have to play the game."
"We're aware of what's going on around the game," echoed Timlin. "But we're here as players. We play."
Erickson, staggered in his previous exhibition start, attempted to defuse suggestions of uncommon pressure awaiting him today.
"I don't know much Spanish," he said, "so I'll just drop a few 'hola's' on them."
The Orioles' charters traveled light. Third baseman Cal Ripken remained in Baltimore for the Tuesday funeral of his father, Cal Ripken Sr. Juan Guzman, originally scheduled to be the starting pitcher, remained in Miami after opting out of the trip for personal reasons. Guzman lives in a neighborhood heavily populated by Cubans. He also employs several Cuban domestics. Batting practice pitcher Rudy Arias also was left behind. Arias is a Cuban national who could not obtain proper documentation in time to make the trip.
Miller is bolstered by the absence of credible left-handed pitching from the Cuban squad. Likewise, the Cuban lineup will be missing several of the island's top players who remain involved in the island's World Series equivalent.
Havana first baseman Antonio Scull and Santiago second baseman Antonio Pacheco are among the leading absentees. Top shortstop Juan Carlos Moreno and third baseman Michael Enriquez also are involved in playoffs.
Shortstop Eduardo Paret, a leading member of the team that swept to the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics, is a no-show. Legendary shortstop German Mesa, excluded from the '96 Games after he was found to have negotiated his defection with an agent, has been reinstated for league play but is also involved in the ongoing series.
Renowned third baseman Omar Linares -- long considered the Cuban game's top player -- will participate. Once considered an instant millionaire if he defected to the American game, Linares is now considered past his prime but still possesses an aura.
Intrigue typically surrounds the Cuban dugout and this game is no exception. Miller can only guess whether Ciro Silvino Licea, Jose Ibar or Jose Ariel Contreras will start. All are right-handed.
The most dominant Cuban pitcher, Pedro Luis Lazo, closes. The Cubans typically use their best pitcher last.
Though Miller remains tense about today's outcome, natives expect a defeat for the locals.
Conversation in Old Havana's central park bubbled over about today's game. In an area of the park known as "the hot corner," baseball fanatics heatedly debated the previous night's game, the merits of certain players and the prospects for a win by their all-stars today.
"Orioles good. Cuba? " said a shrugging Felix, a young participant in the back-and-forth who clutched major-league statistics gleaned from the Internet.
Most of those gathered could recite the Orioles' lineup and starting rotation. However, many were surprised to learn of Ripken's absence.
Still, the Cuban all-stars are used to competing against American collegians in international competition.
Their best chance today would appear to come from a young, speedy lineup adept at bunt and hit-and-run tactics. The Orioles likely will play for the long ball.
"We should be concerned about playing to our strengths, that's all," said Erickson.