Judging by popular opinion, many seem to think convincing MLB to commit to sending its top players to the Olympics is the key to getting the sport back into the program in the future, preferably in time for the 2020 Games.

Well, that's not likely to happen. Considering that, it may be beneficial for baseball's leaders to start taking a few pointers from FIFA instead of relying on manpower from the majors.

Men's soccer is doing just fine despite the combination of an age limit — all but three players per team must be under 23 — and clubs not wanting to release players, robbing the Olympics of some of the sport's most recognizable names.