Official MLB Baseball Thread

[JB]

Im a fan of a major market team who spends money, but we had 20 crappy years too. If you were to take out the last 2 years the Dodgers only won 1 playoff game in 20 years prior to that, but they were always top 5 in payroll. I believe teams like the As, Reds, Twins, Marlins, Rockies, Padres,D Backs and so on all had more wins then us in between. Like I said if it became a pattern I could see changing it, but baseball hasnt had a back to back championship since 1999-2000. The Patriots have been in half of the last 8 Superbowls.

That is because baseball is much more of a regional sport than other sports. Because of the number of games, the broadcasts are carried on local or regional stations rather than national outlets. It's much easier to tie revenue directly to a team in MLB because TV revenue is tied directly to a team. In contrast, NFL football is carried on the major networks, both in and out of market.

I don't have a problem with no revenue sharing. Let the Yankees' owners get rich off their team. But the sport needs a salary cap (not just a "tax" for exceeding ceilings) in order to keep the sport alive. You need real competition. Plus, a salary cap would keep players with a single team longer because they couldn't just be lured away to a new team every two years with more money. That would build both team unity and viewer familiarity.

I grew up with the Texas Rangers. They were my team. I moved away and three years later, none of the same players were on the team. Guess who I root for now?

You are right 100% Harry. However football while it may seem national because of Fox and CBS, is still regional. Local channels still cover the games, it is just for a national affiliate.

 

[TheGasman]

The Yankees, Mets and Sox make most of their money from having their own 24 hour networks. Any team can do it once their deals with the regional carrier is over, the question is can the markets support it.
As far as sharing, I believe all of the owners split revenues from the MLB network and MLB.com.

 

[JB]

The Yankees, Mets and Sox make most of their money from having their own 24 hour networks. Any team can do it once their deals with the regional carrier is over, the question is can the markets support it.
As far as sharing, I believe all of the owners split revenues from the MLB network and MLB.com.

That is correct, but that is the problem. What regional owner or small market team could start their own network and have enough population and fans to support it. Simply look at the populations of those cities. I still have no problem with teams doing that and making tons.

But what is wrong with teams all being allowed to spend the same amount?

 

[TheGasman]

But what is wrong with teams all being allowed to spend the same amount?

It just doesnt sit right with me, it reminds me too much of socialism. I really think it screwed up the NHL.

 

[TheGasman]

On a side note, I think markets like Seattle, KC, Detroit and Minnesota could support their own networks.

 

[JB]

It just doesnt sit right with me, it reminds me too much of socialism. I really think it screwed up the NHL.

On a side note, I think markets like Seattle, KC, Detroit and Minnesota could support their own networks.

I just dont understand how an even playing field is bad. It only helps the consumers and makes the game more affordable for all. And with the population of KC, there is no way they could support a network. Look at the ratings the Royals games get locally.

 

[Harry Longshanks]

On a side note, I think markets like Seattle, KC, Detroit and Minnesota could support their own networks.

We couldn't even keep a basketball team.

And the only reason we have a new baseball stadium is because the state legislature circumvented an initiative that was defeated by the voters.

 

[TheGasman]

I just dont understand how an even playing field is bad. It only helps the consumers and makes the game more affordable for all.

As much as I hate the Yankees and it bugs me that they won the championship, I think they are good for the game. People get sucked into the David vs Goliath aspect, Good vs Evil, it makes for good stuff. Of course they are going to win sometimes, but its not like they have been completely dominant over the decade.
People really rallied around the Rays last year when they took on the Red Sox in the ALCS, same as the Indians and Yankees the year before.

 

[JB]

As much as I hate the Yankees and it bugs me that they won the championship, I think they are good for the game. People get sucked into the David vs Goliath aspect, Good vs Evil, it makes for good stuff. Of course they are going to win sometimes, but its not like they have been completely dominant over the decade.
People really rallied around the Rays last year when they took on the Red Sox in the ALCS, same as the Indians and Yankees the year before.

Its good for the game every once in a while. However an even playing field works better. Look at the other sports. And while they have not won the world series, look at the combined records over the past decade and my gut feeling is that payroll will play a HUGE role in the standings.

 

[TheGasman]

We couldn't even keep a basketball team.

And the only reason we have a new baseball stadium is because the state legislature circumvented an initiative that was defeated by the voters.

Really, I was really impressed with your downtown area when I was up there. I always thought it was cool when I was at a Oyster bar and everyone was talking baseball. Same thing when I was in Alaska. That never happens here.

 

[Harry Longshanks]

Really, I was really impressed with your downtown area when I was up there. I always thought it was cool when I was at a Oyster bar and everyone was talking baseball. Same thing when I was in Alaska. That never happens here.

Oh yeah, we are huge on talk!

We just aren't willing to spend any money. (Frankly, I tend to agree with that. It's one reason I respect the Braves owner - paid for his own stadium with no public funds. I'm getting sick of owners blackmailing cities for new facilities every few years.)

 

[TheGasman]

Breaking News, Throw the book at him.:act-up:

Seattle Sports Blog
11/5/09

Lincecum cited for pot after traffic stop

Former Huskies pitching star Tim Lincecum was cited for marijuana possession after a traffic stop in Vancouver, Wash., on Friday, according to a report by The Columbian.

Giants ace Tim Lincecum was pulled over on Interstate 5 on Friday.According to the story, The San Francisco Giants ace and Cy Young Award winner was stopped for going 74 mph in a 60 mph zone in the Hazel Dell area. A state trooper said he smelled marijuana when Lincecum rolled his window down. Lincecum allegedly handed over about 3.3 grams of pot and a small pipe. The Columbian story said 3.3 grams is considered enough for personal use.

The former Liberty High standout was cited and released. He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 23 in Clark County District Court.

 

[Harry Longshanks]

Breaking News, Throw the book at him.:act-up:

These guys astound me. Millions of dollars a year playing a game, and they can't keep their noses clean. He wasn't just getting baked, he was getting baked while driving. Let's ask the Angels and Nick Adenhart's family how they feel about impaired drivers . . .

 

[TheGasman]

Oh yeah, we are huge on talk!

We just aren't willing to spend any money. (Frankly, I tend to agree with that. It's one reason I respect the Braves owner - paid for his own stadium with no public funds. I'm getting sick of owners blackmailing cities for new facilities every few years.)

Im split on this one. It bugs me that the tax payer pays for the ballpark when there is so many other things the cities need but you look at somewhere like San Diego. Petco park brings a crazy amount of commerce into the Gas Lamp district. The whole area was pretty much revamped by the stadium. I guess it could be looked at as more of an investment.

 

[Harry Longshanks]

Im split on this one. It bugs me that the tax payer pays for the ballpark when there is so many other things the cities need but you look at somewhere like San Diego. Petco park brings a crazy amount of commerce into the Gas Lamp district. The whole area was pretty much revamped by the stadium. I guess it could be looked at as more of an investment.

I know. I feel the same way. It's the blackmail aspect that twists my knickers.

 

[TheGasman]

I know. I feel the same way. It's the blackmail aspect that twists my knickers.

Ya it sucks when they get it and then disband the team.

 

[cwill]

Well the Jays giving Wells and Rios big contracts didnt work and picking up Glauss didnt pan out. In their defense I would of given Wells the deal too, the guy has just been in a downward spiral.

The Os spending on their bullpen bit them in the ass. They spent top dollar on Baez. They do have something special with Jones and Markakis and Josh Bell will be the real deal. The key will be to lock these guys up.

Let the Yankees and Sox spend the money, the middle market teams will still be right there with them.

The O's definitely have some good young pieces in place. Wieters is going to be big time, and Nolan Reimold looked pretty darn good last year. I'm a big fan of Josh Bell and think that was a great move by the O's to send Sherrill to the Dodgers for Bell and Johnson. Sherrill was a fan favorite in Baltimore, but a closer isn't that important to a last place team. Getting a potential stud 3rd baseman for the next 5+ years can't be passed up.

I agree with JB on the need for a more level playing field.

 

[TheGasman]

I agree with JB on the need for a more level playing field.

Hey, to each their own.


Did you guys see that the Sox picked up Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. I wonder what that means as far as Bay goes.

 

[Diane]

Apparently, the parade tomorrow is a really big deal. They're adding extra commuter trains, putting up big screen TVs along the route and Bloomberg is giving the Yankees the key to the city.

 

[Kaboodle]

Hey, to each their own.


Did you guys see that the Sox picked up Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. I wonder what that means as far as Bay goes.

The Pirates & Marlins always shop their good young talent, for some no names.

But, Akrinoi Iwamura (spelling, please correct) is not a no name...

 

[Diane]

People are crazy. Yankee fans started lining the parade route at midnight last night - 11 hours before the parade was going to start.

 

[TheGasman]

People are crazy. Yankee fans started lining the parade route at midnight last night - 11 hours before the parade was going to start.

Must be a lot of work getting done there today.

 

[Diane]

Must be a lot of work getting done there today.

Who goes to a parade for the Yankees? I don't get it.

 

[Hanks]

Who goes to a parade for the Yankees? I don't get it.

you have to be a sports fan to understand

Hey, to each their own.


Did you guys see that the Sox picked up Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. I wonder what that means as far as Bay goes.

Bay is gone....going to try to cash in during FA and the Sox jumped in fast to replace him.

 

[TheGasman]

Bay is gone....going to try to cash in during FA and the Sox jumped in fast to replace him.

You saw Hermida a lot being in the East. What do you think of him, he is no Jason Bay.