2009 MLB Thread

[Gilly]

it's criminal to not have any tickets for under 10 bucks. Dodgers tickets went up after acquiring Manny, but they still have $9 tickets. 
For shame, Philadelphia and St. Louis. They won't spend any money but they expect the fans to.  Because they will.
Now, I wanna go to Houston and sit behind home plate.

Why is that so bad? If they can sell out games at that price it doesn't make any sense why they'd charge less to sell the same amount of seats. It stinks that some people can't afford to go to games but it's hard to fault the ownership for not making it more affordable when a stadium full of fans find a way to afford it 81 games a year. I'd think that if prices became too high fans would stop filling the stadium but obviously that point has not been reached.

[yesno]

He should have spent his time trying to help the average player, instead of setting up a lottery system for superstars.

I agree that he did, in effect, set up a lottery system for baseball's superstars. But I also think he did actually help the average player. When Fehr assumed the role as head of the MLBPA in 1983, the average salary was $289,000. Today, the average salary is $3.3 million.

The median salary is "only" around a million, and the median is a better way to get a feel for what the typical player might make.

I definitely think performance in sports should be rewarded, but just as the Yankees can't exist without teams like the Pirates to play against (and in a better world the Pirateses of the world would just refuse to play richer teams without a 50/50 split of broadcast revenues for games they're in), superstar players can't play without plenty of replacement-level players.  I think that your marginal MLB player* could be making a lot more money, if properly represented.

*Of course, a "marginal" player is better than a AAA player.  That is, they're not easily replaced at all, which is why I think they're in a stronger negotiating position than their actual pay would demonstrate.  I think baseball fans sometimes forget what amazing, impossibly good players your .240 batting average hitters are.

[nec13]

Agree on all points.

Personally, if I were a player, I would be grateful that I had Donald Fehr representing me. If one disregards average salary and looks strictly at median salary, as you suggest, I still believe that the players made out quite well during Fehr's tenure. For example, in 1988, the highest median salary was $500,000. Today the highest median salary is $5.2 million, a more than tenfold increase. The lowest median salary in 1988 was $130,000. The lowest median salary in 2009 is $410,000, a 215% increase from 1988 to 2009.

Could the players be making more money? Yes. However, I don't think the majority of players have made out too badly. The marginal, replacement-level players have never exercised their considerable leverage. I suspect the reason that they haven't done so is because they don't want to be seen as "rocking the boat," so to speak.

I've long supported the idea of a 50/50 split of broadcast revenues between small and large market teams. However, the owners of the small market teams have yet to grow a spine. Kevin McClatchy, former owner of the Pirates, promised that he would take a hardline stance during CBA negotiations. He never did. No small market owner has. Until someone does, I believe that we will see the economic chasm between small and large markets continue to persist.

However, it is important to remember that revenues for Major League Baseball have never been higher. MLB Advanced Media, in particular, has been a real cash cow. And the small market teams are still making money from revenue sharing. Therefore, I think the incentive for small market teams to be more obstreperous is virtually non-existent.

[hugman]

Hey Mets Fans,
Do you know what amazing feat Fernando Tatis pulled off when he was with the Cardinals in '99?

[nec13]

Two grand slams in the same inning vs. the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Don't remember the date, though.

[nec13]

A couple of trivia questions for you, hugman:

-What ex-Cardinals shortstop once said, "If I ain't startin, I ain't departin."?
-Keith Hernandez shared the 1979 NL MVP award with what player?

[hugman]

A couple of trivia questions for you, hugman:

-What ex-Cardinals shortstop once said, "If I ain't startin, I ain't departin."?
-Keith Hernandez shared the 1979 NL MVP award with what player?

I cheated, but Gary Templeton would've been my guess. 

Two grand slams in the same inning vs. the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Don't remember the date, though.

I don't either but I was watching  the game on tv.

[hugman]

http://pbfcomics.com/?cid=PBF150-A_Hit_for_Bobby.gif

[scratchbomb]

A couple of trivia questions for you, hugman:

-What ex-Cardinals shortstop once said, "If I ain't startin, I ain't departin."?
-Keith Hernandez shared the 1979 NL MVP award with what player?

The second answer: Willie Stargell

[nec13]

You're right, scratchbomb. I couldn't think of any other good Cardinals related trivia questions.

[nec13]

Final score tonight from Citi Field:

New York Yankees 5
Buffalo Bisons 0

If the Phillies weren't so mediocre, I'd be ready to officially declare the 2009 Mets season a lost cause. Sigh.

[scratchbomb]

Final score tonight from Citi Field:

New York Yankees 5
Buffalo Bisons 0

If the Phillies weren't so mediocre, I'd be ready to officially declare the 2009 Mets season a lost cause. Sigh.

At least you werent at the game. The douchery on display was astounding, even by Yankee fan standards.

I can barely cheer this team any more. It's basically David Wright plus 7 little leaguers now.

[nec13]

That sucks. As I said in an earlier post, I think once they become reasonably healthy again, they COULD go on a run. Of course, by that time, it may be too late. Regardless of what happens, some heads need to roll in the front office. The Mets are lacking in organizational depth. There is absolutely no one in AAA that can fill in for any sustained period of time. Someone needs to be held responsible for this.

I have to laugh at Yankees fans. Once again, their team will be fortunate to make the playoffs and even if they do, they won't go very far. At least the Mets have injuries as an excuse for their poor play. What's the Yankees excuse? There's no way that a team with a quarter-billion dollar payroll should only be the third best team in their own division.

[nec13]

The Cards just acquired Mark DeRosa from the Indians. And it's a good trade for both teams. Chris Perez gives the Indians some much needed help in the bullpen and a long-term answer at closer. With Mark DeRosa, the Cards have a legit third baseman and they didn't have to give up a ton to get him.

I think the Cards are now the favorites to win the NL Central.

You must be pleased, hugman.

[hugman]

Boy oh boy! I've been out all eve, and u broke the story for me. I am quite pleased.