Lil Bit Special Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-flsphyde31sbmar31,0,2226429,print.column Dave Hyde Sports Columnist March 31, 2008 Ah, Opening Day. The crack of the bat. The smack of the glove. The Marlins fan looking over the new roster and asking, full of optimism, "Will any team be more profitable?" Because let's not lie. Let's not ignore the 800-pound gorilla in the dugout and talk some Opening Day nonsense about how a little better defense or a few more first-pitch strikes will help these Marlins surprise everyone. Let's discuss like grown-ups what this season is really about, which is another all-out money grab by owner Jeffrey Loria and team President David Samson. The Marlins have an Opening Day payroll of $21 million. That's less than any team in baseball, except maybe the St. Lucie Mets. Tampa Bay has the second-lowest payroll in the major leagues. It's at $42 million. That's twice as much. The major league average is $89.9 million. That's about four times more. I'm no Bill James, but it seems in picking this Marlins roster the primary baseball question was, "Will you double-up on the road?" That's why there's an Opening Day pitching mismatch of Mark Hendrickson against the New York Mets' Johan Santana. That's not a shot at Hendrickson. This isn't his fault. Hendrickson might be the best pitching option today. But why he's gone from a sometimes starter with the Los Angeles Dodgers a year ago to the Marlins' Opening-Day starter has nothing to do with an improved fastball. It has to do with the owner's plan to make a buck. Just like trading Miguel Cabrera did. Just like trading Dontrelle Willis did. And this would be all fine and dandy considering this area hasn't exactly supported them through the years, except for one little news bulletin this winter. The Marlins got $600 million in public money for a new stadium and amenities. They can't just brush the subject of their embarrassing payroll under the carpet anymore and hope no one notices. As much as they want to, they can't just keep saying, "This is all we can afford until we get our new stadium." Um, no. These owners get $30 million in revenue sharing from other teams, which neither H. Wayne Huizenga or John Henry got in their tenures. They also get $30 million in local and national TV money. All that before selling a ticket. So you do the math. You figure if they can afford more than a $21 million payroll. At some point, doesn't someone like Commissioner Bud Selig or another team owner step in and ask Loria and Samson, "Just what are you doing with all the money we're giving you?" Because it sure looks like it's just being shoveled into their pockets. It also looks like the Marlins are keeping the decks cleared of costs to sell to a new owner as the $600 million stadium windfall nears. No matter, Loria and Samson need to talk about why they have this curb-high payroll. If they want to answer along the lines of why dogs lick themselves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsis Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Teams like this make me sick, They're getting more money in revenue sharing then they are spending on payroll. It's horrible stuff. ****ing greedy bastards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 just wait til they let HAnley go hopefully he comes to NY to replace Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Well, they have two championships in the last ten years, so they must be doing something right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeebers Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 [quote name='Blackout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Well, they have two championships in the last ten years, so they must be doing something right. LOL Sadly you a correct... shut up haters... they are crushing the Red Sox ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 they loaded up with talent in 97 and 2003 was just amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 [quote name='Blackout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiLMiCKMANTLE Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-flsphyde31sbmar31,0,2226429,print.column whats even worse is that i just went to the Yankees vs. Marlins game this weekend and out of the 20k that were there 75% were yankees fans that just terrible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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