Expansion Teams / Relocation Discussion
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 4:22 PM PST
217 comments
For some reason, when the Expos moved to DC it made me a little sad. I understand why they moved. I know their attendance was horrendous and the city of Montreal didn't seem to care if they left, but to me it signified a step backwards in the growth of MLB. Montreal truly felt like an international city, much more than Toronto. It gave the league an intangible multicultural appeal that it no longer has. I wish the Expos had stayed put and tried to work it out in Montreal, or at the very least relocated to another city in Canada (Vancouver maybe?). If the WBC Canada-USA game earlier this year is any indication, I think baseball could thrive in our neighbor to the north. If Canada had more teams, they could actually start playing each other. Cities could develop rivalries which would stir up more interest.
Thinking about this topic on an even broader spectrum brings more questions to mind. Could Mexico support a team (cheap land could lure Lew Wolff and Oaxaca Athleticas has a nice ring to it)? What about Puerto Rico? Would more teams in international cities be good for MLB? Would you support foreign expansion? Would some players be less willing to play in a country like Mexico? I invite you to take a break from rosterbation and try a little...hmm...mapsterbation?
This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.
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i think a Vancouver team could be cool.
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"AT LAST I AM A PARENTS." - Buster
by jponry on Nov 19, 2009 4:23 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
+1
Or Portland. The AL West seems a bit lonely right now. Unfortunately, I’m sure the Mariners probably have rights to both of these markets at the moment and probably would block any new teams.
by grape on Nov 19, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Portland
can’t even find a facility for the Beavers which is why they are going to Vancouver (WA) this year.
I think the Portland electorate hates stadiums only slightly less than SF and OAK.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 19, 2009 6:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Watch in five years when this new MLS franchise, which is displacing the Beavers, will want Portland/Mutnomah County to build them a new stadium. I’m gonna LAUGH AND LAUGH when the Timbers move in 2016.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 20, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest expansion market
Is New York, by a long shot.
Actually, they’re not an expansion market so much as a place to move the A’s and D-Rays
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by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 4:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
this
I think New Jersey could use a team. Highest population density and second highest median income of the states, and they can cut into the ridiculous Mets/Yankees media market. They’d have a natural rival in both leagues, and be paying into revenue sharing rather than taking from it.
I also think Portland would be a good choice. I think we’ll start hearing about expansion in the next couple years, now that (almost) all of the stadium issues around the country are figured out. With the emergence of all the international talent and the fact that there hasn’t been any expansion in over 10 years, I think the talent pool is ready for a couple new teams.
Brian Sabean figures that if he buys enough bottles, one of them is bound to have lightning in it.
by jasomack on Nov 19, 2009 6:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NJ= boo
when the New Jersey Bats win a championship, they can have the parade in the Meadowlands parking lot like the Devils did. Blargh.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 19, 2009 6:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i wish the giants had a reason for a parking lot parade.
Brian Sabean figures that if he buys enough bottles, one of them is bound to have lightning in it.
by jasomack on Nov 19, 2009 7:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NY is definitely possible
I saw a game in Staten Island (SS ball rules) and that stadium is beautiful
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by Gobroks on Nov 19, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted Puerto Rico
But could New Orleans work?
Insanity is just a state of mind.
by giants9107 on Nov 19, 2009 4:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I thought about including U.S. cities too, but I feel like that could be it’s own fanpost. For this discussion I’d like to stick to only international destinations (I count Puerto Rico as international).
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
they tried that and it didn’t work out so well. With an island population of only 4M for the entire island (area of 3465 sq miles) do not think city San Juan could support a team.
by wilriv21 on Nov 19, 2009 4:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention high poverty rates aren’t going to result in a lot of people shelling out $40 for tickets and $5 for peanuts.
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cha-ching
The money has to be perfect for MLB to expand internationally.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not a fan of expansion. It thins the talent pool.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Nov 19, 2009 4:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What about relocation?
Perhaps a MLB team in an foreign country would stimulate more interest in baseball, eventually creating more talent for the pool.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you've not been to Oakland
there already is a team in a foreign country. One which doesn’t really like going to baseball games, apparently.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 19, 2009 6:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like this argument
As population figures rise, the amount of teams should rise, and the number of “good” players should rise. We had an expansion boom in the mid-20th century and at the end of the 20th century which gave us the 30 teams of today. But in 1900, when the population was at one-fifth of what it is now, 16 out of the 30 current teams already existed (including 1901 expansions like the Red Sox and the Yankees). So in the last century, the population has quintupled (and by extension, the “talent pool” has as well; in fact, since we now import a lot of international players, it’s more than quintupled) while the number of available jobs has doubled. In other words, we’d have to go on an expansion frenzy to match the ratio of baseball teams to population that existed just fine (and with great teams, despite the relatively smaller talent pool) in 1900.
Now, teams need a lot more money now because of crazy high salaries, so there definitely aren’t enough cities to support that ratio of baseball teams to population, but the talent pool now is definitely a lot larger than it was back then, yet I don’t think that teams are “better” now, even when you take all the analysis and training and knowledge we’ve built up that has allowed us to form better teams and build better players and etc. Expansion is good, it’s what any business should always be looking to do (and baseball is a business); in fact, baseball should be more inclined to expand, especially internationally, because we’re selling America along with the entertainment and solidarity (which is a lot more than can be said for McDonalds or Nike) when we introduce “America’s pastime”.
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like this argument
It assumes that the percentage of the population playing baseball hasn’t changed over time.
by AllHailMightyBruins on Nov 20, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Any drop in domestic play
Is dwarfed by international growth.
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by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the research, quincy. I now support expansion wholeheartedly. But I still think northern New Jersey is the most logical choice, despite the inevitable screaming from Mets and Yankees fans.
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 8:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thinning of the talent pool is a real effect of expansion, but a relatively unimportant one. Creating 2 new teams means 50 new major league jobs, which are by definition filled by replacement-level talent. The average team (increasing from 30 to 32) gets about .75 replacement pitchers and .85 replacement hitters. But those are the last guys off the bench or out of the bullpen so their effect on gameplay is minimal. What really happens is that 4th outfielders and 5th infielders become starters, a couple of backup catchers become starters, a few 5th starters become 4th starters, and so on. Almost all of those guys would be ones who could be expected to legitimately compete for those jobs somewhere in the league anyhow, and maybe win or lose them based on some near-intangible like a great or bad spring, freak injury or steak of good or bad luck. The effects are far more negligible when expanding from 30 to 32 than when the first expansion happened.
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by S.F. Giangst on Nov 20, 2009 10:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Havana would be cool, if unrealistic.
Mexico City is too high, it’s 2,000 feet above Denver.
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by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
They will put the baseballs in a swimming pool instead of a humidor.
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
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by Natto on Nov 19, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The investment team appears solid enough
If only I could live to see it — to have a team in Havana. Uh, what I wouldn’t give for — twenty more years. Here we are protected — free to make our profits without key follow with the GD Justice Department and the FBI. Ninety miles away, partnership with a friendly government — ninety miles. It’s nothing. Just one small step, looking for a man that wants to be President of the United States — and having the cash to make it possible. Bud Selig, we’re bigger than U.S. Steel.
by biff pocoroba on Nov 20, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 20, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Havana. Won’t happen, but should happen.
by Sayhey on Nov 25, 2009 8:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Voted Canada
I think it’s the only place that really has the money to support a franchise. Sure you could sell out a game in a bunch of Caribbean locations, but 81 of them at Major League prices? I’m not so sure.
I would love to see teams all over the Americas, but I just don’t see it happening.
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis. To pass the time during the offseason I decided to try my hand at blogging about photography and music.
by j14 on Nov 19, 2009 4:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was thinking the same thing about a team in the Caribbean or Mexico. They just don’t have the money to support a MLB franchise.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not knowledgeable enough about sports finance, but it seems like the popularity of soccer/futbol suggests that it might be at least possible to support a small market team.
by grape on Nov 19, 2009 6:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think soccer stadiums, like football stadiums, are a lot bigger than baseball stadiums, so they can probably price tickets lower. And there aren’t nearly as many soccer teams as baseball teams until you start international play.
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
and they don't play
81 home games a year
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Nov 20, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
canada knows what it takes to support a MLB franchise, and latin america is great for winter leagues, but i have doubts for a MLB team there
by sfoakbay on Nov 19, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Puerto Rico?
I really don’t know much about Puerto Rico, but from what I’ve heard the cost of goods is similar to the states. Plus at least moving there you know they like baseball—unlike other locations where you’re almost forcing baseball on them (like Arizona).
by Fresburg on Nov 20, 2009 1:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One (poor) island, 4 million people. Not a good combination.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t get why 4 million people in a dense market is a “not good” component. Poor, sure. But with so many people so close to the stadium its got to be a selling point for building a stadium franchise there.
It’d be the 27th state in population – that is right ahead of Oregon. And while Oregon is almost 100,000 sq miles, PR is almost 3,500 sq miles. Tha’s half as big as the NY metro area with about quarter of the population.
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
FIRE BOCHY FIRE MOLINA
by kennv on Nov 22, 2009 5:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's like there was some sort huge baseball event held in Arizona every year.
What were they thinking putting a baseball team there?
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by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a far reach
It’s not a stretch to think that the firebird’s success + growth in the cactus league would make AZ an ideal place for the MLB. Maybe it’ll grow with time, but I just can’t find people out here who like baseball.
by Fresburg on Nov 24, 2009 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The A’s in Vancouver would be pretty cool. They could stay in the AL West and the proximity to Seattle would create a rivalry that could be profitable for both teams.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why do hate Canada?? You want subject some city in Canada to the A’s??
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 19, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It makes it easier to dislike Canada. They’re just so cute and cuddly with their lack of marijuana enforcement, their socialized medicine, their awesome hockey, their better national anthem. The list goes on.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The genetic niceness is grating.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 19, 2009 10:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anchorage A's FTW!
And call the 30K seat indoor stadium ‘The Igloo’
by seyheystretch on Nov 20, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Palin's Place
As long as we can see Russian I am in
by wilriv21 on Nov 20, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Canada Eh's
"Just another ahahahaha... laugher."
bok bok bok... BOCOCK!
by capnk on Nov 22, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted for Puerto Rico
But I’d like to see another team in Canada again. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Canadian teams for some reason.
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
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by Natto on Nov 19, 2009 4:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It was clear from the WBC team they fielded that Canada is capable of producing top-tier baseball talent. More MLB teams could result in more kids wanting to play baseball, eventually producing more major league players from Canada.
I’m all for it.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have an Expos hat and it’s pretty awesome, so I agree.
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by groug on Nov 19, 2009 10:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I do too! The only non-Giants hat I have ever bought.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 20, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I bought an Expos shirt for a Canada Day party a few years back, and now I wear in as a cleaning-the-house/sweating/exercise kind of shirt. I was walking home in it one day and one guy was so excited that someone was wearing one that I didn’t have the heart to tell him.
by troymccluresf on Nov 20, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted Mexico
Simply because the Latin countries actually like baseball (Canada does too, but their baseball is hockey) and there really isn’t anywhere else that has the affluent population to support a franchise. The Caribbean islands and the Central American countries are out because of this.
I agree that a Vancouver team would work well. Since you have to add two (adding one team would create scheduling impossibilities), put a Mexico City team in the AL Central and a Vancouver team in the AL West. Or move the Royals down and the A’s up.
Alternatively, you could put an AL Central team in Austin, Texas, the largest American city without a professional sports team. 750,000 people (15th in the nation in pop.) with only baseball? That’d work.
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 5:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Judging by MLB players generated
Mexico’s not much of a baseball country. Venezuela’s probably a better option, in that respect.
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by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but Venezuela’s a small country with a bunch of poor people. I think the only three countries who can support an MLB franchise are Canada, the US, and Mexico, depending on financial conditions, distance (who’s gonna get on a plane for ten hours to play in Brazil or Europe or East Asia for that matter, though it doesn’t matter since they already have leagues), or population figures. So you can export more baseball to Canada or you can start exporting baseball to Mexico. Since we already know the Latin American countries like them some baseball, I’d say Mexico is a good bet to be successful (Latin America and Mexico are not the same, but the culture is similar).
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I live in Austin, Texas.
I promise you, no professional sports team could ever play here.
by atxgiantsfan on Nov 19, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hook ’em Horns and whatnot.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, Austin has the same problem as Lexington, KY and the like
Look what happened to Memphis when it had two pro basketball teams (until Calipari left…)
by dprodigy19 on Nov 19, 2009 10:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice to see another Austin Giants fan!
And you’re right, no way would Austin support a major league team. In any sport. At least, not right now.
by txgiant on Nov 21, 2009 9:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m somewhat ignorant of the geography, but couldn’t you drop a team in like San Marcos or something and draw from both Austin and San Antonio? Or would it end up being just far enough that nobody from either city would go?
by dmunk on Nov 21, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Las Vegas has close to 2 mil people and no teams
by ktice on Nov 20, 2009 12:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It has a minor league baseball team.
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 20, 2009 12:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And OMG GAMBLING!
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 20, 2009 6:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is why Vegas won’t have any sports teams: they don’t want to be directly connected to gambling. They banned one of the best hitters ever for betting on the game; I’m guessing they are going to stay far, far away from trying to put a team in Vegas.
by quincy0191 on Nov 20, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Big 4 leagues have basically made it a quid pro quo that, if the city wants to have a team from that league, betting on that league would be banned in the city. The casinos will not let that happen.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't know dude... i saw that movie with denzel... all their kids would get kidnapped
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
by TrojanCBB on Nov 20, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The league is far too large, IMO. They need to contract to traditional markets. The sun-belt teams aren’t pulling their weight, so they don’t deserve their teams. Relocate to Winnepeg, Hamilton, and Quebec City! Oh wait, this isn’t a hockey blog, and I’m not some stuck-up Canadian?
Anyways, I’ve been turned off of relocation after seeing what hockey fans in Phoenix, Nashville, and Pittsburgh (!!!) have had to go through the past few years due to relocation bids (all by Jim Balsillie, but that’s a long story).
That said, I could see another team in Canada working, especially to create a rivalry with Toronto. Montreal would be the most obvious one, but Ottawa would probably work as well. Maybe Edmonton or Calgary, but those are rather far away from every other MLB city. I also wouldn’t want another Canadian team to come at the cost of a pre-existing franchise.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 19, 2009 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I answered none, but chose to ignore the second part of that option. MLB is not going to go near Mexico right now because player safety would be such a tremendous (perceived?) issue. Plus, the country doesn’t have the money to support a team in terms of media or ticket/concession/apparel sales. Even Cancun is now having issues with drug-related murders.
Canada might still be possible, but it would have to be Montreal because I doubt Vancouver or any other city would be able to support a baseball team along with a hockey team. Plus, Vancouver is so close to Seattle that I’m sure the Mariners would get ornery.
As far as Puerto Rico or the Caribbean, I just don’t know. Are there any metropolitan areas outside of Havana (impossible at current) or San Juan that are large enough to support a franchise? Are there any that have the money to do so? If baseball does expand internationally with a new team or an old team that moves, the owners and the commissioner are going to make sure that its a sure bet. The Expos leaving Montreal for a market that had twice failed to support a team was a black eye for the sport, an experience that no one in the commish’s office is willing to repeat.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and I definitely don’t support expansion. Two more teams with the DH? No way. It would really have to be a relocation event.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Uhh, you do know that Montreal has a hockey team, right? Or are you just saying that Montreal is the only city that could support both a hockey and baseball team (besides Toronto, that is)?
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 19, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The latter. And everyone is aware that the entire country of Canada has a smaller population than California, yet has six hockey teams, major juniors (which are a huge deal), a baseball team and basketball team.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds about right.
CA has 5 baseball teams, 4 basketball teams, 3 football teams and 3 hockey teams, plus college sports and 12 MILB teams.
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by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For Canada, the major juniors are somewhat equivalent to college sports, with the Memorial Cup playoffs being something like the Final Four/BCS Championship in the States, only with younger players. There are 40 major junior teams in three leagues (OHL, QMJHL, and WHL), who get varying levels of support.
So, while Canada does only have 6 NHL teams, a baseball team, a basketball team, and 8 CFL teams (which is huge in some parts of the country), they also have all those major junior teams. And do not underestimate the country’s love of hockey. People in Montreal rioted after winning the first round of the playoffs.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on Nov 19, 2009 8:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Great analogy on major juniors and the NCAA. And if you’re going to count MiLB, you have to count minor league (professional) hockey in Canada. And Canada has less money than California.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In terms of metro areas
I posted something above. The density and population are in Puerto Rico aka San Juan metro area.. I don’t know about spending power in PR though.
Player safety. I would have shouted that the Dominican Republic could use a franchise a few months ago. Now, I’m not so sure. Do you think when the drug wars calm down in Mexico we might see a team there? Or are you referring to something else (something less situational and more long-term)?
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
FIRE BOCHY FIRE MOLINA
by kennv on Nov 22, 2009 6:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In terms of player safety, I was indeed referring to the drug wars in Mexico. Highly paid, highly visible star athletes would at least imagine themselves to be easy targets. I do think that if the violence in Mexico calms down and the political situation stabilizes, it will be much easier to discuss a team moving there. Mexico City doesn’t seem like a good idea because it would be Coors Field, redux, plus terrible pollution. Of course, that’s where the people and money are, so what can you do?
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 22, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Simple fix: sell the team to a drug cartel.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 22, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mazatlan A's!
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That place smells like sulfur.
I swear to god, if i see another 'DOYERS' license plate, I'm gonna scream.
by Classy_Argonaut on Nov 23, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I went to an Expos game back in 2003, and I had a lot of fun. The place was clearly dilapidated, but it was a fun and unique experience. The of the few thousand people who showed up, several hundred of them were dressed in body paint and yelling French chants the whole time. The concessions stands sold cheap poutine, and Molson beer (which was notable for me, as I was 19 years old at the time). I even got my picture taken with Youppi!
I wish Montreal would get at least a Can-Am team. It’s weird that they have absolutely nothing—-they could play at one of the college baseball yards, or even in Olympic Stadium.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 19, 2009 5:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also, at this point, I only support expansion within the NYC and/or LA/Inland Empire areas. Otherwise it will further skew the economic situation.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 19, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s wait til SoCal’s existing suburban team figures out where the hell they play before we go adding more teams down there.
by troymccluresf on Nov 20, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
they play EVERYWHERE
Your Los Angeles Angels of the Ethereal Plane
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Long Beach has it covered
Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of the United States of North America Including Barrow, Alaska
by troymccluresf on Nov 20, 2009 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
nice.
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn’t the legal drinking age in Quebec 19 or 20 back then?? I know in other provinces it was 19.
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 19, 2009 5:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was 18.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 19, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And it still is.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What about the Carolinas?
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 19, 2009 5:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nate Silver thinks that Charlotte would be the best spot going forward—-mostly based on the fact that the surrounding area, not to mention the South as a whole, is undertapped.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 19, 2009 5:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Nashville could support a team. They already have a football and a hockey team.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 19, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean looking at a map that seems to be the highest amount of potential buyers
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 19, 2009 5:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You might get some issues from the Braves but that, as far as I remember, is a high population area
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 19, 2009 5:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a big gap around Helena.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 6:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Texas would certainly be a candidate for a third team.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I suggested Austin
750,000 people and no professional sports teams, so no competition. But an Austin resident said that city couldn’t have a team. He didn’t elaborate, and I still think the population is big enough that they definitely could support a team, but maybe there’s a reason they “can’t” have a sports team.
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It seems a bit on the small side, but the Round Rock team draws very very well.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 20, 2009 6:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
San Antonio and Charlotte both have a chance to have successful franchises IMO. Perhaps Nashville and Oklahoma City as well.
Las Vegas would be interesting though I can’t imagine MLB going there.
I’d prefer contraction over expansion but I know that’s not going to happen.
by Wonderful Terrific Monds on Nov 20, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking of San Antonio when I made that comment. It’s a large city (1.35 million, 7th largest in the country) with only one other major league team (the Spurs) and no major college teams (unlike Austin) to compete with. Charlotte would also be a good choice.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
San Antonio, Charlotte, and Sacramento seem the best US sites to me, although I’d prefer the A’s move to one of those before expansion.
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sacto's
economy is pretty sick.
I think it has been the logical choice for the A’s for a while, since there’s so many fans in the East Bay anyway (would it take that much longer to drive from Antioch to Sacto than to OAK?). But I can’ t imagine Sacramento having any public money for adding on to Raley Field for a while.
Maybe once state employees get 15% of their salary back that would turn around, or maybe Lew Wolff could be more effective in getting corporate welfare for a facility than the Maloufs.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 21, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, jcb9 really isn’t going to be near any blue dots, is he?
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 19, 2009 10:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that, under most studies, having lots of teams is considered a negative because there is only so much enthusiam to be spread around.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 19, 2009 5:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That and only so much talent to spread around. I think football has suffered from too many teams, not enough talent for a few years now.
Like oooooooh I dunno… elite quarterbacks….
by Merope on Nov 19, 2009 6:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Vive les Expos!
Washington was an atrocious idea from the get go, and I miss hearing Jon Miller’s french babblings.
I’m much more interested in contracting two teams than adding two more AAAA squads.
How about splitting the Yankees into two teams? Each would have a $100M payroll. One could play in the Bronx, and one could play in Manhattan. Like a split squad for the season. That should appeal to all the commies from the “OMG Yankees” threads after the WS. No talent dilution.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 19, 2009 6:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
+1
Listening to Jon Miller talk about “Les Expos” was always a favorite of mine.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 20, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s been talk of getting a football or baseball stadium in Manhattan for years. As cool as that would be to see, it’ll never happen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_Stadium
by troymccluresf on Nov 20, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that was a great idea
but I also thought that a ballyard at the WTC site would have been an interesting and fitting memorial. Not so much for the insurers and Shorenstein, of course, but fitting in the old “Memorial Stadium”s that used to be built.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Has someone created a map showing where (domestically and internationally) baseball players come from? I know the correlation between site of player origin and profitable markets is probably non-existent, but it seems like you might get a loyal fanbase from places like the South and SoCal where it seems like a disproportionate amount of players originate.
by grape on Nov 19, 2009 6:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I find it interesting that about as many majors leaguers have come from California (11.2%) as from every other country combined (12.3%).
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 6:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Those kooky ninteenth century players.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK
Who is that??
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 19, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He made 3 starts for the Buffalo Buffeds in 1914 and went 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA.
Note: he also made 2 errors in only 9 chances defensively. /clank
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis. To pass the time during the offseason I decided to try my hand at blogging about photography and music.
by j14 on Nov 19, 2009 7:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Eugenio Porray??
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 9:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like how there are 3 subject of the Austrio-Hungarian Empire.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My great-granddad was born on a ship on the Atlantic Ocean!
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 7:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ARRRRH!!
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 20, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the link, here’s a map of the origin of players who played 2000 – 2009, only included those from the continental US (74% of all players). The numbers in grey are percentages. Also note that I used natural breaks, so the colors aren’t proportional. By my previous logic, CA is owed at least 1 more team.
by grape on Nov 19, 2009 8:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s already five in CA. How many do you want??
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, California can’t handle another team. In fact it should probably lose one.
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 20, 2009 7:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It really wouldn’t be the worst thing if the A’s moved to Sacramento.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it would dammit!!
I don’t want to take the chance on Giants games being blacked out because the freaking A’s play here.
(Sacramento blacks out Warriors games… cuz we have the Kings…)
by Merope on Nov 21, 2009 7:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You may have to invest in MLB Extra Innings.
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 21, 2009 4:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Where’s Unknown? Some obscure Latin American country?
by quincy0191 on Nov 19, 2009 9:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t that the old pro wrestling place where masked men were always from “Parts Unknown”?
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 19, 2009 11:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They figured it out...
http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/partsunknown
It’s in Wisconsin, of course.
Duane Kuiper….from Parts Unknown…
"The knowledge of the game is inversely proportional to the price of the seat." ---Bill Veeck. •Now you can follow SFDugout.com on Twitter and Facebook!•
by BruteSentiment on Nov 20, 2009 7:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see a team back in Canada because I like Canada, but...
Coincidentally, I talked with my brother-in-law about this very thing a month or so ago . He’s from a wealthy Puerto Rican family and is now an attorney in New Orleans. His first reaction was to dismiss it outright on pure economic grounds (couldn’t get average ticket prices low enough without major concessions from the Players Union or disproportionate revenue sharing dollars), but then he brought up an interesting cultural point: baseball is seen as a WAY OUT not as entertainment. Entertainment is doing things with family because they don’t have the disposable income to view “entertainment” the same way we do.
That why (in his opinion) baseball isn’t particularly popular in Miami despite 1) a large Latin population and 2) the Marlins relative success on the field.
As for Canada, I have extended family in Montreal and have talked with Cousin Leo about why they didn’t support the Expo’s. His answer was very simple (imagine a thick French Canadian accent): “because it’s not hockey.” With that said, Vancouver seems like a good target for a small market US team that’s struggling.
by karl m on Nov 19, 2009 8:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Here’s what I want to have happen:
Move Tampa Bay to New Jersey
Move the Cincinnati Reds to San Bernardino/Riverside
Move the Marlins to Orlando
Move the Indians to Columbus
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 20, 2009 7:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I live in Columbus.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 20, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My brother-in-law has season tickets for the Columbus Crew, despite living in Cleveland. Sounds like a fantastic team, and experience.
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 9:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t give a crap about soccer, but a ton of my friends absolutely love going to Crew games, even ones that aren’t hardcore soccer fans.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Nov 21, 2009 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Since no one asked
This is how I would re-align the current teams:
AL WEST
Arizona DBacks
LA Angels
Oakland A’s
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
AL CENTRAL
Same
AL EAST
Same
NL WEST
Colorado Rockies
Houston Astros
LA Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St Louis Cardinals
NL EAST
Same
Note: This would mean there would be an interleague series going on all the time. It’ll make sense when you see the schedule.
Schedule
You play your 4 division opponents 4 times. One 4 game series at home & away, One 3 game series at home & away. Total: 16 series, 56 Games
You play your other 10 league opponents 2 times (1 home/1 away). Two 3-game series. Total: 20 series, 60 Games
You play your interleague cross-town rival (Oak-SF, NYY-NYM, Tex-Hou) once, but in a 4 game series with 2 games at each stadium. I would love for this to start on the Sunday before the normal home Opening Day. Opening Day should be on Sunday for all teams. It’s one of the best days of the season and half of us can’t watch it. Total: 1* series, 4 games.
You play the 14 other league’s teams once (alternating home games every other year). 3-Game Series. Meaning every city will see every team once every two years. Total: 14 Series, 42 games.
Total: 51 series (25 1/2 weeks + All star game), 162 games, 81 at home, 81 on the road.
Is it that hard?
"It's too late now."
by ResDog on Nov 20, 2009 10:23 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I don’t like the idea of interleague play that often. It’s fun for a few weeks, but the NL teams aren’t built for a DH and the AL teams aren’t built to not have a DH. Having that much interleague would radically affect the game, and Selig can’t handle that anyway.
by quincy0191 on Nov 20, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry
When I’m named Supreme Chancellor of Worldwide Baseball I’ll be abolishing the DH rule.
"It's too late now."
by ResDog on Nov 20, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
abolish interleague play too
or I’ll go all beer-hall-putsch on you
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So, a small and ineffective revolt?
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Interleague play every day would just suck. I mean, more than it already does.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
by Skaldheim on Nov 20, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This. I want to see less interleague play, not more. I just can’t get excited when the team plays the Royals and White Sox back-to-back. Bleh. No more interleague.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, because playing the Nationals more is SOOO MUCH BETTER
_
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by jwizzle241 on Nov 22, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
(ignore the equals sign…)
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by jwizzle241 on Nov 22, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s fun playing the A’s, but I’d rather play the Nats than meh AL teams. My life does not need more DH.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 22, 2009 5:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The NL Will Never Catch Up To The AL Until It Adopts The DH
It is the produciton of the DH with the requirement ot pay for this production that seperates the two leagues.
by giantsrainman on Nov 22, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
This is the first time the AL has had sustained an obvious advantage over the NL in the decades since the introduction of the DH. I’d say the real difference is money, (if I’ve done my math correctly) the AL spends 93M per team to the NL’s 88. The AL has the Yankees, the NL has the teams with the four lowest payrolls.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 22, 2009 6:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, The Money It Takes To Have Another Starting Position Player
Make the NL do this too and the money gap will close as well the talent gap.
by giantsrainman on Nov 22, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't make any sense.
There’s no reason why the NL couldn’t simply spend the money at other positions.
Besides, the difference is pretty much entirely the Yankees. Other than the AL East, there isn’t that much difference between the leagues.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 22, 2009 7:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Don't Spend Because Tehye Don't Need A 9th Starting Position Player
The are not going to spend more on the other 8 they do need. Why would they?
by giantsrainman on Nov 22, 2009 7:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They Will Not Care About Closing The Gap Until They Have Too
Having to carry and pay for a DH would force them to.
by giantsrainman on Nov 22, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It does. A NL team need 8 players/hitters and 5 starting pitchers and x y relief pitchers and bench players. AL teams need 9 hitters and 5 starting pitchers and xy -1 relief pitchers bench players.
That extra hitter would cost at least 4 mil more than a bench player. Imagine if the NL had the DH, BLB would probably still be playing, would he sign for the same price as a bench player?
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 23, 2009 7:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, there’s no reason why the NL teams couldn’t spend the 4M to get marginally better players at other positions.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 23, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Logically, the same result could be had by eliminating the DH in the American league, no?
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 22, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, But The Players Association Will Never Let That Happen
and neither will the AL owners. Unforltunately the NL owners may never address this either.
by giantsrainman on Nov 23, 2009 1:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I pray the never do.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 23, 2009 8:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Guess it's just different philosophies here.
I’d rather play more teams, so I could get a look at different players.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by jwizzle241 on Nov 22, 2009 10:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. And for MLB it’s good to have the big market (BANDWAGON FANS) teams rolling through every city.
"It's too late now."
by ResDog on Nov 23, 2009 6:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It is whne they wear Natinals uni’s
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 23, 2009 7:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t want the Disastros in my division.
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am merely whelmed.
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
please, for the love of God, no exapnsion
by FluLikeSymptoms on Nov 20, 2009 12:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
seriously. There needs to be some contraction if anything...
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
by TrojanCBB on Nov 20, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can someone explain the logic behind contraction? It seems like a lot of people are behind it and I’m genuinely curious to hear arguments beyond the diffusing the talent pool.
by grape on Nov 20, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think there is any reason for expansion or contraction right now, the league is doing just fine economically and as far as the talent pool.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Nov 20, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For now we're fine
Especially considering we added two teams in ‘93 and two in ’98, but eventually we’re going to have to expand some more. No reason not to start looking at prospective cities now, so that when the time comes you can move quickly.
by quincy0191 on Nov 20, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I expect there will be expansion again sometime in the late 2010s. But if MLB gets busted for collusion again soon, it’ll happen much sooner.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
by Skaldheim on Nov 20, 2009 3:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Note
the economy might have some effect on baseball revenues. Unless the 12.5% of unemployed Californians and 10% of unemployed Merkans are hired tomorrow.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not as big as you think.
There’s stil plenty of entertainment dollars to go around, particularly in the higher income brackets which the new generation of ballparks have been built to attract. Also, thanks to massive guaranteed media contracts, baseball teams are less dependent on gate and concession revenue than ever.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
we'll see
It affected the free agent signings last year, and his buditude said just the other day 6 teams lost money “for the first time”, whatever that means. Attendance was down 5M last year overall, the second annual decline in a row, and those with increases were places like KC, Dallas, and Minnesota. It’s nice to think that all the investment bankers and insurance magnates will trickle their revenues down, but they certainly left the “Price Level 11” seats empty in NY, particularly in Yankee Stadium, for much of the year.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
his buditude said just the other day 6 teams lost money "for the first time"
I know that you don’t actually believe this
by FluLikeSymptoms on Nov 20, 2009 5:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t. They doctor the books so much and many teams don’t count their personal TV networks as team revenue. I bet the Giants don’t/
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 20, 2009 9:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A bigger issue than decliing revenue
Is that many of the owners likely saw major losses in their other investments over the last 18 months, and might be more serious about running their team as an actual business than they were two or three years ago.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 9:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
true enough
Since Bud named neither teams nor numbers, I don’t believe him per se, but I wouldn’t be very surprised if the Pirates or some other team like the Reds that is trying to pay for a stadium lost money.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 21, 2009 6:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Fortunately for those two teams, they were able to foist their ballpark debt on the taxpayers.
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What’s the tax sitch in Puerto Rico? Would bringing a team to San Juan hasten a move towards statehood, or give the people of Puerto Rico the revenue to push for status and in independent nation?
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 20, 2009 2:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Next Question
Insular taxes are high. Puerto Rico has a population of approx 4 so that would put them middle of the pack in state population – or in political terms somewhere about 4-7 Congressmen. Which states are going to lose representation so Puerto Rico could become the 51st of the nation?
by wilriv21 on Nov 20, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The largest ones, most likely, since the smallest one (the mostly republican ones) are at the mandatory minimum.
However, there is precedent for increasing the size of the House in response to the admission of new states. It would make sense to up the total 440 (4 for Puerto Rico, 1 for Washington DC), though I think it would take a constitutional amendment.to allow DC a voting rep .
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 20, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect
40 senators might not be too excited about the prospect. And the Party of One (CT).
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Nobody puts Bengie in a corner!
by natteringnabob on Nov 20, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
More important, Wil: who designs a 51-state US flag?
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 21, 2009 9:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Marc Ecko
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 21, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The United States Army Institute of Heraldry has plans for flags with up to 56 stars, using a similar staggered star arrangement should additional states accede.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 21, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
MULTI-Cultural you say!
Cannot get much more multicultural than Miami, or New York. Puerto Rico is part of the United States. A long trip for a team on the West Coast. Same could be said about south America. A country like Venezuela could support a team or Mexico, but for me, at the moment, I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANY MORE EXPANSION, PERIOD! end of story. Next expansion should be after all our lifespans, and we should make the players take a trip to the moon, in about 2200.
by bradleybear on Nov 21, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 21, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what kind of humidor would be required to make the moon play “fair?”
by Wonderful Terrific Monds on Nov 21, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just use a ball six times more massive!
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 21, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At least the term “moon shots” will be accurate.
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 21, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You couldn’t pitch such a ball with anything like a normal throwing motion.
But using an ordinary baseball in lunar gravity might cause a 4-seam fastball to actually break upwards from the backspin.
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below .500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
Lowering the Quality of Internet Discourse Since 1985™
by S.F. Giangst on Nov 21, 2009 6:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Someone wrote an article about lunar baseball awhile back, and they were talking about how fly balls could make loop-the-loops, and actual rising fastball instead of the illusion, but the coolest thing was the amount of time that a fly ball would spend in the air, so a hitter could hit a ball, run around the bases, and then watch to see if they’ve scored. Bengie might actually make it all the way to third!
by quincy0191 on Nov 21, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Spin would have no effect without an atmosphere.
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lunar dome?
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 23, 2009 8:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Only if it is retractable
You have to keep the fans and players guessing. They could randomly open/close it on “You Might Be A Corpse” night.
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Explosive decompression/simultaneously freeze and boil night!
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 23, 2009 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nope. No atmosphere to speak of. Spin would have no effect.
by taliesin on Nov 23, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 21, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Centerfield wall on the Moon would have to be about 2400 feet from home plate.
Bond’s could send one for a ride into McCovey Crator. People could be in their with their trampolenes trying to catch the long and light dingers.
by sonofabelch on Nov 21, 2009 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Was that in Moonraker?
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Nov 22, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
/flashback
/ponders all the time spent on giants message boards
TIME WELL SPENT!
/comic guy voice.
"It's too late now."
by ResDog on Nov 23, 2009 8:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Turner, Montana
Because it’s the town farthest from an MLB team.
I voted for Canada, for financial reasons.
by imovermyhead on Nov 21, 2009 11:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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