Yankee hater STUPIDITY
softparade
Posts: 9,276 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Sports Talk
OK, I know this forum has seen way too much of Yankee talk lately. But I just had to start a thread to show the LENGTH that some of these guys go to. There are ALOT of mind numbing twisted and baseless statements but this one just takes the cake. I mean it TAKES THE FRIGGEN CAKE BABY! It comes from a nice guy, a really cool cat actually. ctsoxfan had this to say about the Yankee team that won 4 World Series.
<< It's been almost 6 years since the Yanks won a WS, and rant and rave about this great "nucleus" all you want - but those teams won with free agent pitching acquisitions...from Clemens, to Mussina, to Wells and others...without that pitching, you can take all of Jeter's "intangibles" and they amount to nothing. >>
I just could not believe my eyes. And this statement really has me thinking about just who am I debating with everyday. Not only was Mike Mussina not a part of ANY of those four championship teams but one of the Yankees greatest clutch pitchers in their venerable World Series appearance history was left out. A home grown guy too. Andy Pettitte. Thats right, ANDY PETTITTE. Who was second to nobody (even Mariano Rivera) as they beat the Braves TWICE, the Padres and Mets once each.
I want the level headed guys who read this crap everyday to digest the comment by ctsoxfan. It is so ridiculously WRONG that I am defiantley thinking that he along with others just plain old HAVE NO CLUE. I mean, this was only 6 years ago.
<< It's been almost 6 years since the Yanks won a WS, and rant and rave about this great "nucleus" all you want - but those teams won with free agent pitching acquisitions...from Clemens, to Mussina, to Wells and others...without that pitching, you can take all of Jeter's "intangibles" and they amount to nothing. >>
I just could not believe my eyes. And this statement really has me thinking about just who am I debating with everyday. Not only was Mike Mussina not a part of ANY of those four championship teams but one of the Yankees greatest clutch pitchers in their venerable World Series appearance history was left out. A home grown guy too. Andy Pettitte. Thats right, ANDY PETTITTE. Who was second to nobody (even Mariano Rivera) as they beat the Braves TWICE, the Padres and Mets once each.
I want the level headed guys who read this crap everyday to digest the comment by ctsoxfan. It is so ridiculously WRONG that I am defiantley thinking that he along with others just plain old HAVE NO CLUE. I mean, this was only 6 years ago.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
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So ctsoxfan was wrong. What does that change? Do you think he's going to start bleeding pinstripes? Take a look at the larger point he was making, and argue about that if you have to.
the yankees epitomize what is wrong with MLB. The inequity in spending means half the teams are eliminated from contention by May 1.
If you want to get on a soapbox and whine that people don't like the yankees, you're doing it in the wrong forum. Go over to 'Iluvyankees.com' and preach there - we don't want to hear your mindless rants.
If you don't want to debate with us - DON'T DEBATE WITH US. It's quite simple.
No I don't think he is gonna start "bleeding pinstripes" I would expect that he might know what the hell he is talking about though. That would be nice.
And ya know what Boo, why don't you shut the fu$k up? All of the sudden you are gonna throw your two cents into this? Pi$$ off
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Boo,
No I don't think he is gonna start "bleeding pinstripes" I would expect that he might know what the hell he is talking about though. That would be nice.
And ya know what Boo, why don't you shut the fu$k up? All of the sudden you are gonna throw your two cents into this? Pi$$ off >>
Grow up. There's no need to start tossing profanity around and further inflaming the situation.
And yes, I will throw my 2 cents in because I'm sick of this board being overwhelmed by Yankee talk: Whether it's you, Axtell, or whomever else. I've got a right to that opinion, and I doubt that I'm alone.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Ok, Boo fair enough. If it were not for the statments like the one made by ctsox there would not be so much crap on this board. Give me a couple of Yankee haters that actually know what the fu$k they are talking about and all would be good. >>
You been out drinking, softy?
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Ax, nah, I just realized that I have been debating with dead wood all winter long. kinda sucks that I lost all of that time >>
Is that what you call your penis, dead wood? No wonder you are so cranky.
That is the THIRD time I think you have actually been funny Ax!
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Ok, Boo fair enough. If it were not for the statments like the one made by ctsox there would not be so much crap on this board. Give me a couple of Yankee haters that actually know what the fu$k they are talking about and all would be good. >>
People hate the Yankees because they upset the competitive balance in MLB. Is this the 'Yankees fault?' No. They simply work the current system to their utmost advantage, which is well within their rights. The Yankees aren't the problem; rather, the system is the problem. But because the Yankees are the most visible example of what's wrong with baseball all the hate gets directed their way.
What people tend to miss in all this Yankee talk is that the current competitive imbalance would probably be a thing of the past of the owners really wanted it to change. But they don't. Does anyone think the owners of the D-Rays, Royals, etc. spend sleepless nights wringing their hands and trying to find ways to compete with the Evil Empire? They don't give a damn. They get their 10 mil or so in revenue sharing, put out what's basically a minor league team and make a mid- 7 digit profit every year.
Lastly, I do think it's time that Red Sox fans just shut up when it comes to whining about payroll imbalance and the Yankees' ability to 'buy the best players'. Look at that 2004 team. Was Manny a 'home grown' talent? Ortiz? Schilling? Foulke? Pedro? Meuller? Damon? Millar? What, NONE OF THEM came up through the farm system? The Yankees don't do anything the Red Sox don't do as well-- they just do it on a grander scale.
With that said, the fraternity of haters just say whatever the hell suits the moment. I feel like I am arguing with my kids sometimes. It sucks. Maybe I should just go away? That would probably be good
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Boo, I have never disagreed that the Yankees have a edge over almost every team. Never. This is nothing new as it began with Babe Ruth and the "new" Yankee Stadium. Ask the old St. Louis Browns if they were ever able to compete year in and year out with the Yankees and Red Sox. The Kansas City A's too. The game is the same and it is a shame.
With that said, the fraternity of haters just say whatever the hell suits the moment. I feel like I am arguing with my kids sometimes. It sucks. Maybe I should just go away? That would probably be good
Well, maybe people do go overboard. But that's just a product of the frustration people feel at seeing their own teams mired in mediocrity every season while the Yankees dutifully march on to the post season.
Just imagine having some great young talent on your team, and being almost at the stage where you could seriously compete, only to have the Yankees or whomever swoop in and offer these players contracts that your team could never hope to match. Now repeat that process over and over and over. This just starts to p*ss people off after a while, Dan, and the net result is many baseball fans begin to loathe the system that allows this-- and, by extention, the teams that benefit most from it.
Imagine being a Twins fan right now. Do you think there's any way in hell the Twinkies keep Sanana, or Mauer, or Liriano if he pans out, AND have enough money left over to field a competitive team? There's just no way. If you're not a big budget team you get the occasional window in which you can compete, and after that you get another 10 years or so of futility. That just drives people nuts-- as it should.
The Yankees do take more than their fair share of abuse, though. I'll be the first to admit that. I don't know why the Mets and Red Sox get a free pass on this issue while the Yankees consistently get hammered. It probably has to do with the fact that the Yankees won 4 championships in the 90's, since without those I don't think you hear as much complaining.
<< <i>A corn hole, you are another clown who usually stays away from these threads. NOW you reply
you start a whiny thread, what do you expect?
<< <i>
<< <i>Ok, Boo fair enough. If it were not for the statments like the one made by ctsox there would not be so much crap on this board. Give me a couple of Yankee haters that actually know what the fu$k they are talking about and all would be good. >>
You been out drinking, softy? >>
That has to be it. What the heck has gotten into you, Dan? You really started a whole thread about this? The fact that I mistakenly lumped in Mussina as part of the Yankee FA acquisitions that helped them on their run of WS titles? Big deal - I am sure you still got my point. I am also sure it wasn't the first time (and it won't be the last) that a similar error has been made in this forum, and it's even more likely to happen in a thread like that "Mariano blows a save" thread, since we seemed to be arguing around in circles.
Whatever the case, I think that my error hardly warrants a whiny thread like this one. Forgive me for not knowing every little thing about Yankee history, as a Red Sox fan. I didn't realize that we all had to be letter perfect on Yankee history.
Steve
I don't know what has gotten into me
Jerry, how in the world can I "get" your point when it was completely wrong. I mean I'm not being a stickler for details here like you just said. You absolutely re-wrote history with your comment. Letter perfect?
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>
you start a whiny thread, what do you expect?
>>
I expect you to stick that viollin up your corn hole for starters. Stick and all.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
If you like'em, just support them. If you've had as much success as the Yanks have had, you're gonna have to take a few arrows.
All this talk would go away if baseball simply:
1 - Opened their books
2 - Imposed a salary floor (if there was continued revenue sharing)
3 - Imposed a salary cap (if there was not revenue sharing)
<< <i>Ah heck - who cares what anyone thinks about your team.
If you like'em, just support them. If you've had as much success as the Yanks have had, you're gonna have to take a few arrows.
All this talk would go away if baseball simply:
1 - Opened their books
2 - Imposed a salary floor (if there was continued revenue sharing)
3 - Imposed a salary cap (if there was not revenue sharing) >>
FWIW I'm against a salary floor. Let's say the Royals had to add another 8 million in payroll. Would this make them competitive?
The current deal is structured the way it is because MLB knows certain teams have no realistic shot of competing year in and year out. So, the owners of the teams who DO have a shot basically 'buy them off' with revenue sharing. It's not a bad deal to own the Nationals or D-Rays when Steinbrenner is paying you $10,000,000 a year to basically play the role of the Washington Generals, but it's a terrible deal if you're forced to put that 10 mil back into a team that would need at least 30 mil in extra payroll to have any shot at the wildcard.
OMG
Steve
If what you say is true then how do teams like the Marlins have 2 World Chanpionships under there belts?
Also the way the playoff setup is 4 teams from each league get a shot. So teams like the Brewers, Reds, White sox etc all have a legitimate chance too. I think it is more of a managemnt problem then money one. Because if it was simply money then why are the METS more often an also ran club? They certaintly have a large payroll.
Yes, every year a team will be the worst in the league. That has happened since day 1. Look at Detroit, 2 years ago they won 41 games? today they are at the moment playing 600+ ball. teams that come in last choose first in the draft and teams that sign free agents lose draft picks. It is competive yes and large market teams will (and have always) had the advantage I just do not think it is a bad as some suggest.
JMO
Steve
<< <i>Boo
If what you say is true then how do teams like the Marlins have 2 World Chanpionships under there belts? >>
And the same Marlins couldn't afford to keep those teams, and they were sold off before the start of the next year.
<< <i>Also the way the playoff setup is 4 teams from each league get a shot. So teams like the Brewers, Reds, White sox etc all have a legitimate chance too. I think it is more of a managemnt problem then money one. Because if it was simply money then why are the METS more often an also ran club? They certaintly have a large payroll. >>
Point taken, but at the same time, these teams simply cannot afford to pay all of their star players. The example of the Twins was given...they cannot possibly afford to sign their players. Why do you think the yankees/red sox have dominated the AL East for so many years?
<< <i>Yes, every year a team will be the worst in the league. That has happened since day 1. Look at Detroit, 2 years ago they won 41 games? today they are at the moment playing 600+ ball. teams that come in last choose first in the draft and teams that sign free agents lose draft picks. It is competive yes and large market teams will (and have always) had the advantage I just do not think it is a bad as some suggest. >>
I think you're kidding yourself if you don't think the large market teams don't have a significant and obvious advantage to mid- and small-market teams. The ability of these teams to sign player after player, and if they screw up, who cares, here's more money to hide those problems.
<< <i>
<< <i>
you start a whiny thread, what do you expect?
>>
I expect you to stick that viollin up your corn hole for starters. Stick and all. >>
<< <i>Boo
If what you say is true then how do teams like the Marlins have 2 World Chanpionships under there belts?
Also the way the playoff setup is 4 teams from each league get a shot. So teams like the Brewers, Reds, White sox etc all have a legitimate chance too. I think it is more of a managemnt problem then money one. Because if it was simply money then why are the METS more often an also ran club? They certaintly have a large payroll.
Yes, every year a team will be the worst in the league. That has happened since day 1. Look at Detroit, 2 years ago they won 41 games? today they are at the moment playing 600+ ball. teams that come in last choose first in the draft and teams that sign free agents lose draft picks. It is competive yes and large market teams will (and have always) had the advantage I just do not think it is a bad as some suggest.
JMO
Steve >>
The best analogy I can make is between a large payroll and steroids. A big payroll, like steriods, doesn't guarantee you anything. And by the same token having a small payroll, or being steroid free, doesn't guarantee you'll have an unsuccessful year. But a large payroll, like steriods, stacks the deck in favor of those that have (use) it. It's not an iron clad promise of success, but it's a competitive advantage.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
you start a whiny thread, what do you expect?
>>
I expect you to stick that viollin up your corn hole for starters. Stick and all. >>
I believe it is called a bow.
<< <i> I believe it is called a bow. >>
whoops, should have known that! I hunt deer with a bow
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
you start a whiny thread, what do you expect?
>>
I expect you to stick that viollin up your corn hole for starters. Stick and all. >>
I believe it is called a bow.
If that was a fiddle and not a violin, could we use stick instead of bow, like a fiddle stick?
<< <i>he is a chocker. >>
?
Does that rhyme with "focker?"
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>and there is jad the rookie Yankee hater trying to fit the round shape into the square
and there is softy the resident yankee 'fan' trying to deflect attention away from his starting this ridiculous and whiny post.
Story.....
<< <i>The Yankees also tried to obtain Mirabelli to keep him from returning to the Red Sox, Olney reported. >>
Steve
<< <i>Goose fwiw many teams do that sort of thing. Part of the game.
Steve >>
Yes, many teams go out of their way to spite another team by blocking the signing of a back up, part time catcher.
Suuuure they do.
What would the yankees have done with him? He'd never have played. What a joke.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Axtell please, you have never heard of teams claiming players off of waivers JUST SO AN OPPONENT WON'T GET THEM? Do not kid yourself. Anyone that knows anything about baseball knows that sort of thing happens, more then maybe you would like to admit.
As for the fact this guy is a second string catcher has nothing to do with my claim. Many teams have done this sort of thing.
Even your Mariners.
Steve
<< <i>In addition to what soft and Winpitcher said, I think it would been a smart move by the Yanks to block the Mirabelli trade. It's not that he's a backup catcher, it's that without him, Wakefield's effectiveness is limited. How can Wakefield win games every fifth game when the catcher is chasing his pitches to the backstop? If Wakefield makes 35 starts in a season, he has to have someone who can handle the knuckle ball. I once talked to an ex-major league catcher and he said that the toughest thing he ever had to do in baseball was catch the knuckleball. He said he felt like he was in Little League back there when he was catching a knuckleballer. >>
BWHAAAAAA!!!! ZERO passed balls!! ZERO ERA for Papelbon!!
exactly. people that understand the game (like you) see that.
people that are ignorant miss these things.
Steve
It was started by a crybaby whining that someone (gasp!) dared to make a mistake in criticizing the yankees. How dare they!
Softy, you're a baby and a whiner...and you call yourself a fan? Grow a pair and get the f**k out of here, you got school tomorrow!
<< <i>The Yankees will do anything to give themselves an advantage. Many of you have no idea what it is like to be a fan of a team that wants to win at all costs. So, with all out jealousy you all demonize it. Like there is something wrong with it. THAT is a joke. So you all cry and scream for ever more and the SECOND a Yankee fan turns the table out of the woodwork come the second tier of jacka$$ cry baby like corn hole crying that they are tired of it all. ALL OF THE SUDDEN
God that's a dumb statement. Tell me-- what could the Royals, for instance, do to equalize the competitive imbalance with the Yankees? What, jack up their payroll to 200 mil?
It's not about 'jealousy', it's about hating a system that provides an unfair advantage to certain teams. What part of that don't you get?
<< <i>
God that's a dumb statement. Tell me-- what could the Royals, for instance, do to equalize the competitive imbalance with the Yankees? What, jack up their payroll to 200 mil?
It's not about 'jealousy', it's about hating a system that provides an unfair advantage to certain teams. What part of that don't you get? >>
These yankee 'fans' make it sound like the yankees are the only team trying to win - that with an unlimited payroll, they really want to win more than any other team. When in essence, they really don't have to try as hard. Make a mistake with a guy making $15 million a year? No big deal, sign another guy for $20 mill per.
These 'fans' don't get that all teams want to win - just not everyone is privy to an open checkbook that comes with being in the biggest media market.
<< <i>
<< <i>
God that's a dumb statement. Tell me-- what could the Royals, for instance, do to equalize the competitive imbalance with the Yankees? What, jack up their payroll to 200 mil?
It's not about 'jealousy', it's about hating a system that provides an unfair advantage to certain teams. What part of that don't you get? >>
These yankee 'fans' make it sound like the yankees are the only team trying to win - that with an unlimited payroll, they really want to win more than any other team. When in essence, they really don't have to try as hard. Make a mistake with a guy making $15 million a year? No big deal, sign another guy for $20 mill per.
These 'fans' don't get that all teams want to win - just not everyone is privy to an open checkbook that comes with being in the biggest media market. >>
True, but it's not just the Yankees. Look at the Mets. The Beltran deal will probably go down as one of the worst signings of our time. If the Twins or whomever sign Beltran to that deal, and he goes on to hit .275 or whatever over the course of the contract, they're just screwed. That one deal alone would hamstring the team for the life of the contract. But what do the Mets do? They shrug their shoulders, say 'mea culpa', and go out and pick up Delgado.
And I walk this like I talk this. As a Wings fan since 1986 I know what it's like to root for a winning team with an unlimited purse. But that doesn't mean I begrudged the complaints from fans of teams like Calgary and Ottawa in the days before the salary cap. They had a legitimate beef, and the system needed to be fixed; not only for financial reasons, but in response to the general outcry amongst hockey fans regarding the competitive imbalance.
One last thing: I'm sick of the argument that 'having a big payroll doesn't mean you'll win'. Well, duh-- nobody's arguing that. Look at the freaking NY Rangers. They had a huge payroll and were a total basketcase. No amount of money can overcome totally inept management. You give Matt Millen 400 mil to scatter around the league and he'll still field a 7-9 team. But ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL the payroll does matter, and it matters a lot. A small market team shouldn't HAVE to get lucky in the amateur draft, sign all the right free agents (and none of the bad ones), and completely avoid injuries for the entire season. They should be able to make as many screw ups as the Yankees, or Mets, or Red Sox, or Red Wings, or whomever, and still have just as good a shot as those teams of lifting the hardware at the end of the season.
yeah and the local deli owner should have the same purchasing power and sales as the A and P
that would be great sorta utopian. Sports like ALL business is BUSINESS.
Steve