ESPN550.com
While the doomsayers in the media continued their obsession over the alleged black cloud hanging over baseball because of the steroids scandal, the fans continued to flock to major-league parks in record numbers and generating record revenues for the sport.
But there is a real fear among baseball owners that this trend could be reversing as a result of the depressed and uncertain financial times.
While the New York Yankees spent freely in hopes of luring more fans to fill the expensive seats, some going for as high as $2,600, at their new $1.5 billion stadium, 13 of 30 teams cut payroll.
Technically, the Yankees were among those reducing spending, trimming $7 million, although their annual payroll is expected to reach $200 million – about $60 million than any other team.
Still, the Yankees committed $423.5 million to secure the services of CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett after missing the playoffs for the first time in 13 years and in an effort to bring a World Series title to the Bronx for the first time since 2000.
The San Diego Padres sliced more than $30 million, while the Chicago White Sox chopped more than $25 million in salaries. Only the Cubs and defending World Series champion Phillies raised spending by more than $20 million as most teams took a cautious approach.
So it is no longer business as usual for baseball owners, who will keep as close of an eye on attendance figures as they will the standings during the coming season.
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