Second Half Business of Baseball Points of Interest
13th July 2006
The second half of the season is about to commence… what’s in store on the business side of things? What’s going to be the front burner issues… plenty… plenty.
Bonds – As I mentioned yesterday, unless something dramatic happens, Barry Bonds will be indicted on perjury and tax evasion charges, possibly as early as next week. When coupled with the Mitchell Investigation still in play, steroids will be front and center in the coming weeks.
Sale of the Braves – There have been thirteen ownership transfers since 1992 – an unbelievable trend that has reshaped the ownership ranks. The sale of the Braves from Time Warner to Liberty Media would mark the 4th sale approval in as many owners meetings.
Blacked Out – I’ll be writing about this shortly for Baseball Prospectus, but there is an ever increasing legion of fans that are trapped in blackout hell – unable to get any games for any teams within even a remotely close regional proximity. An example… If you live in Las Vegas you can’t get any of the following games due to blackout restrictions, national broadcasts on Fox and ESPN the exception:
- Dodgers
- Angels
- A’s
- Padres
- Giants
- Diamondbacks
I have heard from several sources closes to MLB that this issue is being looked at closely by MLB and the Commissioner’s Office. Even Selig has said he’s been caught in the blackout issue. Look for this to be a key topic of discussion and escalate even further if something isn’t done soon.
Nat-astic? – The Lerners and Stan Kasten get the keys to the Washington Nationals officially and with that there are going to be changes. For one, the new owners are already looking to drop ticket prices, improve concessions and clean up the concourses at RFK while awaiting a new stadium along the Anacostia.
To add to the changes to the stadium, Kasten extended “Trader” Jim Bowden’s contract and has made it clear that Bowden will be dealing with a new paradigm with the Nationals; that is, think long term. Think sustainable. Think building a franchise that will be successful in the manner that Kasten setup with Braves during his tenure there.
Will Attendance Figures be at Another All-Time High? – Remember… when we say “attendance” it’s not the number of people through the turnstiles, but rather the number of tickets sold for games. That said, business is good for MLB. The numbers are, once again, up.
New York State of Mind – Look for movement on New Yankee Stadium and the New Ebbets… er, New Mets Stadium to happen in the coming months. Remember… get in and see the House that Ruth Built before, as my Baseball Prospectus colleague Neil DeMause said, “George Tears Asunder”.
It’s Not CBGBs, but it is CBA – Last, but certainly not least, the current basic agreement between management and the Players Association expires on December 19th of this year. Between now and then will be enough rhetoric and tea leaf reading to fill several volumes as we approach the date. Yours truly will certainly be adding to the mix in that regard.