Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

jorgelito · 09-21-2006, 10:23 PM

I read it on ESPN today and heard it also a couple of days ago. In general, I think fan protests (any protests actually) are healthy for a free society. But sadly, I don't really think they work. Why would the owener care? The tickets were already bought and paid for. Being a fan sucks. Rationally, the owners only look out for the bottom line, and the players only look out for themselves. Froma business perspective, that makes sense. Keep overhead low and profits high. Same with the players. Winning the fans adulation = $0. Just look at Barry Bonds or A-Rod. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest.

The owner has a point (not that I like him or necessarily agree). It takes a lot of money for a payroll in the AL East (Boston, NY) to get what the fans are complaining about. At least in theory or on paper. Some teams work out ok now and then (Cleveland etc) with a low payroll, but how many players will stick around if the pay is no good?

Also, in my opinion, we the fans, should have just boycotted the MLB a long time ago, during the last strike. Instead, we come back for more and quickly forgive any perceived sins (greed, steroids etc). Of course management and players see this and realize there are no consequences for their actions.

So, in spirit I support the fans, but I don't really see any good it will do. In my opinion, the fans have zero power. It will be business as usual.

09-21-2006, 10:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	I read it on ESPN today and heard it also a couple of days ago. In general, I think fan protests (any protests actually) are healthy for a free society. But sadly, I don't really think they work. Why would the owener care? The tickets were already bought and paid for. Being a fan sucks. Rationally, the owners only look out for the bottom line, and the players only look out for themselves. Froma business perspective, that makes sense. Keep overhead low and profits high. Same with the players. Winning the fans adulation = $0. Just look at Barry Bonds or A-Rod. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest. The owner has a point (not that I like him or necessarily agree). It takes a lot of money for a payroll in the AL East (Boston, NY) to get what the fans are complaining about. At least in theory or on paper. Some teams work out ok now and then (Cleveland etc) with a low payroll, but how many players will stick around if the pay is no good? Also, in my opinion, we the fans, should have just boycotted the MLB a long time ago, during the last strike. Instead, we come back for more and quickly forgive any perceived sins (greed, steroids etc). Of course management and players see this and realize there are no consequences for their actions. So, in spirit I support the fans, but I don't really see any good it will do. In my opinion, the fans have zero power. It will be business as usual.