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MLB - Official 2012 Season Thread: Bringing in Bobby V to Change Our Culture |OT2|

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R

RBH

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mlb_marlins_loria_con.jpg



Here is how the con worked.

The Florida Marlins owners whined, and they brayed, and they swore up and down that they couldn't afford the new stadium necessary to raise their payroll from embarrassing levels and compete annually. And they got it, the vast majority on the taxpayer's teat no less, this gleaming new gem from which they would fatten their pockets by taking all of the ticket and concession and parking and advertising sales, every last cent, no matter how unseemly that
felt.

To allay fears, they changed their name to the Miami Marlins, their colors to a rainbow vomiting, their image to reflect the city, hot enough that the New Yorker would profile them and Showtime would broadcast a documentary on them and free agents Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell would take the money. People actually bought into the thing, recognized them as a real team and not just some affiliate run by a couple of swindlers who had already screwed Montreal and were primed to do the same to another city.

It wasn't ever going to end any other way. You knew that. You knew. When Jeffrey Loria and David Samson are involved, it can't end any other way, because they know no different. Loria is the owner of the Marlins, Samson the president, and they're turning the Miami Marlins into a chop shop. Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante were traded first this week, to the Tigers. Then Hanley Ramirez, who until this year Loria regarded as the franchise, to the Dodgers. Next could be Josh Johnson, their homegrown ace.

That would be $32.75 million shed within a week, bringing the Marlins from their $100 million dream back to the bottom quarter of payrolls in baseball.

And Miami is stuck with $2.4 billion in stadium debt service for that.

This would be falling-down funny if it weren't so very sad. Two charlatans, ripping off a major American city and laughing all the way to the bank.

"We're going to play our significant games in August and September, and by that time people will be so in love with us they won't want to go anywhere else!" – Jeffrey Loria, to the Miami Herald, on June 29.

Here is how they perpetuate the con.

It's little things. Telling people this team will be relevant toward the end of the season and setting it aflame in July. Spending years talking about how the season-ticket base was 5,000 when it was only 2,000. Lies. Small lies that build up into a mountain of distrust, anger and resentment.

Like Samson's assertion to reporters that one of the reasons for their disappointing attendance at Marlins Park was because of the Miami Heat's playoff run. It's a classic Samson trick: Say something that sounds like it makes sense, let the public believe it and skate by with an excuse that's better explained by, you know, the fact that fans may well be nauseated by owners whose idea of a great ballpark attraction is a $3 million acid trip of a home-run feature in center field.

The Heat's first playoff game was April 28. They won the NBA championship June 21. For every home game between those dates, the Marlins averaged a crowd of 28,194. When the Marlins and Heat played at home on the same day, that number dropped less than 2 percent, to 27,729.

What have the Marlins drawn at home on the dates outside of the NBA playoffs? Exactly 28,774 per game, and if you want a more realistic idea of an average game, take away opening day – the only sellout the Marlins have been able to muster in their supposed must-see ballpark – and the number dips to 28,402. In other words, the difference between a regular Marlins game and one on a day in which the Heat hosted a playoff game was 208 fans after opening day, 673 fans including that game.

And considering tickets for the next three Marlins home games are going for $2.50, $2.50 and $2 apiece, it's not like those 673 people had a great reason to stay away. It's a testament, actually, to the people of Miami, who are either so sickened by the Marlins or ambivalent toward them that neither a campaign of glitz nor an offseason of spin could lure them into this den of blood money.

The announced attendance Tuesday night was 25,616, though the place looked about half of its 37,000-seat capacity, if that. For the architectural wonderment surrounding Marlins Park, fans – the people whose tax dollars not only raised the thing but will funnel more cash into Loria and Samson's coffers – seem rather disinclined to go. On May 30, against the first-place Washington Nationals, in the final game of the Marlins' best month in team history, the announced attendance was 24,224.

While a wonderful metaphor for the 2012 Marlins would be the patches of brown grass that have pervaded the field most of the summer, we need not use any literary device to encapsulate what a disaster it's been. Just fact.

And that fact is that David Samson was so aggrieved that the Marlins wouldn't have representation at the All-Star game after Giancarlo Stanton's injury, he took it upon himself to suggest a replacement: outfielder Justin Ruggiano.

Who still has more at-bats in Triple-A than he does in the major leagues this season.

"We're not nearly out of it – the second wild card or even the division." – David Samson, to the Sun-Sentinel, on July 8.

Here is how the con evolves, like a disease adapting to fight off what's trying to kill it.

On the same day Samson uttered those words, he reiterated the same pabulum that Loria had for years: That Hanley Ramirez, notorious loafer, wretched teammate – the guy who has missed time recently because he didn't take the antibiotics to stem an infection on his hand that festered after he punched a cooling fan – "is the man on this team."

The Marlins had coddled Ramirez ever since savvy general manager Larry Beinfest acquired him and Sanchez in the Josh Beckett deal with Boston before the 2006 season. His antics flew because Loria, wonderful judge of character he is, liked him. Now Loria must figure out how to salvage his precious Baseball in Motion art installation, Ramirez's memory sullying the last panel.

This is baseball in Miami: an art project, full of sharp angles and muddled imagery, the vision of two men who are clueless as to what baseball fans really want. Not art, not beauty, not anything so ethereal. Just baseball. Winning baseball.

The sort that doesn't come from spending sprees alone. The idea that a Marlins team that went 72-90 last year suddenly would contend with the addition of a shortstop, a starter and a reliever seems, in hindsight, rather far-fetched. Maybe the growth of Stanton and Logan Morrison, the return of Johnson and the guidance of new manager Ozzie Guillen would coalesce into something majestic.

It hasn't, and the Marlins, so used to going all Kevorkian on their seasons, dumped Ramirez and his excessive contract, and Sanchez before he left via free agency. Taken on their face, those two moves are defensible.

Even entertaining offers for Johnson now – and sources say the Marlins are not just doing that but expect the team to deal him – says the Marlins are looking past 2013, too, and that's where the ideal of this new team, this new era, comes crashing down.

Samson said from the start that the Marlins carrying a hefty payroll was contingent on fans showing up. There aren't nearly as many as the team hoped, and with ticket sales often cratering in Year 2 of a new ballpark, the Marlins might've actually – gasp! – threatened to take a loss had they not gone into sell mode.

Surely they'll cry poor either way, considering Samson might as well have claimed insolvency when the Marlins were raking in nearly $50 million in profits the two years before Miami-Dade County approved the funding for the stadium. It's how they do business.

The idea that the Marlins are going to re-allocate this money toward more players this offseason is laughable. They wouldn't be trading for young pitchers Jacob Turner and Nate Eovaldi, and dangling Johnson for prospects, unless they planned on going bargain basement around Reyes, Stanton and the rest of the core. It didn't take a cynic to think this iteration of the Marlins would have a short shelf life, but four months? Even the most jaded, yours truly, figured they would let it ride at least a year to reward those who actually bought in.

That, of course, is giving Jeffrey Loria and David Samson too much credit. They're awfully good businessmen, if you consider the ability to fleece feckless politicians and wring every last cent out of a metropolitan area a skill. What they lack in morals they make up for in social faux pas.

On June 21, the Marlins had lost six of seven games and fallen two games under .500. Loria decided it was an appropriate time to give the team a pep talk. One player there called it "possibly the worst speech I've ever heard." The Marlins lost that day and then four of their next five.

Loria didn't understand that it takes gravitas to give a speech like that, the sort owned by Nolan Ryan or George Steinbrenner or not Jeffrey Loria. Players, executive, fans – they don't see him like that, not even close. They see him for exactly what he is: the architect of the biggest con in sports.
Click to expand...
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/marlin...e-sale-trade-hanley-ramirez-new-stadium-.html
 
S

Sanjuro

Member
Nothing like seeing multiple dead bodies on the highway after a close game!

Guy next to me tried the champion dog. Showed him pictures of me devouring it, couldn't even finish the bun.
 
M

Mr. Enigma

Member
You know, from the center field camera, I can almost see what Meals was talking about with the swipe tag kind of just hitting air, although it did get Lugo in the stomach.
 
P

Puddles

Banned
I just realized that the Dodgers have been a shit team for longer than they were a good team this season. 32-15 to start, 21-30 since.

They're the Weezer of 2012 MLB teams.
 
R

RBH

Member
A baseball person familiar with the situation said Wednesday the Milwaukee Brewers were taking calls from teams interested in trading for right-hander Zack Greinke.

"It sounds like he's as good as gone," said that major-league source. "There's no reason for them to keep him now."

The developments of the past couple of days in Philadelphia moved the Brewers from waiting mode to selling mode with Greinke, as well as any other expendable players they can move. On Tuesday night, Greinke pitched brilliantly against the Phillies, showing he was healthy and back in top form after having a turn skipped. A slew of scouts were on hand to watch, and you can bet those working for interested clubs gave them the green light after watching that performance.

On Wednesday morning, news came that Philadelphia's Cole Hamels agreed to a six-year, $144 million contract extension, making Greinke the top available pitcher on the trade market. By raising the bar one more time for top pitching free-agents-to-be, it also further lessened any slight chance the Brewers had of working out an extension with Greinke.

Further influencing the Brewers to deal Greinke, the Brewers then went out and blew their third consecutive game to the Phillies, capping a 0-6 trip that quashed any faint hopes they had of climbing into the playoff race.

The teams believed to be making the strongest push for Greinke were the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers also hoped to be able to move left-hander Randy Wolf and reliever Francisco Rodriguez, but poor performances, especially by the latter in Philadelphia, have greatly lessened their value.

The Brewers also could move backup catcher George Kottaras, with No. 1 catcher Jonathan Lucroy due back Thursday and Martin Maldonado performing well since coming up from the minors. Teams have expressed interest in first baseman Corey Hart and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, but the Brewers would have to be bowled over by offers to move either.

Greinke's next scheduled start for the Brewers is Sunday, two days before the July 31 trade deadline. Some believe he'll be making that start for another club. With that in mind, here's a look at the teams believed to be most interested in acquiring Greinke and what they might have to offer in return:


Texas Rangers

The Rangers' primary target was Hamels, and now that he is off the market they will have even more interest in Greinke. Their top prospect is shortstop Jurickson Profar, whom the Brewers would love to have, but Texas considers him an untouchable. Third baseman Mike Olt is another coveted prospect, but the Brewers have a three-year commitment to Ramirez, who would have to be moved to make room. The Brewers would be very interested in obtaining left-hander Martin Perez, the Rangers' top pitching prospect, and also have scouted right-hander Justin Grimm.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves thought they had a deal for Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster but he apparently exercised veto rights and nixed it. Atlanta has scouted Greinke heavily and would like to sign him as a free agent this winter no matter where he is traded. The primary trade bait is a trio of young pitchers - Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Mike Minor. The Brewers are thought to rank Teheran first and probably would want another prospect as well.

Los Angeles Angels

The Brewers would love to get the Angels and Rangers, rivals in the American League West, into a bidding war. The Angels have dangled right-hander Garrett Richards and centerfielder Peter Bourjos as trade bait in other talks. Richards could be plugged right into the Brewers' rotation, but they would much prefer shortstop prospect Jean Segura. If the Brewers intend to move Corey Hart back to the outfield, they'd be interested in first base prospect C.J. Cron.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are thought to covet Greinke to the point of trying anything to get him. Because their farm system is a bit thin, however, there has been speculation that a third team would have to be included in any swap. General manager Kenny Williams is known for his creativity but this could prove to be too much of a challenge.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles would love to add a difference-maker to give them a better chance to end their long playoff drought. They aren't expected to make either of their top prospects available - shortstop Manny Machado and right-hander Dylan Bundy - which would make it difficult to meet the Brewers' asking price. Baltimore could go for quantity over quality, but the pitchers they have to offer are hardly overwhelming.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers showed they are thinking big by acquiring infielder Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins. They are reluctant to trade right-hander Zach Lee, their top pitching prospect, whom the Brewers certainly would seek in exchange for Greinke. Right-handed prospect Allen Webster, a converted shortstop, would be more likely to be offered by L.A. than Lee.


Other possible suitors

Washington Nationals: The Nationals don't want to let an opportunity to finally break through to the postseason get away but aren't likely to part with top prospect third baseman Anthony Rendon.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays picked up three arms from Houston but none of them would have the impact of Greinke. They have some pitching depth in their system but none close to the big leagues, and the Brewers want pitchers they can use now or next year.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox were a surprise presence at Greinke's banner outing Tuesday night. Their level of interest is murky but they do have some interesting prospects, such as shortstop Xander Bogaerts and right-handers Anthony Ranaudo and Matt Barnes, though all are at low levels in the minors.
Click to expand...
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/listening-to-pitches-g168h3f-163805246.html
 
E

eznark

Banned
Fox318 said:
Trade him for some baseball bats.
Click to expand...

I could see asking for a low level prospect like Lotzgar (he'd be a nice return for a Victornio rental) or something but a pre-arb solid bullpen arm who is already performing at a MLB level? Come the fuck on.
 
A

andycapps

Member
Atlanta Braves

The Braves thought they had a deal for Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster but he apparently exercised veto rights and nixed it. Atlanta has scouted Greinke heavily and would like to sign him as a free agent this winter no matter where he is traded. The primary trade bait is a trio of young pitchers - Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Mike Minor. The Brewers are thought to rank Teheran first and probably would want another prospect as well.
Click to expand...

Does this mean that Delgado, Teheran, and Minor are on the table as a complete package, or just that the Braves are saying they're available as part of a package? Seems like a lot to give up. 2 of those I could see for Greinke.
 
Y

yankeehater

Member
eznark said:
lolol, you think the Phillies can do better for him or you'd just prefer to see him walk?
Click to expand...

I would rather see him walk. I dont care about some low level prospect and it is clear they are not going to get anyone that could this year for him so they should just keep him.
 
S

storybook77

Member
andycapps said:
Does this mean that Delgado, Teheran, and Minor are on the table as a complete package, or just that the Braves are saying they're available as part of a package? Seems like a lot to give up. 2 of those I could see for Greinke.
Click to expand...

Think they are just saying that they would be willing to part with one of those three dependent on who the deal is for.

I wish Dempster would just accept the Braves deal for Delgado, pitch for us for a couple of months and then he'll be free to sign with LA while we go out and get Greinke as a free agent without having to give up Teheran.
 
E

eznark

Banned
storybook77 said:
Think they are just saying that they would be willing to part with one of those three dependent on who the deal is for.

I wish Dempster would just accept the Braves deal for Delgado, pitch for us for a couple of months and then he'll be free to sign with LA while we go out and get Greinke as a free agent without having to give up Teheran.
Click to expand...

Teheran is clearly hurt and what's worse, he is trying to pitch through it. Keep that time bomb, thank you very much.

yankeehater said:
I would rather see him walk. I dont care about some low level prospect and it is clear they are not going to get anyone that could this year for him so they should just keep him.
Click to expand...

Ondrusek would have been a huge help to your bullpen now and for years to come. Guy is pre-arb! It would have been a steal for an underperforming old p.o.s.
 
C

CygnusXS

will gain confidence one day
andycapps said:
Does this mean that Delgado, Teheran, and Minor are on the table as a complete package, or just that the Braves are saying they're available as part of a package? Seems like a lot to give up. 2 of those I could see for Greinke.
Click to expand...

God no, only 1 of them (and Teheran is hopefully still actually untouchable).
 
T

tc farks

Member
I haven't posted in this thread in a long time. Only thing I want to say is holy shit, Mike Trout is amazing.

I would take him over Harper.
 
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