Spread the wealth?

[forshey99]

Note: This is not an Obama thread nor did I vote for him, but the idea of spreading the wealth is starting to have some merit.


CC Sabathia is in the process of inking a 7 year--161 million dollar deal. Do you think he even knows what the word "recession" means? If the new administration is going to spread some wealth around, I would suggest they start with the NFL, MLB, NBA, etc.

[david bryan]

i guess you think we shoud take 200 points from the winner of a race and spred in among the last place finisers .would that make every one happy exsept the winer

[forshey99]

nice try

Your comparison is a pathetic attempt to be funny. I was simply pointing out that while many Americans are faced with financial crisis and hardship during this holiday season, our beloved sports heroes are still rolling in ridiculous salaries.

If you had even a faint clue as to who you are taking a personal shot at, you would know that I race to win and I **** sure don't believe in free lunches (or points).

I do however, have sympathy for those facing tough times and thought it somewhat ironic that if they are able to afford basic cable, they need not spend more than 5 minutes in front of the TV to know that the tough times don't reach very far upward.

[csh2z]

Sounds like a good investment.

[Haüenstein]

This is shaping up to be a pretty interesting offseason, and the Jankees and Mets have a couple pretty compelling reasons to make a splash. Namely, Citi Field and the new Yankee Stadium, both of which open in the 2009 season.

Add to that both teams's recent "underachieving," Hank Steinbrenner taking over NYY, and play it against the financial crisis, it's going to be a strange market. I think the Mets just signed two closers in two days.

But Sabathia's contract is pretty crazy no matter what the economic climate. From everything I've ever heard, though, he's a pretty solid guy (remember he took out the ad thanking the Cleveland fans when he was traded, and he's lobbied MLB to reach out to kids in urban areas, etc., etc.). I'd venture to guess he knows what the word recession means.

My favorite team, the Astros, appears to have been affected by the economy. They're trying to move salary right now and the last I heard were attempting to trim payroll to a paltry $95 million. I believe they've frozen ticket prices, too.

[Bowers76-S]

Phased out

The sports regime will ultimately come to an end someday because of the high salaries. The "ordinary fans" will just not be able to afford it. Furthermore, it bothers me a little to see these guys crying over a hurt finger or bruise..pitiful. Absolutely pitiful. Nobody and I mean nobody is worth that kind of scratch.

[Haüenstein]

Not a great example

Sabathia threw 10 complete games last year and is regarded for his durability. There are no guarantees, obviously, especially with starting pitching.

I think if salaries need to be cut to save a sports league, they will be. I imagine the players would still choose to play professional sports even if they only earned $5 million per year.

They earn whatever the market will bare.

[forshey99]

Conusmer is part of the problem, but a problem nonetheless.

I agree the consumer is to blame as they create market demand, which in turn allows for ticket prices and all things associated to be increased, including team salary budgets.

As for continuing to play baseball for $5 million, wow....tough decision.

I would guess Sabathia and many others in the league would probably opt out of that deal in favor of flipping burgers for $6/hour.

[david bryan]

spreading the wealth sounds to me like the robin Hood syndrome .STEAL from the rich and give to the poor NOW lets git back to boat racing see you in the first turn

[forshey99]

David

You are welcome to punch out of this thread at anytime.

[Boomtap15F]

I'll play on the Pittsburgh Steelers for free and sleep at Heinz field. The hotdog and pizza vendors probably could hook me up with leftovers.

[Bowers76-S]

cool...

well, this was in the non racing thread.....so...i agree with the 99...who wouldn't play for 5 mil! sign me up...i would play for half that or even a 1/3 of that..

[Kev43V]

heck right now i would play for 50 thou. per year, not per game!

[brian]

People will always pay for talent. If the teams get together and say we will pay no one more than 100K per player. 1st it would be against the law and 2nd there would still be all of the same talent availible but most would play in canada or other countries if the US lowered the price they would pay for talent.

Look at Soccer around the world. The best player go where the money is.

Soccer=England/Europe
Hockey=USA
Football=USA
Basketball=USA
Rugby=Europe

Pick the sport and follow the money.

[ricochet112]

Greed

It's all about greed. The owners want more $, so they pay the players more $$, so the owners win more games and hence make more $....It will end soon if ticket prices reflect these ridiculous salaries. I have avoided sporting events just for this reason the last few years; it grosses me out that a sports "player" makes more in one game that most do in a year. For 2009, motorsports sponsorship will decline, then it will soon be actors and pro athletes. This all depends on how long the recession lasts though.