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You do realize that Cohen, in the ESPN article, said that the goal is to eventually have a self sustaining farm system, right? Until then, the way to build the best team is to spend some money.
The key there…the best team. Some owners aim to put the best product on the field, and some aim to put the most profitable product on the field. I think BDW does a decent job of directing the team toward success without selling out entirely for profit, but as the consumer, it’s fair to ask for better. I enjoy following the prospects as well, but I’d take a better team if given the choice. The farm hasn’t produced a Cardinals star in a very long time.
It’s difficult to say whether what Cohen is doing is good or bad for baseball long term. It could be and probably is both. Short term, it is certainly bad for competitive play. But to bring about needed change, you often need a catalyst. And I think most of us would agree that baseball needs to change and adapt. We just have different visions of how to get there. But Cohen’s moves may very well push some improvements along. Therefore, I’m content to watch how this all plays out. In the meantime, we get to do one of the most enjoyable American pastimes- root for our David to take down Goliath.
Here’s the current fan viewing trend. They can brag about revenue growth all they want (and probably privately about profits, too), but hearts and minds have been going elsewhere for years. Milking that cash cow!
Over the last 30 years, the World Series has gradually lost 2/3rds of its TV viewing audience, even as the size of the audience has increased. pic.twitter.com/PNyRrzsDtn
— High Heat Stats (@HighHeatStats) February 7, 2023
25 – how does Cohen’s comment ring true when he’s doling out 7-8 year contracts?
He’s putting the best team on the field this year. Those years down the road will take care of themselves. San Diego is proving that a mid market team with a moderately wealthy owner can afford to go for it at times. Of course, they are competing with the big market Dodgers and Giants while the Cards only have to edge out the poor house Midwest teams (plus the boom and bust Cubs) to convince the fans that they’re “contenders.”
Eventually, the consumer will recognize that Albert Pujols isn’t coming along every other year and demand the ownership try to put a real winner on the field. 0 titles since AP moved on and one single pennant from the all world farm system of the 09-13 era is a pretty compelling case that the model doesn’t work as well as they hope for in today’s game.
MLB is out of sync. The kids of today are opting for continuous action sports – basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, etc. They don’t like the slow action of baseball. So what do owners do? They pay absurd salaries and cover the cost by gouging fans.
Brian, you and I are at ST every year. When we stand behind benches in the minor league complex, what language are most of the players speaking?“Get to October and hope to get lucky” hasn’t worked for a long time. But as long as the 3.3 million tickets are being sold, there’s no impetus to change. Cohen may make them uncomfortable, but he isn’t going to affect the Cardinals.
25 – I know the main owner of the Padres. Moderately wealthy? Heads up a private equity group in Marina Del Rey that has access to billions.
It really helps explain the relentless defense of the owners when one personally relates to them. I’d defend my friends, soo, if I had any who are fabulously wealthy, that is… 😉
And I am sure the poor DeWitts and their partners have no access to any capital. It’s not like they own any tremendously valuable assets or anything…
Brian – who’s buying those tickets? Corporations that buy private boxes to entertain clients are having a hard time finding clients who want to take the time to attend. And many of the regular boxes down by the field are also corporate. Look at all the empty seats. The actual demand to attend games in person is declining. Especially for night games when safety is a concern. It’s one if the reasons BDW doesn’t want to tank for a few years.
Brian – BDW knows that gushing out more money doesn’t assure a championship. So he puts an entertaining winner on the field that can go all the way if things break right. That’s what he was saying at WWU. Plus he loves to see kids excel who come through the system.
Strawman? You didn’t address the declining interest in baseball. It’s a real problem. That’s a much more important topic than tanking. Which was only a tack on comment as you know.
Cheap, cost-controlled kids. Now that minor leaguers’ long fight to make minimum wage is finally closer to reality, there will be fewer and fewer of them to root for.
Totally agree with you on the minors. But have you ever engaged BDW in a conversation about specific minor leaguers, Brian? If not, you’d be surprised at what he knows. And it’s not just about then being cheap.
And anyone who thinks what Cohen is doing is good for MLB is misguided.
Cohen’s job is to take care of the Mets. It isn’t his fault that the other owners aren’t willing to take the same risks that he is. I thought capitalism was built on competition. If you don’t want to compete then step aside and let someone else do it.
25 – I know the main owner of the Padres. Moderately wealthy? Heads up a private equity group in Marina Del Rey that has access to billions.
BDW’s estimated net worth is $4B, which is actually more than the Padres. I am sure he has access to all the money he needs.
Greedy? You’re from the northeastern part of the United States, Brian. What did you see on your trip downtown when you flew in here for Winter Warm up? It’s pretty sad. So those who don’t reside in this community will accuse the DeWitts of being greedy by building BBV. The people who live here are delighted that there’s something downtown to be excited about. The city is old and decaying.
How much good does Cardinal Care do for the community? I’m on the Board of a not-for-profit that’s not a part of Cardinal Care. The Cardinals are extremely generous in supporting it.
Things some people never see.bccran said:
Greedy? You’re from the northeastern part of the United States, Brian.
First of all, I did not call anyone greedy. Second, I am from Omaha, Nebraska. But I don’t live there now. I do understand very well how St. Louis natives look differently at those who are not locally bred.
You share that you are personally acquainted with owners and the country club set. That is your choice. But I ask you to leave my personal matters out of your discussion. It has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
How much good does Cardinal Care do for the community? I’m on the Board of a not-for-profit that’s not a part of Cardinal Care. The Cardinals are extremely generous in supporting it.
Things some people never see.The Cardinals are very diligent publicizing the results generated by Cardinals Care. I get every one of the press releases. That the organization gives back to the community does not change the fact they could also spend more money on baseball players to help the 2023 team win more games. The latter is the matter of discussion.
P.S. I did not bring up Ballpark Village, either. It is not a charity. It is a unique opportunity to leverage the assets of the team and stadium to make more money. The City also benefits from downtown redevelopment. But the Cards wouldn’t have gotten in it if it was not good for their business.
I was born and raised in the city of StL. and now reside in StL. Co. I like it here okay, but if I’m being honest, I readily acknowledge that the majority of people who are native to the area and still live here carry with them what I wouldn’t go so far as to term a sense of inferiority, but certainly a sense of resentment that the area doesn’t get as much recognition or attention as the Eastern portion of the country. My view is that Missouri is a two culture state. Whereas StL. aspires itself to be a more trendy or bohemian type urban area that is on par with many Eastern seaboard cities or even Chicago, people in the city of KC and it’s surrounding rural areas could care less about the latest fashionable trends or ideas. This can be readily illustrated by numerous things, but is most easily recognized by the election day decisions of area constituants.
Before I get in trouble for getting way off topic, I think the Redbird ownership has come to realize that they made a big mistake with the investment they undertook with BPV and the surrounding luxury apartments located at One Cardinal Way. Anyone who participates on this site and resides in the area knows that the downtown area is undoubtedly in more than a little trouble. I’m getting long in the tooth, but I have a son who’s 39 who has many friends his age that I stay in touch with and consider to be my friends. None of them are what I would term squeamish or easily frightened, but they all tell me that anytime they attend a Cardinal or Blues game that when that contest is over, they get the heck out of there and head towards the suburban areas as soon as is possible. That’s a shame and it makes me sad. When I was younger, I used to enjoy hanging out in the downtown area whether or not there was a sporting event to attend. I spent quite a bit of time down there because it was fun and I felt entirely safe and at ease. In any event, I’d bet a dollar or two that when it comes a time that the current Cardinal ballpark is no longer a viable venue, the next one will be erected at least 20 miles from the city of St. Louis.
1TD – It pretty much stems from St. Louis not being in a county. They have to rely on a population of only 300,000 to support the city and the airport. No revenues from the rest of the greater metropolitan area. Many years ago we ranked in the top 5 cities in population in the U.S. and the home to more Fortune 500 Headquarters than all but 3 other cities. Things have gone backwards for decades. And one of the major shining lights through it all, though? The St. Louis Cardinals. I don’t care whether the owners of the Cardinals make money or not, they have done more for this city than almost any other organization. Not only investing in downtown, but also bringing attention to the city on a national basis.
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