Kuzul

Let me begin by saying this is never an article I envisioned I would ever have to write.

There are times in the world where we, the fans, lose sight of what is important in the world. We become so obsessed with free-agency signings, poor performances, wins, losses and lockouts that we forget that the games we become so obsessed with our merely that: games.

We clamor for the big-name player, victories, championships and heroes. We at times consider selling all of our possessions just for the opportunity to gain access to a ticket to the big game.

We put things like key games, playoffs, and sports rumors in front of what really matters: friends, family—our loved ones.

Yesterday was one of those days that truly helps put the world into perspective, making us realize that there are scarier things in the world than losing a game. When we realize how trivial one game seems in comparison to a life. What is more difficult to imagine is that it wasn’t just a life.

It was 27. And 20 of those were children.

I will not rehash the incomprehensible story that occurred on Dec. 14 in Newtown, Connecticut, if only to demonstrate humanity and sympathy to the families who are suffering from despicable evils that came to be.

I will simply try to understand and explain the impact that a catastrophe like today can have.

When we awoke that morning, it appeared as if it were a day like any other. The sun rose as it always does, and most of the world woke up to continue life as it always had.

We went to our respected jobs, sat down at our desks, sipped our first cup of coffee and began working as if it was just another day.

The athletes we have grown to worship went to their respected weight rooms, began there workouts and continued on as it it was just another day.

We all felt excitement for the events to come later on in the day—whether it was students in Ohio hoping that Mt. Union Football would take home it’s 11th national championship, or whether it was Brooklyn Nets fans hoping to witness the continued development of what they hope will be a championship year.

Even people as small as myself woke up yesterday looking forward as to how I would spin for my fellow Seattle Mariner fans the recent signing of Josh Hamilton by the Los Angeles Angels.

We were all looking forward to things that were so small, things that were so minuscule, that we forgot to look forward to the biggest thing of them all.

Life.

We all learned yesterday just how small our events truly are. Just how small a national championship seemed in perspective to the fragile life of a child. It seems that the only way many people in the world today can realize this perspective is through tragedy.

I will not try and cast myself in any higher light, for I am just as guilty as the rest of the world in that regard. But incidents like the Newtown shootings should not be what reminds us that professional sports are but a small luxury we have in our lives.

Regardless, what is important today is that we all remember and cherish the opportunities we are given. This is not something that is limited to just sports fans. It doesn’t matter your race, religion, economic standing or political opinions.

This is a lesson we all had to be reminded of.

Yesterday will forever live in infamy as the day 27 human beings lost their lives, with 20 of those losing them before they had even been given the chance to begin. The only way we can learn is by waking up tomorrow morning with a new understanding of the true importance of life.

So before you leave your loved ones tomorrow, remember to hug them and remind them just how much you care. Because caring for them is so much more meaningful than caring about the result of some game.

Because the biggest game in the world today is life, and the result of THAT game is the one we should all care about.

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We all remember musical chairs. It was a simple numbers game—there was no other way to look at it, unless you grew up spittin‘ game like me and always lined up behind the cute girl in class so that as soon as the music stopped you swooped right underneath her so her backside conveniently landed right in your lap—but that’s neither here nor there. There weren’t enough chairs to go around.

A baseball roster has only 25 spots on it, and the Detroit Tigers have a problem similar to the level of suaveness of Arthur Fonzarelli: something we call a surplus.

The Tigers just re-signed RHP Anibal Sanchez to a reported five-year, $80 million contract. There’s a lot to like in Anibal’s game, but shelling out $80 million on a guy without a “stellar” year to his credit is a lot like handing the role of Superman to Brandon Routh. Let’s hope this was more of a Dave Dombrowski move than a Mike Illitch move.

The problem with the Sanchez signing may not lie in the numbers—since Illitch literally has as much care for his finances as Charles Montgomery Burns—but it does create a riddle of space and volume within the Tigers organization.

As mentioned, we have 25 spots, and more than 25 names with which to fill them. Let’s look at the numbers, and see how this Sanchez signing may affect the overall landscape of the Tigers’ Opening Day Roster.

What the Team Looks Like Today

If we drew up the 25-man roster today, here’s what we would have:

The batting order: 1. Austin Jackson, 2. Torii Hunter, 3. Miguel Cabrera, 4. Prince Fielder, 5. Victor Martinez, 6. Andy Dirks, 7. Jhonny Peralta,  8. Alex Avila, 9. Omar Infante.

The starting rotation: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, Anibal Sanchez, Rick Porcello.

The bullpen: Bruce Rondon, Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, Bryan Villareal, Al Alberquerque, Phil Coke, Drew Smyly.

The reserves: Ramon Cabrera (backup catcher), Quintin Berry (utility OF).

Here is where it gets tricky. We’re already at 23 players are there a few names you already know are missing.

Don’t forget that the Tigers just drafted two players from the Rule 5 draft: Kyle Lobstein and Jeff Kobernus. If you’re not familiar with the rules regarding this draft, it’s very simple: any player you draft must remain on your 25-man roster for the following year or he is forfeited. Basically, you can’t send anyone you draft down the minors. 

Another detail is that you actually do not have to draft, if you so choose. So, by following simple logic, the Tigers did draft these players and, therefore, must like them. They will be on the roster this season.  And, what a coincidence, they round out the 25 men.

If you aren’t familiar with either of these players, don’t be ashamed. Lobstein is a LHP who will come out of the bullpen, and Kobernus is an infield version of Quintin Berry (speed for days, decent bat and good defense).

Now, let’s see how this roster affects all those little rumors swirling around out there.

Rick Porcello Will be Traded

According to media reports, there are as many names about to replace Porcello‘s in the fifth rotation spot as there are actors who have portrayed Dr. Who (personally, I find it a shame Christopher Eccleston doesn’t hurl the pill, but the Brits never did like “the baseball”). The question still begs: Is it worth it to trade Porcello? Let’s watch the dominoes fall if that in fact were the case:

Consequence 1: Drew Smyly fills his spot.

Consequence 2: Tigers have to trade Porcello for a LH relief pitcher.

Consequence 3: Tigers farm system is even more depleted.

Alternative? Roll out the all-righty rotation with Porcello at No. 5. Smyly returns to the bullpen where he shined in the playoffs, and the Tigers have protection in terms of depth in case one of their aces (here’s lookin‘ at you, Fister) succumbs to injury.

Let’s also not forget the dreaded 2014 offseason. Both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer become free agents at that time, and it’s hard to believe that even Illitch (likely exiled to a full-bodied respirator a la Arthur Digby Sellers, Lebowski-style) will have the pockets to retain both of their services. 

In the likely instance the Tigers lose one (most likely Scherzer to the Yankees), they will be counting on Sanchez and Fister filling the holes while Porcello and Smyly represent a bright future. Without one of them, I don’t see another pitcher in the system ready to handle a role like that.

The Tigers Will Acquire an Established Closer

Herman Boone once handed the reins to the offense of the T.C. Williams football squad to a quarterback who had never played a down (at least in the movie), and look what happened? Sunshine rode them golden locks to the state title. It can happen. Youth can be a lighting rod.

Look around the league. Atlanta, the Yankees, Boston with Papelbon, Texas and Neftali Feliz. What do they have in common? Homegrown bullpens. If there is one subdivision of a baseball team that needs to be homegrown, it’s a bullpen. Why do think teams are so quick to flip successful middle relievers for young prospects? Because they’re a dime a dozen. 

High-octane arms with a two pitches are not hard to come by for those who look for them in the draft. 

Closers? Difference story. But you know what? It’s time for the Tigers to sack up and roll the dice.  Bruce Rondon needs to be the closer this year. Come out and say it, Dave. Make no doubt about it.  Either that, or you send $15 million for a one-year deal for Rafael Soriano? C’mon. 

Rondon is going to get his chance sooner or later. Might as well be now. If he blows it, that’s why MLB invented a trade deadline. Make a move then. This is one of those rare occasions where the right move and the thrifty move are one and the same.

The Tigers Need an Upgrade at Shortstop

This one goes back to Rick Porcello. Dave Cameron wrote a very interesting piece on Kid Rick (found here) where he astutely outlines that if Porcello had a decent defense behind he would actually be a very valuable pitcher. Sorry, Jhonny Peralta, but that means you gotta go. Stephen Drew rumors have been swirling around forever, but nothing’s happened. 

Time to change that, Dave. Grab the defensive whiz and start saving some runs for Porcello—who could become the best fifth starter in baseball.

So, say Drew is added. Where does Peralta go? Send on the prospects! Where do the Tigers need the most prospects? In the infield. Hitting machine Nick Castellanos and Avisail “the Tool Man” Garcia are waiting in the wings in the outfield, and, with Austin Jackson, pretty much have the Tigers covered pole-to-pole for the foreseeable future. A project at 2B or 1B would be ideal since either FIelder or Cabrera will switch to DH once Martinez’s contract is up after 2014.

Where in the World Will Brennan Boesch Land?

Boesch was likely the most notable name left off the 25-man roster above. Once a fan favorite for this ability to hit, he has now slipped into afterthought status due to a string of mediocre performances. The man is on his way out, it’s just a matter of when or for what price. Personally, I can’t say these words enough: MORE PROSPECTS!

There are rumors of Boesch to the Mariners for a LHP (Charlie Furbush doing his best Darth-Vader-return-to-the-light-side impersonation, anyone?), which I’m personally fine with. It may be best to trade him for Brendan Ryan and have Ryan he a platoon guy with both Drew and Infante in the middle. Ryan hit .234 against LHP last season and is considered the best defensive SS in the game. Any upgrade to the defensive side of the baseball should be a welcomed one.

Who Gets the Scraps

Unfortunately, a fan favorite of mine, Ramon Santiago, is another odd man out. He, along with Danny Worth, do not have a job come the beginning of April and need new homes. Ship them for prospects and hope we get lucky is all I can say. Poor Ramon.   

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The New York Yankees hot stove has felt more like an icebox this offseason, and every one wants to know why.

As this winter has been full of mixed messages, causing a wave of emotions amongst Yankee fans—some sad, others angry and the rest in complete denial. While other MLB ball clubs are getting stronger, faster and younger, the Yankees have gotten worse.

And fans have Hal Steinbrenner to thank for that.

So it is about time George’s son gave some answers behind his logic, because what is happening here is unfair, unjust. It is damaging the game of baseball at its core.

Well, here are the five questions I would ask the Yankees inherited owner.

1. Following the announcement on November 20, 2012 of the mega-deal between YGE and News Corp, you stated to the Associated Press:

“The Steinbrenner family expects to have a continuing, long-term ownership stake in the YES Network and we will continue our yearly commitment of fielding a championship caliber team for decades to come.”

Do you feel like the Yankees are putting together a championship caliber team for the 2013 season? And how do you define “championship caliber?”

2. Presuming that you answered ‘yes’ to question No. 1, could you please explain why the Yankees did not even make an offer to starting catcher Russell Martin? 

Martin signed a two-year; $17 million deal with the Pirates, leaving the Yankees without a top backstop and his 21 homers and I would like to how that makes the 2013 better?

3. You have been plenty upfront about wanting the Yankees payroll to fall under baseball’s $189 million maximum by the 2014 to avoid paying a 50 percent luxury tax, but is that really fair to fans?  

If Yankee fans need a reminder of what Hal stated after getting swept in the 2012 ALCS please click HERE to be directed to the official Yankees Press Release.

4.  In the beginning of this offseason, Yankees President Randy Levine claimed that the team had a plan or strategy ready to go. Could you please explain what Levine was taking about in detail?

5. Finally are the Yankees planning to lower regular season ticket prices in 2013? Or God forbid raise them up?

The bottom line here is the Bronx Bombers now have holes at 3B, DH, catcher, right field and the bench.

Add that to a 38-year old shortstop, a 43-year old closer, a 41-year old starter and an ace all coming back from recent surgeries. Oh don’t forget a farm system that is rotten at the top.

Well I don’t know about you, but that does not spell C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S-H-I-P to me.

Look, I get that the Yankees spend a lot more money compared to the other 29 teams, but saving a buck by not filling vital starting positions with legitimate players is extreme. Not to mention it is punishing Yankee fans for the big contracts they had nothing to do with.

Fans better be ready to kiss October baseball in the Bronx goodbye; and Hal Steinbrenner should be ready to see lots of empty seats if something doesn’t give.

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The New York Yankees look to replicate the pitching success they enjoyed down the stretch and in the playoffs this past season.

They agreed to bring both starter Andy Pettitte and the greatest closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, back to the team for the 2013 MLB season.

Pettitte, who made his season debut on Mother’s Day, was limited to just 12 starts thanks to an ankle fracture. He pitched very well in his return to the majors after retirement in 2011, pitching to a 2.87 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 146 ERA+. He also pitched well in the playoffs, allowing just five runs in 13.2 innings.

Rivera pitched just nine games this season, out since May due to a freak accident during batting practice, tearing his ACL. However, he immediately decided that he would not retire and would work his way back. 

Both moves, along with Hiroki Kuroda returning last week, make the Yankees pitching staff again a threat when healthy. The pitching staff showed what it was capable of in this past postseason and hope to replicate this success for the entire 2013 baseball year

The offense, on the other hand, is still a work in progress, and now has suffered a setback.

Russell Martin, the replacement to longtime Yankee catcher Jorge Posada, left the Bronx for the Pittsburgh Pirates, signing a two-year deal worth $19 million. Martin spent the past two seasons with the Yankees, hitting .224 over a 258 game stretch. 

Despite the poor numbers, this a huge loss for the Yankees, as they also lose one of the best defensive backstops in the game. They must make a decision and perhaps some reactionary moves to solve this situation. 

The Bronx Bombers are now without a starting catcher, with the depth of catchers on the roster currently as follows:

Chris Stewart: .241/.292/.319/.611 in 2012 with the Yankees

Francisco Cervelli: .246/.341/.316/.657 in 99 games at Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre

Austin Romine: Injuries cut him to just 31 games and 120 plate appearances

None of these players are suitable options to start, and only passable options as backups. The Yankees cannot afford to have this kind of depth on Opening Day. Martin only got a two-year deal, as did former Braves backup David Ross with the Boston Red Sox.

So, the best options that remain are former Los Angeles Angel of Anaheim and Texas Ranger Mike Napoli and longtime Chicago White Sox backstop AJ Pierzynski. 

Napoli is the cream of the free agent catcher crop, coming off five straight seasons with over 20 home runs. He had his best season in 2011, hitting 30 bombs and putting up a line of .320/.414/.631/1.046. He was an All-Star for the first time this past season.

Pierzynski had the best season of his 15-year career, setting new career highs in home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, OPS and OPS+. He also took home his first Silver Slugger award. 

However, there are problems coming if the Yankees bring either in. Napoli is a very poor defensive catcher, and you can’t put him at first base at all as long as Mark Teixeira is in the lineup. He can still double as a regular in the Yankees’ rotating DH system. But he also is looking for a pretty big deal.

Pierzynski is turning 36 next month, and is a huge risk given his age and the money he may want based on his contract year. Not exactly a guy the Yankees may want based on their plans for the future. 

However, it seems the Yankees may have to bite the bullet. In all honesty, nobody thinks either Napoli or Pierzynski are plans for the long-term future. Heck, neither is Russell Martin.

This has all been about covering the gap between the Jorge Posada era of Yankee catching history to his eventual heir. Jesus Montero is gone, and Austin Romine, Gary Sanchez and J.R. Murphy are still at least a year away from being able to step in as the starting backstop for the next several years.

The Yankees are an aging team with not too many prospects coming very soon. The organization also plans on spending even less than they have for so many years starting in the 2014 season.

This is obviously a reaction to the declines and long-term deals of Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and CC Sabathia. The Yankees do not want anymore of those contracts on their payroll in the long-term.

However, the Yankees also have plenty of money to spend, with the departures of Martin, closer Rafael Soriano, and outfielder Nick Swisher, a grand total of almost $30 million between the three. 

That is the reason why not bringing back Russell Martin makes so little sense. He only got two years from Pittsburgh, and will only paid an average of $8.5 million, which is the same amount he earned this season. 

So now, the Yankees are forced to fill their spot at catcher with a high-priced free agent (Napoli, Pierzynski) or go with minor league talent (Stewart, Cervelli) in order to eventually bring up one of the three prospects they have still in their farm system.

The Yankees are in this dilemma because of themselves. They have time, but they cannot dawdle, because the remaining options could run out at any time. 

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The New York Mets offered David Wright a seven-year contract extension worth somewhere between $119-129 million on Tuesday afternoon, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The Mets offer, which jumped a year and $20 million from yesterday’s reports, will test whether Wright really wants to be a Met for the rest of his career or whether he has just said the right things for years. 

The majority of Mets fans have been enthused by the offer. They see it as a testament to owner Fred Wilpon’s financial security. 

The negative, though, is that Wright is already 30 years old. Wright is in the prime of his career and the Mets haven’t even completed the post-Omar Minaya turnaround. Since 2011, they have cut almost $50 million in payroll and still have $56 million tied up in just five players. 

By the time Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey develop into a formidable top-of-the-rotation duo, Brandon Nimmo becomes a major league right fielder and the Mets can bring in some players through free agency, Wright will be on the decline.

If Wright agrees to sign with the Mets, he’ll be one of the richest players in baseball for the next seven years, but he’ll also have to likely endure at least a few more seasons of losing baseball.

The money doesn’t seem to be that much of a factor. Wright is getting a lot, but if he waited until next winter and put up similar numbers from April to September, he could make even more. 

But Wright has said that he needed more than just money. He wanted a vision of where Mets’ GM Sandy Alderson was taking this team. 

If Wright accepts the offer, Mets fans will not only celebrate the return of their star player, but they’ll also have direction. At least enough to convince Wright to spend the prime of his career in a rebuilding phase in New York. 

Pete Barrett is a sophomore at Gettysburg College and writes the Around the Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic Column for D3hoops.com. You can follow him on twitter @PeteBarrettJr.

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It is easy to forget that the New York Yankees won 95 games, had the second best run differential in the majors and the top-seed heading into the AL playoffs.

That’s because their season came to a crashing halt in the ALCS after the Detroit Tigers embarrassingly swept them out of the playoffs. The Yankees have not been swept out of a seven-game series since the 1976 World Series.

The players on the field are rightfully getting the brunt of the verbal abuse in the media for their disappearing act. However, GM Brian Cashman is the man who put this collective unit together and has to take part of the blame for the postseason collapse. With the payroll the Yankees maintain, winning the division isn’t something to pat your back on.

The Yankees need to be set up to win in October and there has been several decisions made by Cashman over his tenure that culminated in their worst postseason performance in nearly four decades.

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The title of this article says it all—Could David Wright pack his bags and take over third base for the Cincinnati Reds? Well, it just may be possible. 

Assuming that the New York Mets are unable to re-sign (or just decide not to re-sign) David Wright, a trade could be in the foreseeable future. A recent article by Mark Simon on ESPN.com suggests that the Cincinnati Reds could be one of five possible suitors for Wright if such a circumstance arises. 

Not only does the article suggest a possible trade, but it also suggests that Cincy may have the means to sign Wright to an extended contract. If you still don’t believe the Cincinnati Reds are suddenly into the money, you need to think again.

Cincinnati committed $250 million to Joey Votto and also gave Brandon Phillips (aka @DatDudeBP) a six-year, $72.5 million contract before the start of the 2012 season. Not only are the Reds convinced they have the ability to spend, but it seems as though the national media is beginning to believe as well—Mr. Simon’s article states just as much.

The Reds reworked their radio deal in recent years and are due to receive a lucrative new TV deal in the very near future. The Reds maintained the top radio listener-ship and were in the top two in TV ratings among all MLB teams in 2012—both equal money.

But back to David Wright.

Where does he fit, you ask? Well, at third base of course. What does that mean for Todd Frazier? Left field, my friends. He has proven that he is much more than a body in the field. He played very well at first base, third base, and yes, left field in 2012.

David Wright is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman. He is also a .301 career hitter—he hit .306 with 21 home runs and 93 RBI in 2012. Wright did all of this in a pitcher’s ball park. Just imagine what he could do at GABP.

Simon’s article suggests using Mike Leake and/or Drew Stubbs in such a trade. I am sure that this appeals to many. It also suggests that the Reds may need to use catching prospect Devin Mesoraco—a much more realistic option.

Just think for a minute, though, a lineup that consists of Joey Votto, David Wright and Jay Bruce? Now that is appealing. Very appealing.

You can follow Josh Ramsey on Twitter @JRamCincy

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Though it usually costs an arm and a leg, I love eating ballpark food.  After all, a guy’s gotta eat, right?  Still, though they all taste delicious, the usual stadium diet of hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack and beer gets old.

Fortunately, most MLB stadiums have done a fine job moving into the 21st century by tremendously upgrading the food available to the fans.  Be it spicy mac-and-cheese or different takes on a hot dog, eating at the ballpark no longer carries the stigma of throwing money away for crappy food.  For once, fans are starting to get some bang for their buck.

In my case, I’ve been to quite a few ballparks and sampled the various cuisine available there.  Thus, allow me to offer some travel advice to you loyal readers once again as I take you on the ultimate MLB stadium food tour.

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Have to give it to some people in today’s sports media. These folks sure knows how to douse the New York Yankees with high-pressured negativity.  

Talk about a core of hacks who have mastered the art of Anti-Pinstripeism.

Here is a ballclub that has fought through injury and at times ineffective pitching to win 11 of its last 15 games.

Here is a team that is on pace for another 90-plus win season and a trip to the playoffs.

Here is a franchise that has shown tremendous resiliency in the face of relentless pursuit by the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics.

Yet all that some writers can focus on is waging war on Yankees’ players who, day in and day out, perform at a high level.

Let me say this before pressing forward, because there are people out there who like to throw the First Amendment around like a rag doll to fit their preposterous agendas.

It is perfectly legitimate to criticize player performance. It is also all right to hold players accountable for their actions. That is if there is credible, unbiased evidence pointing to the specific infraction committed.

Hammer me if you will. Call me every name in the book. But I stand by the conviction that some of the things written about some Yankees players this year spits in the face of people who take writing for the public as a privilege and an honor not to be taken for granted.

First Men’s Health released results of its “anonymous survey” of 100 big league players they deemed to the most-hated players in the MLB.

Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez was second behind A.J. Pierzynski. Outfielder Nick Swisher was third. Men’s Health never verified any of this, of course.

But using that good old cowardly approach to demean players racked up solid ratings, I am sure.

Nothing at all about how many Yanks fans would not mind seeing a guy like Pierzynski playing in pinstripes. Nothing about how Swisher has done tons in support of American troops. Nothing about the fact Rodriguez has played through injury and will probably become the next player in Yankees history to achieve 3,000 hits.

Nope, all some saboteurs can focus on is generating non-factual accusations, i.e. ESPN’s Skip Bayless taking a shot at Derek Jeter on the PED issue.

That scorched-earth situation turned out well.

As did recent Internet rumors of Robinson Cano taking PEDs.

According to the New York Daily News, rumors flew through Twitter on the subject beginning with some hot shot in the Dominican Republic.

These rumors were baseless of course—and were linked to Cano being friends with suspended San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera.

But to people passing rumors like this, the words “facts” and “integrity” are completely meaningless.

Most recently Jeter was back on the receiving end of a double-edged sword.

In a candid interview, ESPN.com writer Rick Reilly asked Jeter if he would be willing to play elsewhere if the Yankees did not want him back.

Jeter used Peyton Manning as an example of a player who still had gas in the tank to play somewhere else after the Indianapolis Colts decided to go another direction.

The New York Daily News took the following Jeter quote from this interview and wrote a story designed to make Jeter look like the MLB’s version of Scrooge:

Well, if I wanted to keep playing, yes. It’s a business. People forget that.

Of course Jeter had to waste time responding to this non-sense.

From Jeter (per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com):

“You understand what the reference is: Peyton [Manning] had no choice, so if he’s going to continue to play, he’s got to go somewhere else,” Jeter said. “I think it’s comical that we’re talking about it after I’ve told you guys time and time again that I can’t picture myself playing anywhere else. Have fun with it.”

Have fun with it.

Sounds like an apathetic statement from a player who has endured his fair share of idiots who seem to sleep better at night knowing they did their part to undercut this proud franchise.

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Just over one year ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers were a team on the verge of Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  On May 1, 2012, the team’s fortunes changed dramatically as the Guggenheim group, fronted by Magic Johnson, purchased the team for an astounding $2.15 billion.  Under this new ownership, the Dodgers have become big spenders in a hurry.

In just two months, the Dodgers have acquired a group of big-name stars, including Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford.  With the acquisition of those last three players alone, the Dodgers taken on a quarter of a billion dollars in contracts from the Boston Red Sox, a team intent on a salary purge.

However, these moves should come as no surprise, since the Dodgers are under new ownership that expects a cash windfall for local TV rights.  The current deal expires at the conclusion of the 2013 season.  Estimates are that a new deal with Fox could yield $4 billion.  Thus, the team has gone from frugality to big spending seemingly overnight.

Of course, investing large sums of money in top free agents is no guarantee of victory.  The Red Sox, perennial contenders during the first decade of the 2000s, have consistently ranked among the top three in MLB payroll for years.  Still, Boston has not won a playoff game since 2008 and won’t make the postseason this year.  The Yankees, who annually spend more than any other team, have won the World Series—the only measure of success in the Bronx—just one time in the past decade. 

Recently, the Yankees have talked about fiscal prudence, and say they aim to cut payroll in order to avoid the luxury tax imposed on clubs that exceed a salary of $178 million.  Both New York and Boston seem to be looking at the success models of AL East rivals Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, who have fielded competitive teams despite having two of the lowest payrolls in the majors.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, there is an arms race, albeit in different leagues.  The Angels inked a 20-year local TV contract with Fox Sports last December worth more than $3 billion.  The infusion of cash allowed the team to invest more than $300 million in Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. 

Following the Frank McCourt era, in which the team was cash-strapped and the ownership unlikeable, the Dodgers began to lose some of their relevance in Southern California. Now the team is investing in All-Star players and will certainly have significant dollars available to retain 24-year-old NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, whose contract expires in 2014.  Naturally, Kershaw—and his agent—anticipate that the Dodgers will be the frontrunners to retain his services.

Baseball’s eyes will be turned out west as the 2012 pennant races wind down.  The Dodgers have reloaded in their efforts to catch their longtime rival San Francisco Giants and beat out the St. Louis Cardinals for a wild-card spot.  If the Dodgers fail to win it all this year, I would not be surprised to see them pursue big-name free agents Josh Hamilton and 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke in the offseason.

The question moving forward will be whether the spending on player salaries—by the Dodgers as well as all the other teams—is sustainable in the long term. 

Jed Hughes is Vice Chair of Korn/Ferry and the leader of the executive search firm’s Global Sports Practice.  Among his high-profile placements are Mark Murphy, CEO of the Green Bay Packers; Larry Scott, Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference; and Brady Hoke, head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Hughes coached for two decades in professional and intercollegiate football where he served under five Hall of Fame coaches: Bo Schembechler (Michigan), Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh Steelers), Bud Grant (Minnesota Vikings), John Ralston (Stanford) and Terry Donahue (UCLA).  Follow him on Facebook, Twitter @jedhughesKF.

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