If It’s Not About The Money Then What Is It In The World Of Sports ?

If It’s Not About Money Then What Is It In The World Of Sports

Well unless we’ve all missed something when it comes to the business of sports. It’s clearly about the finances before one can go out and assemble the talent on the field of play. I’ve read the pieces of many contributors and all that they tend to opine about are the statistics and not much else.

Granted, there’s a need to assess statistics but at the end of the day before one can start to opine on the greatness of a sports franchise. One clearly needs to take a look at the structure and in particular the organizational setup in terms of the finances. The biggest misnomer there is in sports is the fact that it’s about the talent and then statistics. Before any of that can come into being , there has to be a template in terms of the financial setup of an organization. And that too, of the ownership and the subordinates in terms of the executives. If those aren’t in place then it’s hard to see how the groundwork of an organization can come into being.A case in point , is the veracity being placed with regard to statistics and the game of baseball.

The biggest fallacy I’ve read is in a piece that was recently written , wherein the writer was trying to make an argument as to the astuteness when it came to the effectiveness of Toronto Blue Jays‘ GM J P Ricciardi . The basis of the writer’s argument was around the idiocy of Ricciardi’s assembling of talent within the organization. The fact of the matter is that while the talent was there. The team has never proven to be competitive over the tenure of Ricciardi’s rein. The franchise owned by the Rogers family, has been one complete joke over the last decade. Furthermore, over the last decade the team as we know it, has done more to disassemble the franchise instead of trying to main a competitive stride or edge. They’ve not won a World Series since their back to back wins in the early nineties. Since then, it’s been nothing but sheer ineptitude. But the writer would have you believe that the franchise was on the rise. He’d be better off trying to sell ice to the Eskimos for all the sense he was actually trying to make and then some !

I’ve always maintained that a sound structural setup will guarantee success but even more so if the finances and executive talent is in place. The Toronto Blue Jays for their part seems to have moved away from that in terms of its executive setup. More so, the ownership has never been known to spend money on the talent needed to guarantee success. We always hear in baseball that the team is building for the future in terms of its roster. And that in two or three years they’ll be ready to challenge for success. Well as of late, that hasn’t really happened within the game of baseball. Parity as it allegedly is, in for all sense and purpose still about the haves and have nots. We all know who the financial powerhouses are within the game and they’ve been the dominant franchises within the game over the the last decade. The rare exception to the rule may well have been the Florida Marlins . They’ve won two World Series over the last decade. Operating, on a shoe string budget, they’ve managed to succeed where others have failed. But the biggest fallacy within the game, is to believe that these teams are operating on a level playing field. Nothing could be further from the truth. And even with the tax-sharing revenue scheme in place. The game still remains with its imbalances.

There may well be only a handful of teams within the game baseball that actually make an operating profit in the true sense of the word , without the assistance of the hierarchy of the game providing the small and mid-tier market teams with an assist. The game’s hierarchy and its owners refuse to address the issue of a salary cap. And at the same as they continue to see many of their corporate sponsors slowly decline to further involve themselves in the game. And Players’ Union seems all too indifferent to the plight that the game now finds itself in. But what is even more of a concern is that now you’ve got a handful of agents who are now driving the spiraling market in terms of salaries not only for impending free agents but also for new draft picks. Signing bonuses ,are escalating out of control.

And whilst we’re at it, can someone explain to me why it is that a complete ass such as Bud Selig feels that he can dictate the terms under which a franchise can operate and go about facilitating a new stadium ? He’s at present trying to pressurize the Tampa Bay Rays franchise by stating that they’re in need of a new baseball facility. Bearing in mind, that the franchise itself has one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball and a fan-base that’s no more than 15,000 at best. And even in-spite of its recent success , it still struggles to fill its home venue. Selig’s edict, is that if the franchise is to stage an All Star game. Then it’ll have to avail itself with a new state of the art stadium. Furthermore, if it’s to take place, it more likely than not will have to be at the taxpayers’ expense. When, if there was ever the view that Selig has no concept as to what it takes to run a business. Then his custodianship of the game has bordered on sheer ineptitude. Within the state of Florida ,there’s an employment rate bordering on the national average of 9.5% and his mandate is that the Rays ought to be building a stadium.

Less, Selig forgets , the franchise doesn’t operate on the premise that was facilitated by the idiocy that took place in the state of New York. Wherein, Mayor Michael Bloomberg , facilitated the building of both the Yankees new stadium and that of Citi-Field through a $2.25 billion bond issue . This being the same individual who was critical of the federal government bailing out the financial and automotive industry. But then, he has the temerity to have a bond issue and then issues favorable tax benefits to both the Wilpon and Steinbrenner families. To assist them in obtaining the additional land, in order to facilitate the building of their new facilities. Somehow, not only does baseball seem to be out of touch when it comes to economic realities but so too are a number municipal, state and governmental agencies.

But that’s merely what makes this sport something of a misnomer. In terms of its unnerving base when it comes to its financial setup and lack of reality. It’s not as if the game acts with any fiscal responsibility to begin with.

One Million Years BC ……..

One Billion Years BC !

Am I mistaken but is the hierarchy of baseball as completely stupid as we’ve seen ? My biggest problem is now listening to the incoming Executive of the Players’ Union Michael Weiner trying to explain away David Ortiz’s use of supplements , which he may have used over the early part of his career.

Aaron hits 755 to surpass Babe Ruth. And though this record has since been surpassed by Barry Bonds. It still remains indelibly linked to as the mark that still has veracity. picture appears courtesy getty images/archives ...............

In all probability, we’re also now seeing a player actually accepting responsibility for his own actions. How quaint ! Is there a possibility that we’ll actually see Bud Selig actually come out and make the claim ? ‘OK I admit I knew what was going on but we had problems getting a handle on the problem from the outset’. Oh no, that ‘d be far too much to ask ! Here, we have a game that from its very inception has been clouded in controversy. Fom the days of segregation, to the era of Jackie Robinson . And then even , when former home run king, Hank Aaron, undergoing death threats upon the eve of his surpassing of Babe Ruth’s home run record.

Safe, Jackie Robinson slides into homeplate in a game played for the Brooklyn Dodgers . picture appears courtesy of mlb.com/archives/history .................. @ copyrighted material All rights reserved

Archaic, as the game appears to be on its face. In reality , how far has it come ? We’ve been told that this game is the very fabric of the American Way of Life. Well the American Way of Life appears to be redundant at present , given the economic climate at present. MLB can’t even get its own damn house in order , when it comes to its finances and the very health of its franchises. One only has to look at the fate at present of the Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs .I’ve even read articles within the sport’s blogosphere of fans opining the great job being done by J P Ricciardi as the GM of the Blue Jays. Well if you consider, an organization merely operating on a shoe-string budget,a source of competitiveness. When your franchise bearly performs above par. Then I’d rather have you come nowhere, near a business or sport’s franchise that I’ve got under operation. Sports, is primarily a business first, with entertainment also at its core. With any success deemed from it, being merely a bye product.

To add insult to injury these are the same owners who come cap in hand to the various governments , be it at the municipal , county and state level looking for public funds to build stadiums across the country. But yet, when I hear these so called die in the wool purists of the game opine on what’s with it . Rarely, do I hear them opine on this very topic. Once again, how quaint ! Talk , is one thing, but it’s best also to at least have the facts to back up an argument.

MLB and its owners are like the members of Congress. They start to whine the moment theyfeel it necessary to do so. And furthermore, what makes their behavior all the more intolerable is that we don’t even see the kids in pre-school behave as badly as the owners or the members of Congress. But that’s merely my opinion here ! If you’ve got an opinion on the matter , I’d gladly like to hear it , or read it as a response.

The Sultan of Swat the remarkable Babe Ruth . picture appears courtesy of getty images/archives ................

Baseball for all of its virtues, is bearly out of the dark ages , in reality. I mean, one only has to look at the game’s hierarchy and how the players themselves, have gone about representing the game. It no longer has any real honor and of its heroes , we still continue to question their exploits at every level. Much like the dinosaur ,of the Mesozoic era, the relevance of the game is now on tenderhook . As it tries to find a path that’s relevant.

Under Selig’s watch the game and we’ve been led to believe, it has been appropriate, with regard to its overal guardianship. But it has been compromised by the greed of the players and its owners. And the greater crime, has been the complete subterfuge that the fans have been subjected to. And we’re meant to find something, that’s pure about this game ? On what level, if the message that’s being sent …is that’s it’s OK to cheat and then lie about it ? Well I guess, that’s indeed a lesson that we ought to be passing on to our kids then ? As if it’s not enough that we subject them to enough violence on television alongside a broken education system that bearly teaches them anything that’s worthwhile ! Well that’s something to think about now isn’t it ?

J P Ricciardi Is No Poker Player ……Infact This Guy Is Better Off Being A Local Dog Catcher ……….If That , At All

Say what you will , but the idiocy that has surrounded the Toronto Blue Jays has bordered on being maniacal and absurd. And it sure hasn’t helped that Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi seems to have priced himself out of the market. Insomuch, as his demands for his ace pitcher Roy Halladay , whom he sought to trade for a number of highly valued prospects.

Blue Jays' GM J P Ricciardi seen here at the team's home venue in Toronto. The Rogers Centre in Toronto has been home to the team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Gutteridge .....................

With the 4:00pm trade deadline having come and gone. The player now , though he can still be traded . It won’t be anywhere near the predetermined value that the team and Ricciardi would’ve have sought. He most certainly can’t be taken off waivers , given the fact that no team would be willing to undertake the player’s $10m plus salary for 2010. So now one has to ask what it was that Ricciardi’s ploy might’ve been to begin with. In terms of a really clear maneuver , the Jays’ GM seems to have not properly thought out his situation with regard to Halladay.

The unfortunate position for the fans of the Jays , this is something that they’ve seen with regard to their situation over the last decade. The team is no longer a contender by any stretch of the imagination. At (49-54) the team’s record is woeful in the AL East and the fans have voiced their displeasure. But more so, it has been directed at the general manager. Time and time again whenever, you tend to hear about a team talking about attaining prospects in order to best serve the team’s hope for the future. It’s very rare that this happens for a Major League Baseball club. My own personal thought on the matter, is that teams such as this, aren’t worth talking about , much less thinking that they’ll be a contender in the near future. The immediacy of now is what it’s all about. And in these uncertain dire economic times it is very much the last thing that a fan of big league club wants to hear ……. ‘we’re building towards the future.’

Jays' pitching ace , Roy Halladay, seen here against the Boston Red Sox. The player has a 11-4 win loss record with a 2.68 ERA , with 129 K's. All statistic leading categories for the team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ The Canadian Press/ Darren Calabrese ............................

And now to top it all it must leave Halladay with the feeling that he’s unwanted. Come what may, he’s now in something of an unenviable situation with regard to the Blue Jays. Furthermore with the growing uncertainty as to the Jays’ financial situation . It will become imperative that the situation is resolved in an amicable way that’s mutually acceptable for all of the parties concerned. For the Blue Jays, for a team seeking to obtain the player. But most of all for the player, himself. If nothing else as the situation remains unresloved it dosn’t portend well for the future of the ballclub. Especially , given their financial situation at present. Which isn’t unlike the situation the vast the majority of the clubs around Major League Baseball .

If anything as the season progresses to what’ll be its culmination in terms of the playoffs and the World Series , itself. One seriously doubts that anyone will be of the slighest bit concerned as to the impending fate of the Blue Jays. It’s certainly not as if the hierarchy of the game has even shown the slightest bit of concern as to the imbalance that there now is within the game. Nevermind the fact that one of the most storied franchises in all of the game now sits on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. It’s been the idiots such as Ricciardi, Selig , DuPuy and former MLBPA reresentative Donald Fehr , who’ve chosen to ignore the warning signs that were clear for everyone to see.

In Halladay Sweepstakes, GMs Overvalued Prospects

When Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi announced to the world that ace right-handed pitcher Roy Halladay was on the trading block, it was assumed that meant Halladay would be leaving Toronto. But the non-waiver trading deadline has come and gone, and Halladay is still a member of the Blue Jays.

A number of teams were rumored to have be interested in acquiring Halladay, who is under contract through 2010. The fact that he is under contract for another season and was on the block is unprecedented. When most players of Halladay’s caliber are traded, it’s because they are going to be free-agents after the current season. Their current team wants to get value for the player, instead of letting him walk without receiving compensation. The Hallady situation was different, as Ricciardi was trying to get the most value possible right now, since Toronto’s leverage will not be as great next season. As a result, the Blue Jays asked for the everything but the kitchen sink, and a deal wasn’t able to get done. The Blue Jays had every right to ask for teams best prospects. Ricciardi wanted to get what Halladay is worth, which is a whole lot.

But teams that were in the market for the best pitcher in all of baseball weren’t necessarily willing to give up everything that Toronto wanted, which is interesting. Halladay would bring a contender a staff ace who is a workhorse — he consistently pitches complete games. On top of that, he has an 11-4 record with Toronto this season and has one of the best earned run averages in the game at 2.68. The 11 wins are impressive playing on a struggling team like the Blue Jays. If he had the opportunity to play for a contending team, there’s no telling what he could do. Moreover, teams would have gotten him at a fairly cheap price for next season of $15.75 million.

A team like the Boston Red Sox could have bolstered their rotation by adding Halladay, and having a 1-2 punch of Josh Beckett and Halladay would be tough for any team to face.  For all of the teams pursuing Halladay, the postseason is where the move would pay off much, because it’s not about just getting to the postseason, it’s about winning in October. Beckett is one of the game’s best in October, and having him as the second pitcher in the rotation would have been a scary proposition for opponents. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, one of the best in baseball at his job, did not want to part with all of the prospects that the Blue Jays were requesting.

The New York Yankees, who have never been afraid to go after the best players in free agency or at the trade deadline, never were heavily involved in the Halladay sweepstakes. Calls between the Blue Jays and Yankees reportedly took place, but the Yankees either didn’t have enough amunition to pull off the deal or simply did not want to unload a number of prospects. However it went down, the big, bad did something very un-Yankees like: they refused to get in a bidding war for the best player available.

As the trading deadline was coming to a close, the Los Angeles Angels made a late push to grab Halladay. The two sides could not reach an agreement, but the Angels did have a lot to offer. Left-handed Pitcher Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar, third-baseman Brandon Wood and a prospect were reportedly the pieces that the Blue Jays wanted. Angels GM Tony Reagins did not pull the trigger, as Saunders, Wood and Aybar are all on the team’s 25-man roster. The Angels are one of baseball’s best teams offensively, but their pitching has been somewhat of a weakness. Halladay could have been the final piece to their championship puzzle, but the Angels — a team that cherishes prospects — felt that they would have given up too much.

The Philadelphia Phillies were the team most rumored to be in the Halladay discussion when news first emerged that he was on the block. Ricciardi wanted too much for the Phillies liking, as he was asking for left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ, right-handed pitcher Kyle Drabek and two other prospects. Giving up Drabek was out of the question for the Phillies, who desperately needed an ace in the rotation with lefty Cole Hamels struggling mightily this season. On Wednesday, the Phillies traded for last year’s American League Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee, effectively ending their pusuit of Halladay.

All of the teams meantioned had a good chance to land Halladay. They certainly all had the ammunition to pull of the deal, but each GM decided that it wasn’t in the best interests of their teams to pull the trigger. The GMs, however, were way off base in their assertion.

What GMs basically said in not trading for Halladay is that prospects are more important than an ace pitcher. Halladay is a proven commodity who is one of, if not the best at what he does. But GMs instead held on to prospects that may or not pan out as quality players in the majors. And that’s what is so interesting about the way GMs handled this whole situation. They all kept their players that are at least two years away from breaking into the majors, rather than acquiring a superstar in Halladay.

All of the teams that had a shot at landing Halladay are in contention for a World Series title. Getting Halladay easily would have made the team that had acquired him the favorite to win their respective league, and probably the World Series. What it ultimately comes down to is that GMs have overvalued their prospects. In minor league, there are no guarantees. Sure, there are some players who like he sure-fire stars, but there’s no guarantee that the player will seamlessly transition to the major league game. With Halladay, on the other hand, you know what you are getting. There’s no risk, and a very high reward. Is five years down the line more important than winning a championship right now?

In order to look good for not trading for Hallday, GMs better hope that their prized prospects translate into multiple World Series titles. Only then will the decision to not trade for Halladay look somewhat sensible.

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil Or Could That Best Describe The AL East ?

Well it goes without saying that with the trade deadline beckoning. The movers and the shakers will be looking to make the deals that they think’ll put them over the top. They’ll either become contenders or pretenders. So far we’ve seen in the AL East only rumblings as to there being some sort of move that might be imminent.

Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees pitching in a game against the Tampa Bays at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. The Yankees would go on to defeat the Rays 6-2 and win their three game series 2-1. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ....................

However, it’s not said to be from one the big two teams within the division. Neither the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees are said to be players as of yet. But that’s not to say that things aren’t about to change between now and the 4 pm deadline tomorrow afternoon. Whereas , it’s now being rumored that the Sox may well show some interest in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay . It’s far from definite that Red Sox GM Theo Esptein is prepared to go that route. The price that Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi is asking is said to be aksing is a very steep one. And if anything , many purists in and outside of the game believe that he’s overstepping his reach in that endeavor.

Rays' shortstop Jason Bartlett throws to first after making the play against the Yankees' Robinson Cano. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .......................

But as we know someone , somewhere along the line may well be bold and brave enough to meet the Blue Jays’ asking price , for one of the most desired pitchers that’s said to be on the market. The Philadelphia Phillies made sure of that when they were rebuffed by the Jays. They went out instead and obtained Ciff Lee from the Cleveland Indians , without having to really give up all that much. And it’d appear that the Indians may well be in the midst of cleaning house as it’s been said that they’re also prepared to listen to offers for their All Star catcher , Victor Martinez .

Mark Teixeira watches his home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ........

At this time of the year one would expect that they New York Yankees would be major players as it comes down to the trade deadline. But such has been the play and form of the team. That having gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and then seeing their most heated rival the Red Sox seemingly in something of a splutter. It has to be said that they may well be feeling very good about the way things are now turning out. The Yankees’ hitters are hitting with effortless ease and perhaps most surprisingly their pitching is finally beginning to look more ominous. The same however, can’t be said of the Boston Red Sox. They’ve struggled to find some semblance of offense and their closer , Jonathan Papelbon all of a sudden seems to be unable to close out games even when nothing more than three outs is required.

Rays' pitcher Matt Garza reacts after giving up a run last night in the team's 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .................

And while the two predominantly most talked about teams within the division seemingly go on their merry way. Left , looking up at both within the divsion , are last year’s pennant and division winner , the Tampa Bay Rays (55-47). They’re 7 1/2 games out of first place , the spot now held by the New York Yankees (62-39) . And they are a mere 4 games behind the Boston Red Sox (58-42). Herein lies the dilemma for the Rays at present. It has been their inconsistency to win not only games with resonance but also their lack of taking series as and when it matters most. It now makes their task of even gaining a wild-card berth all the more formidable. Not only has the Rays’ pitching of late, been inconsistent . But so too has been the unearthly silence of their bats.

Yahkees' second baseman Robinson Cano tags the Rays' Jason Bartlett as he tries to steal a base in the third inning of the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ............................

The Tampa Bay Rays now face a four game series against the Kansas City Royals . Before they take on the Boston Red Sox in a 2 game series , that’ll have a great deal of meaning for both teams in more ways than one. A loss of the series and it could well spell an end for the Rays’ aspirations in obtaining a wild-card berth. A win and it gives them the added confidence of trying to pursue that goal with even more zeal.

Evan Longoria of the Rays is congratulated by teammate Ben Zobrist after his home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning of the game. The Rays would go on to lose 6-2 and fall futher behind both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East division. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ..................

Coming off a series’ loss to the New York Yankees merely added to the woes of the team. And there’s now even more growing uncertainty as to the ownership’s overall ambitions as to the remainder of the season for the Tampa Bay Rays. There’s already speculation that the team may well be prepared to make one or two trades that’ll ease their salary burden. Atop of of the list of the players said to be rumored to be departing is their pitcher Scott Kazmir . In spite of this all, for the moment all we can do is wait to see what will transpire over the ensuing 24 hours to the trade deadline. If nothing else , any decisions that are forthcoming will be made in conjunction with the team’s management structure and that of its executives in the form of Joe Maddon , the team’s GM Andrew Friedman and principal owner Stuart Sternberg . Cost cutting once was the norm for the team. But if they’re to go down this road once again, whatever goodwill that they built up within the community , by way of the support shown. It may well count for nothing at the end of the day. There’s only so much that the fanbase can withstand. And at the same time there’s only so much that ownership may well be prepared to do , in order to facilitate the perceived semblance of success.

Such have been the vagaries of the game. That even in these uncertain economic times . Within the game of baseball it is still about the haves and have nots. It’s not necessarily about competition on the field of play. But how much one can afford to spend in order to attain a championship and then to be viewed as a champion.

There’s No Shame In Losing … But It’s How You Lose That Can Be Cause For Concern ……………

Now I’m not one to be overly critical when a team loses. However, I’m of the opinion that if you lose , you ought to be able to learn something from the loss . And that it ought to be something of a learning process for the future. For those of you who weren’t able to witness the perfect game pitched today by the Chicago White Sox’s , Mark Buehrle . Then you missed a gem of a performance .

Mark Buehrle is congratulated by teammates Josh Fields and catcher Ramon Castro after pitching a 'perfect game' against the Tampa Bay Rays at US Cellular Field in Chicago , Ill,. The White Sox would defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Scott Boehm .................

On the receivng end of this all were the Tampa Devil Rays . And unfortunately for the A L East team , they put up a goose egg on the scoreboard. Which in ofitself was another dubious distinction to be a part of. The end result was a 5-0 shellacking at the hands of the White Sox. Now I’m no fan of the Rays , but proudly living in the vicinity of the area. Where the fans here are about as knowledgeable about this team. As the members of Congress are about as insightful as to the effects , as to what pulled the country into a downward spiral of unimaginable proportions. It’ll be very interesting to hear the post-game analysis as to the reasons why the Rays lost this game.

Buehrle is congratulated by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on the concourse outside the team locker room after the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ M. Spencer Green .......................

I’ve always maintained in order for any team to prevail in the AL East division. They’ve got to play the game at a consistently high level. As we know the triumvirate of teams within the division are merely fighting amongst themselves merely for supremacy within that very division. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Devil Rays , themselves are merely now hoping to be part of the postseason. It’s a privilege to be a part of it all. But how one accounts for themselves in the playoffs even more.

As for the Rays , it’s now do or die, or nothing at all. You just can’t think because having won the division , the AL Pennant and then having made it to last season’s World Series. Then that will be enough for your peers to show you enough respect. To get that respect then one has to earn that respect. And that’s something that this team hasn’t really yet done. In all of their existence they’ve but one winning season. And that winning season was n last year , when all of the stars were aligned for the team. Much of the change we’ve all witnessed has to have been from the mindset brought to the franchise by their manager Joe Maddon. Though not viewed as a hard task master , he’s seen as a player’s coach. They’ve bought into Maddon’s system and it has brought a tremendous change to the franchise. And with it , has come the acclaim and recognition. And with it has also has come the recognition of the team’s players , such as Evan Longoria , B J Upton , Carl Crawford , James Shields and Ben Zobrist . But these are but a few of the players on this roster that’ve contributed greatly to the team’s success.

As to the events of today, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge the achievement of Mark Buehrle. There’ve been but seventeen other players to have achieved the distinction of throwing a perfect game . One should also remember that the player was also the recipient of pitching a a no-hitter as well in the course of his career. A rarity as such amongst today’s pitchers . So it’s a very great accomplishment for the player, his teammates and for the fans of baseball to have witnessed this altogether. To undescore it would be do the feat a great injustice. And as I’d alluded to earlier in this piece. If the Devil Rays cannot learn from this event then truly whatever lies ahead for them . Be it good , bad or indifferent. Let’s hope that they can actually learn from it all. And as young as this team and the refreshing attitude that they’ve brought to the game. Moreover, the way in which they’ve exhibited their prowess on the baseball diamond gives their fans hope that they go one step further than last year.

The Devil Rays (52-44) have a great deal to play for as the season progresses. They’re looking at usurping both the New York Yankees (57-37) and Boston Red Sox (55-39) , in order to make a successful defense of their AL East title. The wildcard berth no longer a misnoma for many. It’s still viewed as a viable way for an entry into the postseason. As to whether or not this’ll be the way the Rays make their entry into the postseason . It remains to be seen.

The realization is not lost on Buehrle after his achievement . The crowd reacted wildly after the player's astonishing performance. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Scott Boehm ............

Think Long And Hard You Fool ! Oh What It Is To Be The Blue Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi …..

One has to look long and hard when considering the mindset of the Toronto Blue Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi . I know that competing with the likes of the Baltimore Orioles , Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and now the upstarts within the division the Tampa Bay Rays has got to be considerably painful. Never mind the fact that the AL East division , apart from being the glamor division in all of baseball. It’s also the most competitive and contentious bar none !

Toronto Blue Jays' GM J. P. Ricciardi . The franchise faces an ever tightening budget in light of the severe economic crisis that now affects all of the four major sports. Financially constraints notwithstanding Ricciardi is now said to be contemplating trading their starting ace, pitcher Roy Halladay. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Neil MacLaughlin ...................

In the mind’s eye what happens within the confines of the Blue Jays’ organization may seem minuscule when compared to the resources of both the Yankees and Red Sox. But I find it somewhat disheartening , even though I know what it is that many of the franchises within baseball are said to be going through financially. There are but a handful of clubs in all of major league baseball that actually make an actual operating profit when you don’t take into account the tax sharing revenues shared amongst the small and mid-tier market teams. But such are the ways of the hierarchy of baseball. That within this economic meltdown they’re still unprepared to address the issue of a salary cap across the board when it comes to baseball.

Commissioner Bud Selig appears to think that it’s not within the best interests of baseball to initiate such a policy. Albeit, that with what can now be deemed small but noticeable incremental decreases in revenues. The game has found itself laying off staff. But at the same time in some markets either general admission prices have been lowered, yet concession prices are on the rise. This has to be baseball’s answer to ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’. In this case however it’s been the consumer being held up at gunpoint in order that baseball’s coffers somehow remain intact.

Blue Jays' pitcher Roy Halladay fields questions about the recent trade speculations concerning his status as a player. The Blue Jays were set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a series of games to be played at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Brian Blanco ..........

Sooner or later the game’s hierarchy will have to meet and address this issue head on. But unfortunately for the owners and that of Major League Baseball itself the power of the Players’ Union (MLBPA) is so great. That they’ll be hard pressed to find the union acquiescing to any of their demands, unless the league itself is willing to make concessions of their own.

While much of what’s said to be happening can be on only summarized as mere speculation. Gordon Edes of Yahoo Sports offers an opinion on the matter. Yahoo Sports:

Compiled by Gordon Edes: Trading Halladay made sense a year ago

News item Toronto Blue Jays’ General Manager J P Ricciardi says he would listen to offers for Roy Halladay.

Comment: What if Ricciardi is a year too late ?

I know what you’re thinking : Who wouldn’t want a former Cy Young Award winner who finished in the top five in voting three other times, the pitcher who set the standard for excellence in the American League for the first half of the 21st century ?

But that’s not the issue . These are .

1) The economic landscape has changed.
Through July6, 20 big league teams were down in attendance. Six of those teams were down by 200,000 or more, including the Mets (a dip of 365,000) and the Yankees (292,558). The box office hit absorbed by the New York teams is mitigated by huge price increases at their stadiums , but nonetheless it is a trend that cannot be ignored, especially by the Mets, who also have the Bernie Madoff factor to consider.

Could the Yankees still afford Halladay ? Of course. They potentially have $38million coming off their books in four salaries: Johnny Damon ($13millon),Hideki Matsui ($13million), Xavier Nady ($6.5million), Andy Pettite ($5.5million).

But the Yankees spent $243.5 million on pitchers C C Sabathia and A J Burnett. Is it really in their best interest to sacrifice their best young prospects- and if I were J P Ricciardi my conversation with the Yankees would begin with Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and catcher Jesus Montero – for another top of the rotation guy, especially at a time when the Yanks must begin making plans to extend shortstop Derek Jeter or think about how to replace him.

_________________________________________________________

In order to continue reading the full article in its entirety just click unto the text headlined link above.

As to Ricciardi’s alleged wish to entertain offers for his ace starter. One can only surmise that the economic effects are taking its toll on the baseball franchise. And for Halliday who has a no trade clause written into his contract. The feeling must be that he’s far outlived his usefulness to the team. Wherein they’re now prepared to listen to the right offer as far they’re concerned. The final say will be his as to his ultimate destination.But much of that will also be predicated upon the offers received by the Blue Jays for their former Cy Young award winner.

Halladay removes his cap whilst on the mound pitching for the Blue Jays against the New York Yankees in a game played at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Nick Laham .......................

Pitchers of Halladay’s pedigree don’t come along all that often. And the price to be paid will be steep for any team whose wish it is to acquire his services. As to the teams wishing to acquire his services. It may not be a long list . But I can assure you that the usual suspects will have already used due diligence when making their enquiries to what it’ll take to lure the player away.

Halladay is due to be paid $14.25m this year , with $15.75m to be paid in the final year of his contract in 2010. For the Blue Jays as an organization all they can merely do is to put a product on the field in the hope that they can somehow remain competitive. But what this suggests for the teams that happen to find themselves in the same financial situation. It is has to be said in reality all that they can hope to achieve is merely produce exceptional players only to lose them to impending free agency . Or the fact that come the trade deadline teams that are in need of a missing piece to add to their roster , can come a calling in the hope acquiring a player through a trade that’ll meet their needs.

Roy Halladay . Perhaps the best pitcher in the American League if not in the entire game of baseball. It'll be interesting to see however where he'll end up should the Blue Jays take the bait and trade the player for their desired needs. As it now stands the franchise in terms of it competitiveness is merely spinning its wheels when measured against the top tiered teams in the major markets. picture appears courtey of afp/ photo/ Gyles Coulson .............

It does also suggest that many teams are merely playing for the sake of playing , but without ever any hope of having the aspiration of playing for a World Series title. Such is the chasm between the haves and have nots within the game. That the playing field itself will be never be truly level. Some might suggest that within the game of baseball there’s a great deal of balance. The balance itself now lies in the financial acumen of the big market teams. While the minnows of the game merely now watch from afar as spectators. If that doesn’t suggest you that there’s still indeed something wrong with the game. Then just take a look at the salaries of the top ten teams within the major league and that of the bottom ten teams ? If that doesn’t suggest to you that there is a major imbalance . And that the very financial security of the game is at stake. Then we might as well have the federal government now come in and run the game. Afterall they couldn’t do any worse than the game’s hierarchy has done so far now could they ?