Thursday, October 30, 2008
Congrats to the Fighin' Phillies
I was born in Philadelphia. The first sporting event I ever attended was a Phillies game. I remember the 1980 World Series like it was yesterday. The 1993 World Series is one I'd like to forget. I was at Skydome when Joe Carter hit that homer to win it for the Blue Jays. I'm not conflicted about my loyalty. I became a 100% Marlins fan when I had season tickets for the club. But if the Marlins can't win it all, the other team I'll always like to see hoisting that trophy with all those little flags on it is the Phillies.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Marlins financial info leaked to media
Miami Today published a report based on pro forma financial statements that it apparently obtained from Norman Braman. The second I saw the report I contacted Jorge Costales who is, to my mind, the most knowledgeable person about Marlins finances that doesn't work for the organization or Forbe's magazine.
He has posted his interpretation of this recent development here.
He has posted his interpretation of this recent development here.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Judge Cohen Punts...
and Jorge Costales thinks that's a good thing.
I don't.
I think what the judge did was weak. She passed the buck. Her job is to rule based on current law as she understands it, not to wait for guidance from the Supreme Court to do it for her. What precedent does that set?
There is a time-sensitive nature to this case and now it's in limbo indefinitely for what Jorge rightly points out could be nothing more than political considerations for the judge herself.
As far as the naming rights to the ballpark go, Wayne Huizenga sold the name of Joe Robbie Stadium to the now defunct Pro Player apparel company for $20 million over 10 years back in 1996. That's $2 million a year. A nice sum, but not something to stop the Marlins deal over. It should be also be noted that the market for stadium names probably isn't as strong as back then. Huizenga finally gave up trying to sell the name and it's now Dolphin Stadium.
As far as trying to get Braman aboard, I don't think the Marlins can offer anything that will appease him. He's just being a curmudgeon and enjoying every minute of it. As fans we've been waiting for this new ballpark ever since Huizenga announced he was selling the team in 1997 and now that we're an inch from the finish line that old fart is standing in the way. And the judge is allowing him to.
I don't.
I think what the judge did was weak. She passed the buck. Her job is to rule based on current law as she understands it, not to wait for guidance from the Supreme Court to do it for her. What precedent does that set?
There is a time-sensitive nature to this case and now it's in limbo indefinitely for what Jorge rightly points out could be nothing more than political considerations for the judge herself.
As far as the naming rights to the ballpark go, Wayne Huizenga sold the name of Joe Robbie Stadium to the now defunct Pro Player apparel company for $20 million over 10 years back in 1996. That's $2 million a year. A nice sum, but not something to stop the Marlins deal over. It should be also be noted that the market for stadium names probably isn't as strong as back then. Huizenga finally gave up trying to sell the name and it's now Dolphin Stadium.
As far as trying to get Braman aboard, I don't think the Marlins can offer anything that will appease him. He's just being a curmudgeon and enjoying every minute of it. As fans we've been waiting for this new ballpark ever since Huizenga announced he was selling the team in 1997 and now that we're an inch from the finish line that old fart is standing in the way. And the judge is allowing him to.
Arguments for the ballpark
I'd like to take a minute to address some of the criticisms of the plan for the new Marlins ballpark. Opponents to the plan center their argument around two basic premises. The first is that the money could toward more worthwhile things like education, mass transit, etc. And the second is that public funds should not be used to help private business.
There is no doubt that despite the many positive aspects of living in South Florida, there's a lot of things that need to be fixed. The abysmal traffic situation is one and the pathetic state of of public education is another. The argument that all of those millions of dollars could be put to better use is a seductive one. I mean how important is a ballpark when the future of our children is at stake? But it's also a dishonest argument that implies that problems with education and other quality of life issues in the county are due to lack of funding.
To put a point on it, the ballpark is budgeted at $515 million. The team is on the hook (pardon the pun) for $155 million. The balance will be paid with public funds ($347 million from the county and $13 million from the city of Miami). Consider that the city of Miami funds would never be funneled toward education since administering the public schools is a county function. Also consider that $50 million of the funds were earmarked for a renovation of the Orange Bowl which has now been demolished. Also consider that a large proportion of the public funds come from tourist taxes that are earmarked for convention and development projects.
But for the sake of argument, let's say all $360 million of the publicly committed funds could be instantly channeled into education, for example, what impact would they have?
Before you answer, consider that in 2006, the budget for Miami-Dade Public Schools was approximately $6.1 billion. The school system serves approximately 350,000 students. That means the public school system is spending in excess of $17,000 per student. Perhaps we should be looking elsewhere to find the source of the education problems that plague us. As I've said here before, can anyone prove to me that NOT building the ballpark will solve the problems our community faces?
You might be thinking that $360 million is still a lot of money. And of course it is, to ham and eggers like you and me. But in relative terms it's less than 6% of ONE YEAR's education budget. Consider that the ballpark will be around for 30 years. Assuming the county's education budget doesn't grow by one penny (a crazily conservative assumption) over those thirty years the county will spend $183 billion on education. The one-time public contribution of $360 million to the ballpark project represents 0.2% of that figure.
In short, the public contribution for the ballpark is minuscule compared to what we spend on the troubled public programs in our county.
The other argument is that we shouldn't spend public funds to "line the pockets" of private business. While the first argument is an appeal to emotion and ignorance, this one is an appeal to envy and indignation. But the truth is that at all levels of government private business is subsidized or given tax benefits because it's generally accepted that when businesses do well, the public does well.
Now I'm not a big fan of subsidies, especially at the federal level because a lot of has to do with social engineering (like subsidizing corn ethanol which is a money loser and is driving up the price of food). I have no problem with tax breaks for corporations but honestly I'd like to see lower across the board tax rates for corporations if not the complete repeal of corporate taxes. But that's a discussion for another day. My point is that in the real world we help out individual businesses when we feel the benefit outweighs the cost.
That's why we build county facilities like the airport to serve private businesses like the airlines. That's why we build a performing arts center that can be used by private organizations that produce such entertainment.
And the last example is an important one because baseball (or any sport) is no less (or no more) a of a form of entertainment than the opera or the ballet. An opera company is a private organization, with executives and employees, etc. Just because the such organizations tend be legally categorized as non-profits and don't generate the type of revenue a ballclub generates doesn't mean that there aren't private citizens living well off of them.
The last thing I'll leave you with is this. What the Marlins owner, Jeffrey Loria, is asking for is not outrageous in the sense that most of the other owners he's competing with have the benefit of playing in ballparks that were at least partially publicly financed. That leaves their clubs with more money towards the bottom line. In other words he's competing against teams that are publicly subsidized. As baseball fans we cannot ask him to behave like other owners when it comes to signing players and spending money on payroll when we don't give him the same tools that those other owners have to work with.
By blocking this stadium, we would give up the right grouse about fire sales and low salaries. And we'd also be cutting off our nose to spite our face because without a new ballpark, baseball will not be here much longer. It will come back, sure. I can envision us building a brand new ballpark, completely financed by the public, costing $750 million or more, a couple of years down the line to bring an expansion team here. And what of the generation of kids that grew up rooting for the Marlins?
There is no doubt that despite the many positive aspects of living in South Florida, there's a lot of things that need to be fixed. The abysmal traffic situation is one and the pathetic state of of public education is another. The argument that all of those millions of dollars could be put to better use is a seductive one. I mean how important is a ballpark when the future of our children is at stake? But it's also a dishonest argument that implies that problems with education and other quality of life issues in the county are due to lack of funding.
To put a point on it, the ballpark is budgeted at $515 million. The team is on the hook (pardon the pun) for $155 million. The balance will be paid with public funds ($347 million from the county and $13 million from the city of Miami). Consider that the city of Miami funds would never be funneled toward education since administering the public schools is a county function. Also consider that $50 million of the funds were earmarked for a renovation of the Orange Bowl which has now been demolished. Also consider that a large proportion of the public funds come from tourist taxes that are earmarked for convention and development projects.
But for the sake of argument, let's say all $360 million of the publicly committed funds could be instantly channeled into education, for example, what impact would they have?
Before you answer, consider that in 2006, the budget for Miami-Dade Public Schools was approximately $6.1 billion. The school system serves approximately 350,000 students. That means the public school system is spending in excess of $17,000 per student. Perhaps we should be looking elsewhere to find the source of the education problems that plague us. As I've said here before, can anyone prove to me that NOT building the ballpark will solve the problems our community faces?
You might be thinking that $360 million is still a lot of money. And of course it is, to ham and eggers like you and me. But in relative terms it's less than 6% of ONE YEAR's education budget. Consider that the ballpark will be around for 30 years. Assuming the county's education budget doesn't grow by one penny (a crazily conservative assumption) over those thirty years the county will spend $183 billion on education. The one-time public contribution of $360 million to the ballpark project represents 0.2% of that figure.
In short, the public contribution for the ballpark is minuscule compared to what we spend on the troubled public programs in our county.
The other argument is that we shouldn't spend public funds to "line the pockets" of private business. While the first argument is an appeal to emotion and ignorance, this one is an appeal to envy and indignation. But the truth is that at all levels of government private business is subsidized or given tax benefits because it's generally accepted that when businesses do well, the public does well.
Now I'm not a big fan of subsidies, especially at the federal level because a lot of has to do with social engineering (like subsidizing corn ethanol which is a money loser and is driving up the price of food). I have no problem with tax breaks for corporations but honestly I'd like to see lower across the board tax rates for corporations if not the complete repeal of corporate taxes. But that's a discussion for another day. My point is that in the real world we help out individual businesses when we feel the benefit outweighs the cost.
That's why we build county facilities like the airport to serve private businesses like the airlines. That's why we build a performing arts center that can be used by private organizations that produce such entertainment.
And the last example is an important one because baseball (or any sport) is no less (or no more) a of a form of entertainment than the opera or the ballet. An opera company is a private organization, with executives and employees, etc. Just because the such organizations tend be legally categorized as non-profits and don't generate the type of revenue a ballclub generates doesn't mean that there aren't private citizens living well off of them.
The last thing I'll leave you with is this. What the Marlins owner, Jeffrey Loria, is asking for is not outrageous in the sense that most of the other owners he's competing with have the benefit of playing in ballparks that were at least partially publicly financed. That leaves their clubs with more money towards the bottom line. In other words he's competing against teams that are publicly subsidized. As baseball fans we cannot ask him to behave like other owners when it comes to signing players and spending money on payroll when we don't give him the same tools that those other owners have to work with.
By blocking this stadium, we would give up the right grouse about fire sales and low salaries. And we'd also be cutting off our nose to spite our face because without a new ballpark, baseball will not be here much longer. It will come back, sure. I can envision us building a brand new ballpark, completely financed by the public, costing $750 million or more, a couple of years down the line to bring an expansion team here. And what of the generation of kids that grew up rooting for the Marlins?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tobacco Free?
Marlins fans no doubt are aware that one of the big sponsors on TV this year is the "Campaign for a Tobacco Free Florida". The ads in the campaign feature Marlins players pledging that they don't smoke, dip or chew tobacco. Well, tonight during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Marlins, just seconds after the announcers mentioned the Campaign for a Tobacco Free Florida, the camera zoomed in on Dan Uggla who was loading up a cheekful of chaw.
I bet those folks who bought all that ad time are really pleased with that.
Classic.
I bet those folks who bought all that ad time are really pleased with that.
Classic.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Let's go out to the ballgame and lend a hand to a family in need
Dear readers,
Today I received an appeal about Ana-Alicia Fernandez. Ms. Fernandez is a 19-year old woman who was injured by a hit and run boater in 1995, when she was only six years old. Ms. Fernandez requires a ventilator to stay alive and moving her to doctors appointments and otherwise getting her out of the house is an incredible task because her family does not have the proper vehicle.
That's where you come in. On Sunday, August 31st, the Florida Marlins will be taking on the New York Mets and the club is putting together a group package from which proceeds will go toward a high-top convertible van with the necessary wheelchair ramp and the modifications required.
Tickets to the game in the section reserved for this event normally cost $23. The Marlins are making them available for $20. We'd need a minimum of 20 people to commit to buying a ticket to put together a group in support. I will be purchasing the minimum 20 tickets for our group. If you are interested in a night at the ballpark to help Ana-Alicia send me an email at conductor@babalublog.com. Please make sure to reference Ana-Alica in the subject line.
You can read more about Ana-Alicia by clicking for the PDF here: Download file.
P.S. The game is right at the end of the baseball season. The Marlins are currently in 2nd place after leading the division for most of the year. There are couple of injured players who are expected to come back which means the team could be even stronger down the stretch. Bottom line is that this game just might be a very important one for the Marlins and it's certainly going to be important for Ana-Alicia and her family. Join me for a night at the ballpark.
Today I received an appeal about Ana-Alicia Fernandez. Ms. Fernandez is a 19-year old woman who was injured by a hit and run boater in 1995, when she was only six years old. Ms. Fernandez requires a ventilator to stay alive and moving her to doctors appointments and otherwise getting her out of the house is an incredible task because her family does not have the proper vehicle.
That's where you come in. On Sunday, August 31st, the Florida Marlins will be taking on the New York Mets and the club is putting together a group package from which proceeds will go toward a high-top convertible van with the necessary wheelchair ramp and the modifications required.
Tickets to the game in the section reserved for this event normally cost $23. The Marlins are making them available for $20. We'd need a minimum of 20 people to commit to buying a ticket to put together a group in support. I will be purchasing the minimum 20 tickets for our group. If you are interested in a night at the ballpark to help Ana-Alicia send me an email at conductor@babalublog.com. Please make sure to reference Ana-Alica in the subject line.
You can read more about Ana-Alicia by clicking for the PDF here: Download file.
P.S. The game is right at the end of the baseball season. The Marlins are currently in 2nd place after leading the division for most of the year. There are couple of injured players who are expected to come back which means the team could be even stronger down the stretch. Bottom line is that this game just might be a very important one for the Marlins and it's certainly going to be important for Ana-Alicia and her family. Join me for a night at the ballpark.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What a difference a week makes
Just a week ago I was listening to ESPN radio and the host was asking Tim Kurkjian when the wheels were going to fall off of the Marlins and the Rays. Kurkjian said something like "I think we're seeing that right now."
He claimed that the Marlins lack of pitching would eventually catch up with them.
Of course the Marlins had just lost 3 in a row to the pitiful Cincinnati Reds and a couple of games to Kansas City.
Now, just 7 days later the Marlins look they are for real again after sweeping the Diamondbacks and the Giants and taking the first game in the current series against the Mets.
Of course the Marlins pitching concerns are legitimate but it's their slugging that has them where they are currently: first place in their division and second only to the Rays in terms of winning percentage in the Majors.
He claimed that the Marlins lack of pitching would eventually catch up with them.
Of course the Marlins had just lost 3 in a row to the pitiful Cincinnati Reds and a couple of games to Kansas City.
Now, just 7 days later the Marlins look they are for real again after sweeping the Diamondbacks and the Giants and taking the first game in the current series against the Mets.
Of course the Marlins pitching concerns are legitimate but it's their slugging that has them where they are currently: first place in their division and second only to the Rays in terms of winning percentage in the Majors.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The cost of a win, part 4.
Part 4 in my ongoing look at who is getting the most and who is getting the least for their money. Below you will find a spreadsheet with my analysis (click to enlarge).
Next to each team's name is the projected 2008 payroll for that team. The next column is the payroll number divided by 162 (the number of games in the full season), this is essentially the payroll cost per game. Then we have wins and losses and win percentage. The next column is the payroll per game multiplied by the total number of games played (or payroll expended to date). And finally the last column is the payroll expended to date divided by wins (or the cost per win).
As in my other looks at this, the Marlins are by far paying the least per win. Not only that, the Marlins currently have the best winning percentage in baseball with the lowest payroll.
Also, consider is that of FOUR of the six division leaders (which are in bold) are among the top six clubs in terms of cost per win efficiency.
Larry Beinfest is making other baseball executives look very foolish. The Yankees are paying more than TEN TIMES the amount the Marlins are paying per win and have only fourth place in the standings to show for it.
Next to each team's name is the projected 2008 payroll for that team. The next column is the payroll number divided by 162 (the number of games in the full season), this is essentially the payroll cost per game. Then we have wins and losses and win percentage. The next column is the payroll per game multiplied by the total number of games played (or payroll expended to date). And finally the last column is the payroll expended to date divided by wins (or the cost per win).
As in my other looks at this, the Marlins are by far paying the least per win. Not only that, the Marlins currently have the best winning percentage in baseball with the lowest payroll.
Also, consider is that of FOUR of the six division leaders (which are in bold) are among the top six clubs in terms of cost per win efficiency.
Larry Beinfest is making other baseball executives look very foolish. The Yankees are paying more than TEN TIMES the amount the Marlins are paying per win and have only fourth place in the standings to show for it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The cost of a win, part 3
Part 3 in my ongoing look at who is getting the most and who is getting the least for their money. Below you will find a spreadsheet with my analysis (click to enlarge).
Next to each team's name is the projected 2008 payroll for that team. The next column is the payroll number divided by 162 (the number of games in the full season), this is essentially the payroll cost per game. Then we have wins and losses and win percentage. The next column is the payroll per game multiplied by the total number of games played (or payroll expended to date). And finally the last column is the payroll expended to date divided by wins (or the cost per win).
As in the previous two looks at the cost per win, the Marlins are getting the most for their money. That will likely be the case for the rest of season given the payroll disparity between the Marlins and the rest of the teams in the Major Leagues.
But there's something else to look at, the TOP FIVE most efficient clubs in terms of cost per win are division leaders (or tied for the division lead).
Something else to consider is that of the 30 major league clubs, 25 have worse winning percentages than the Marlins. To date those 25 clubs have spent almost $350 million to achieve a combined winning percentage of .467. The average cost per win for those 25 teams is $1.224 million. When compared to what the Marlins are paying per win ($224,655) one might be tempted to say that Beinfest and company are making most of MLB's clubs look foolish.
Next to each team's name is the projected 2008 payroll for that team. The next column is the payroll number divided by 162 (the number of games in the full season), this is essentially the payroll cost per game. Then we have wins and losses and win percentage. The next column is the payroll per game multiplied by the total number of games played (or payroll expended to date). And finally the last column is the payroll expended to date divided by wins (or the cost per win).
As in the previous two looks at the cost per win, the Marlins are getting the most for their money. That will likely be the case for the rest of season given the payroll disparity between the Marlins and the rest of the teams in the Major Leagues.
But there's something else to look at, the TOP FIVE most efficient clubs in terms of cost per win are division leaders (or tied for the division lead).
Something else to consider is that of the 30 major league clubs, 25 have worse winning percentages than the Marlins. To date those 25 clubs have spent almost $350 million to achieve a combined winning percentage of .467. The average cost per win for those 25 teams is $1.224 million. When compared to what the Marlins are paying per win ($224,655) one might be tempted to say that Beinfest and company are making most of MLB's clubs look foolish.
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