This morning's simulcast of the most recent Mark Madden Show included an interesting proposition. Mr. Madden is so certain that the Pittsburgh Pirates (in light of their recent money-saving offseason moves) will not qualify for MLB playoffs that he is willing to bet up to 20 people $1,000 each that he will be right. Straight up, put it in escrow, you can bet the Super Genius $1,000 if you think the 98 win Pirates will qualify for the MLB playoffs for the 4th straight year.
From MM:
- The Pirates don't spend a large enough proportion of their revenue on major league salary
- When they struggle out of the gate, they will spin this as a "bridge" season, but anyone paying attention knows that they value profits over on-field results
- The recent signing of Ryan Vogelsong is indicative of the problem. Vogelsong is:
- 38 years old
- a former Pirate
- coming off a statistically bad season
- a former All Star
- a virtual lock to make the opening day 5 man rotation
- this should all sound familiar because the Pirates are operate in a pattern
Getting to the point, Madden posits that the Pirates are unlikely to repeat their success because they cut high priced key players from last year's team
And replaced them with players who are virtual unknowns to the common sports fan
Francisco Cervelli Free Shirt Friday is scheduled for April 29 when the Pirates host the Cincinnatti Reds
As a resident consumer watchdog, do I owe it to the citizens of Pittsburgh to take double M's money and donate to a local charity?
Just to reiterate, the problem is veteran players out
Just to reiterate, the problem is veteran players out
Inexpensive unknown replacements in
Jung Ho Kang Bobblehead Night is August 11, the San Diego Padres are in town
City of Bridges indeed
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