We already posted this item a month ago, but that item was based on information from Source, while this item is based on information from Chuck Armstrong. Probably a bit more reliable.
Mariners president Chuck Armstrong: "Last year, our player payroll budget was $94 million and it won’t be going down from that. "
Further, from Geoff Baker:
Armstrong: He and Zdurienck told owners that payroll had to hold firm or team might be forced into salary dumps and other detrimental moves.
A lot of Mariners fans won't believe it, but this organization is now prepared to take a pretty significant loss in 2011. This same organization that for years was criticized - rightly or wrongly - for just wanting to make money while putting an okay product on the field.
Of course, they'd be taking a pretty significant loss in 2011 because they feel in the long-term it's better than risking huge losses later on. It would still be, in large part, a business decision. But then, baseball's a business at its core, and the fact that the Mariners would be willing to lose money in the short-term next year to avoid forcing the front office into a difficult spot is an indication that they do have a commitment to winning as well. At least as much of a commitment as most any other ownership and management group.
As always, the problem with the Mariners has less to do with the money they have, and more to do with where that money is going.
0 recs | 16 comments
$94 million doesn't buy a lot of hope these days
lemonverbena - December 6, 2010
It's really fair to say you have to Connect Four players together to build a contender.
And with Milton Bradley’s contract having a Monopoly on the Mariners’ payroll, it’s going to be an Operation to be competitive in the next few years.
thehemogoblin - December 6, 2010
Felichismoackly?
MT Olson - December 6, 2010
Took a sec to break the code...
But yeah, Felix, Ichiro, Smoak and Ackley will eventually be the four, assuming Ichiro is still here and “in his prime” when Smoak and Ackley hit their strides. Nick Franklin may also add into that mix, and if Figgins can get back to his prime, he’s got the talent to be one.
CamraMaan - December 7, 2010
Board games.
Mariner John - December 6, 2010
This is very 24 hour news cycle of you.
CapSea - December 6, 2010
Disappointing, but...
that tends to happens in The Game of Life.
Cramer05 - December 6, 2010
So we are in on Crawford?
Poochie - December 6, 2010
Seems like it dog.
Kirk - December 6, 2010 via mobile
A concerning bit
Per Geoff Baker, Armstrong/Zduriencik had to convince the rest of ownership not to drop payroll, at least in line with their usual budget-setting practices.
What happens after 2011 when quite a bit of money comes off the books due to expiring contracts? Do we continue dropping payroll (ie. to $80 million) to off-set potential loses expected by holding the line this year? I guess it may not be a big deal if the organization is fully committed to the rebuilding process but it’s something I’m curious about.
ThundaPC - December 6, 2010
Armstrong mentioned that we'd have more flexibility next year if that means much.
universalguru - December 6, 2010
As long as the team is bad and attendance is down
I would expect some cuts next year. They won’t take a loss forever. But if things turn around they might be able to save off cuts and go the other way.
spencer peaty - December 6, 2010
I meant cuts for 2012
spencer peaty - December 6, 2010
Wasn't just a year ago that the front office was scolding everyone
for even thinking about how much the organization may or may not have to spend?
doublemazaa - December 6, 2010
Don't recall any scolding myself
I do recall they said something to the effect that people outside the organization were simply guessing at how much they had to spend. Typically, they have been very tight-lipped about it. This is a pretty significant about-face for them.
nathaniel dawson - December 6, 2010
same dis-information, another method
I think they gave up on not giving a number since everyone was going to guess anyways. This year, they give a number…maybe people won’t try to second-guess… but why should anyone necessarily believe it? When you go in to buy a car, they always ask you what your budget is… but it’s not good bargaining to answer it.
run_dmo - December 7, 2010
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