Build it, and we will spend. Spend, and we will win. Too bad three teams have reneged on the deal.
The Brewers and Pirates have played in their stadiums since 2001, the Reds since 2003. When conning their cities into paying for them, they claimed increased revenue would lead to an increased payroll, which would lead to increased wins. Yet as the regular season ends today, all three remain nowhere near playoff contention.
The Brewers contributed $90-million out of $400-million for their stadium. In the first year there, the opening-day payroll was $45-million, according to USA Today, $9.2-million higher than 2000 It rose to $50.3-million in 2002 before the slashing began. Its 2004 payroll was $27.5-million. And taxpayers endured their 12th consecutive losing season.
The Pirates and Steelers contributed a combined $85-million to a $803-million redevelopment project. For the Pirates' first year at their stadium, they more than doubled their payroll, from $26.6-million to $57.8-million. A 62-100 season ended that. This season the payroll was $32.2-million. And taxpayers endured their 12th consecutive losing season.
Taxpayers paid for every cent of the Reds' $297-million stadium. Their payroll also went up for the first season, from $45-million to $59.3-million. But after a 69-93 season in which they dumped several high-priced players, the 2004 payroll was $46.6-million. And taxpayers endured their fourth consecutive losing season.
Meanwhile, the Giants paid for every cent of their $345-million stadium, which opened in 2000. Since then, payroll has risen by $28.5-million. And taxpayers enjoyed their eighth consecutive winning season.
If (when?) the Rays ask for a new stadium, expect the same arguments. Remember the Brewers, Pirates and Reds.
Rave: Four produce mounds of success
Some are meant to manage. Some aren't. There are no better examples than four of baseball's top pitching coaches, two who have managed, two who haven't despite longtime success.
LARRY ROTHSCHILD, CUBS: Blame him or ownership's spending for going 205-294 in three-plus seasons with the Rays. But he has thrived in Chicago. Look beyond stars Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Look at Carlos Zambrano. In his three-plus seasons under Rothschild, the 23-year-old is 34-29 with a 3.25 ERA. Look at Matt Clement. In three-plus seasons with the Padres and Marlins, he went 34-39 with a 4.89 ERA. In three seasons under Rothschild, he has a similar record (35-36) but a 3.80 ERA.
RAY MILLER, ORIOLES: He stunk as a manager, going 266-297 in four seasons with the Twins and Orioles. But Baltimore's pitchers don't stink. When Miller replaced Mark Wiley on June 26, the Orioles were 30-40 with a 5.34 ERA. Since then, they are 47-43 with a 4.22 ERA entering Saturday night. Sidney Ponson has gone from 3-10 and a 6.22 ERA to 8-5 and a 4.40 ERA.
LEO MAZZONE, BRAVES: He has held the position since manager Bobby Cox took over June 22, 1990. In the past two years, he has lost Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Kevin Millwood. But Atlanta, with a 3.70 ERA, won its 13th consecutive division title with a rotation that includes castoffs Jaret Wright, Paul Byrd, John Thomson and the resurgent Mike Hampton. Except for Hampton, not household names.
DAVE DUNCAN, CARDINALS: He has been with manager Tony La Russa in St. Louis for nine seasons and Oakland for 91/2. A powerful offense helped the Cardinals roll to the Central title. But it also helped to get career years from three starters: Chris Carpenter (15-5, 3.46 ERA), Jason Marquis (15-7 , 3.71 ERA) and Jeff Suppan (16-9, 4.16 ERA). Again, not household names.
