On Friday, NBA commissioner David Stern announced that the San Antonio Spurs will be fined $250,000 for sending 4 key players home, instead of playing them in a highly-anticipated nationally-televised game against the Miami Heat on Thursday. Stern claimed that the Spurs "did a disservice to the league and [the] fans" by taking its stars out in its only visit to Miami this regular season "without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way." Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich's decision called for sending Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Danny Green back to San Antonio to get some ahead of Saturday's home game against Memphis.
Heat star LeBron James summarized the collective disapproval of Stern's decision across the sports realm in very simple words: "it's not in the rules to tell you you can't send your guys home." Certainly some audience of the game may have been disappointed at not seeing the superstars from the two teams battle on Thursday night, but the fact of the matter is that Popovich and the Spurs had a broader goals in mind: best prepare for the entire season, not just this one game, and he had very justified reasons to rest his players. Thursday was the team's 6th road game in 9 days, and the 4th game of the week. On the flip side, Miami Heat was playing its first game since Saturday, and only its 5th game in 2 weeks. Given the severity of how lopsided the teams' schedules were coming into the game, the Spurs knew they were at a disadvantage, and it was strategically in their interest to rest their stars. Popovich said he had made this decision "when the schedule came out in July."
Stern didn't buy any of such, calling the action an "unacceptable decision." Yet, this is vastly different from the badminton scandal during the Olympics this summer, during which several badminton players from China, South Korea and Indonesia were accused of intentionally losing matches, so that "they could face easier opponents in future matches." There was little disagreement that such act of deliberately losing games was in the violation of the Olympic and sports spirit, and the players were expelled from their blatant actions.
What the Spurs did though, was drastically different from the actions of those badminton players. Many playoff-bound teams rest their star players in the final games of the regular season to give them rest. Sure, it's still early in the season in November, but the lopsided nature of the schedules of the two teams heading into Thursday's game was beyond the control of the Spurs, and they had to deal with this disadvantage. The Spurs made a strategic move, not a move that demeaned the spirit of the game. If anything, the short-handed Spurs over-delivered on expectations, as its usual bench players fought neck-to-neck with the defending-champions. It wasn't until 22.3 seconds left in the game that Heat delivered what proved to be the game-winning shot. The Spur took a gamble that nearly exceeded all expectations. Even if the game wasn't close, their decision was highly calculated, and NBA's decision to fine them dispirits its own sports of strategic maneuvers.
Sources:
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Olympics Basketball Record
Team USA was the heavy favorites to win the Men's Basketball tournament, and today it went onto making records in its Nigeria 156-73 win against Nigeria. What's more impressive about the score, particularly putting it into perspectives for American fans used to the NBA style, is that the Olympics games are only 40 minutes long in regulation, as opposed to the 48 in NBA. Keeping the constant ratio, the 156 points would've translated to 156 / 40 * 48 = 187.2 points over a 48-minute period.
The NBA record for the most number of points in one game is 186, scored by Detroit against Denver in 1983. Furthermore, that game went into the third overtime period. Detroit won 186-184, as the teams combined for 370 points, another NBA record. The margin of victory from today's game (83) also shattered the NBA record of 68. The NBA record for the fewest number of points in a game of the modern era is 49, recorded by Chicago in 1999. That is nearly only a quarter of (specific factor difference of 3.82) the number of points Team USA scored today, by using the projected score over 48 minutes.
Sources:
The NBA record for the most number of points in one game is 186, scored by Detroit against Denver in 1983. Furthermore, that game went into the third overtime period. Detroit won 186-184, as the teams combined for 370 points, another NBA record. The margin of victory from today's game (83) also shattered the NBA record of 68. The NBA record for the fewest number of points in a game of the modern era is 49, recorded by Chicago in 1999. That is nearly only a quarter of (specific factor difference of 3.82) the number of points Team USA scored today, by using the projected score over 48 minutes.
Sources:
Sunday, July 29, 2012
NBC's Disgraceful Decision to Skip Opening Ceremony Tribute to Terror Victims
Having exclusive rights to broadcast Olympic coverage in the United States is a double-edged sword for NBC. It draws massive viewership, but its decisions are heavily scrutinized, particularly due to the time difference between London and United States, and hence NBC's ability to control what is broadcast to the American audience. Many objected to NBC's decision not to live stream the Opening Ceremony, which happened in the early afternoon hours in the United States. Instead, NBC tape-delayed the show for prime time on both coasts, explaining that the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are "entertainment spectacles best shown at a time when friends and family are able to gather together to watch." Criticized or not, the decision paid off for NBC. The Opening Ceremony Friday drew "the best overnight ratings ever for an Olympics held outside the United States," a 7% increase in ratings from the Beijing Opening Ceremony.
The debates will continue, but one of its decisions Friday night deserves heavy criticism. When a tribute was played during the ceremony for terror victims, NBC instead decided to showcase an interview with Michael Phelps. This was purely a monetary decision aimed to boost its ratings, as the cost of US TV rights fees topped $1.18 billion. Upon being questioned for this particular decision, NBC spokesman Greg Hughes admitted that its "programming is tailored for the US audience." However, the crucial issue is that the tribute was not irrelevant to United States. In fact, the tribute was more relevant to United States than any other countries of the world. Great Britain has been United States' staunchest ally in the War of Terror. In Afghanistan alone, over 400 British troops have sacrificed their lives, more than the toll Britain suffered from its recent Falklands War. The tribute on Friday was widely interpreted as a memorial for the 52 victims of terrorist bombings in 2005, which occurred on July 7, the very next day after London was awarded these 2012 Olympic Games. The 2005 bombings were believed to be al-Qaeda retribution for British involvement in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
While it is understandable that NBC has financial incentives to boost its audience with its selection of content exclusively broadcasted to Americans, this particular decision was ignominious. July 7 bombings were the 9/11 attacks for Britain, and occurred while the country was still in jubilation knowing it would host the 2012 Olympics. For any country to purposefully avoid such dedicated tribute at that moment for the marginal financial gain is classless, but in particular for NBC on behalf of the United States to do so was even more disgraceful.
Sources:
The debates will continue, but one of its decisions Friday night deserves heavy criticism. When a tribute was played during the ceremony for terror victims, NBC instead decided to showcase an interview with Michael Phelps. This was purely a monetary decision aimed to boost its ratings, as the cost of US TV rights fees topped $1.18 billion. Upon being questioned for this particular decision, NBC spokesman Greg Hughes admitted that its "programming is tailored for the US audience." However, the crucial issue is that the tribute was not irrelevant to United States. In fact, the tribute was more relevant to United States than any other countries of the world. Great Britain has been United States' staunchest ally in the War of Terror. In Afghanistan alone, over 400 British troops have sacrificed their lives, more than the toll Britain suffered from its recent Falklands War. The tribute on Friday was widely interpreted as a memorial for the 52 victims of terrorist bombings in 2005, which occurred on July 7, the very next day after London was awarded these 2012 Olympic Games. The 2005 bombings were believed to be al-Qaeda retribution for British involvement in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
While it is understandable that NBC has financial incentives to boost its audience with its selection of content exclusively broadcasted to Americans, this particular decision was ignominious. July 7 bombings were the 9/11 attacks for Britain, and occurred while the country was still in jubilation knowing it would host the 2012 Olympics. For any country to purposefully avoid such dedicated tribute at that moment for the marginal financial gain is classless, but in particular for NBC on behalf of the United States to do so was even more disgraceful.
Sources:
- http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/story/2012-07-28/NBC-tribute-to-victims-Michael-Phelps/56556494/1
- http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/tape-delayed-opening-ceremony-turns-ratings-gold-nbc-153513638--oly.html
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2009/sep/17/afghanistan-casualties-dead-wounded-british-data
Friday, July 27, 2012
2012 Olympics Athlete Rate Per Country Population
As athletes match into Olympics Stadium in London for the Opening Ceremony, here's a look into the number of athletes by country or territory. Specifically, which countries have the most and least number of athletes, per population of the country? A report by Guardian has compiled the raw data of the athletes for analysis.
The top countries of territories on the list of athletes per population are dominated by very small countries that send a few athletes. Atop the list of Cook Islands, an associated state of New Zealand located in the South Pacific. With 8 athletes representing its population of 10,777, according to CIA World Factbook as of July 2011, Cook Islands have one athlete representing around 1,350 people. At the bottom of the list is Bangladesh. With 5 athletes representing the country of more than 161 million people, that is a rate of over 32 million people per athlete. The factor of difference between the rate of Cook Island and that of Bangladesh is nearly 24,000.
Of the countries or territories on top of the per capita list, if a filter of 100,000+ population is enacted, Iceland tops the list. With 28 athletes for a population of over 300,000, the rate is over 11,000 people per athlete. When a filter of 1,000,000+ population is enacted, New Zealand tops the list. In comparison, the United States, with 534 athletes, has over 580,000 people per athlete.
Sources:
The top countries of territories on the list of athletes per population are dominated by very small countries that send a few athletes. Atop the list of Cook Islands, an associated state of New Zealand located in the South Pacific. With 8 athletes representing its population of 10,777, according to CIA World Factbook as of July 2011, Cook Islands have one athlete representing around 1,350 people. At the bottom of the list is Bangladesh. With 5 athletes representing the country of more than 161 million people, that is a rate of over 32 million people per athlete. The factor of difference between the rate of Cook Island and that of Bangladesh is nearly 24,000.
Of the countries or territories on top of the per capita list, if a filter of 100,000+ population is enacted, Iceland tops the list. With 28 athletes for a population of over 300,000, the rate is over 11,000 people per athlete. When a filter of 1,000,000+ population is enacted, New Zealand tops the list. In comparison, the United States, with 534 athletes, has over 580,000 people per athlete.
Sources:
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/datablog/interactive/2012/jul/27/olympic-athletes-list-visualised
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cw.html
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ic.html
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Location of MLB Stadiums with Respect to City Centers
Sports stadiums are usually located at the center of metropolitan areas, but that is not always the case. Some are outright not even located in the city proper of metropolitan area's largest city. Here we examine the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums and their location with respect to the city center. While there may be difficulty in pinpointing one single city center, we will use the specific location given by Google Maps upon typing merely the city name. That yields good approximations of the core of the cities' downtown area. The distance from the baseball stadium to that area is calculated for each of the 30 stadiums.
There are a few cases that necessitate some remarks, in which the city that the ballpark is located in isn't the largest in that city's metropolitan area. Texas Rangers is based in Arlington, the third largest city in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Home of the Rays, St. Petersburg, is smaller than the city of Tampa. Anaheim is also part of the Los Angeles area. Nevertheless, because all of these cities are of fairly large size (all around 200K - 300K in population), it's fair to consider the distance from their center to the baseball for this exercise. Finally, it's worthy to note that the center location for New York was given as Broadway & Chamber St. in Lower Manhattan. While this location was indeed used for this exercise, it's important to note that there are tenable arguments for pushing Midtown Manhattan as the "center" of the city.
Here are the ranking in distance from the baseball stadium to the chosen city center:
Over half of the stadiums are located within 2 miles of the city center. At a first glance, it seems as though big cities have stadiums further out of the city center. This certainly is true for New York and Chicago. Indeed, Yankees and Mets have stadiums in The Bronx and Queens, respectively, away from the central business locations of Midtown or Downtown. White Sox and Cubs are known for being the team of "South Side" and "North Side," respectively. It may seem intuitive that for cities like New York and Chicago, with already heavily crowded downtown centers and limited parking spots, it may be more reasonable to have the ballpark crowds away from these centers. For smaller cities like Cleveland, sport events are great sources to attract people to be around downtown.
This is merely a hypothesis. In any event, even under such assumption, cities like Kansas City and Milwaukee are high on the rankings, seeming to contradict the trend. Bigger cities like Houston and San Diego are near the bottom of the rankings. It's important to note that other factors play into the location of the stadiums. While this exercise may give some insight, it's far from the comprehensive picture.
Source:
There are a few cases that necessitate some remarks, in which the city that the ballpark is located in isn't the largest in that city's metropolitan area. Texas Rangers is based in Arlington, the third largest city in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Home of the Rays, St. Petersburg, is smaller than the city of Tampa. Anaheim is also part of the Los Angeles area. Nevertheless, because all of these cities are of fairly large size (all around 200K - 300K in population), it's fair to consider the distance from their center to the baseball for this exercise. Finally, it's worthy to note that the center location for New York was given as Broadway & Chamber St. in Lower Manhattan. While this location was indeed used for this exercise, it's important to note that there are tenable arguments for pushing Midtown Manhattan as the "center" of the city.
Here are the ranking in distance from the baseball stadium to the chosen city center:
| Team | City | BallPark | Mile |
| Mets | New York | Citi Field | 10.1 |
| Yankees | New York | Yankee Stadium | 9.3 |
| Royals | Kansas City | Kauffman Stadium | 7.6 |
| Athletics | Oakland | The Coliseum | 5.8 |
| Cubs | Chicago | Wrigley Field | 5.1 |
| Brewers | Milwaukee | Miller Park | 4.2 |
| White Sox | Chicago | US Cellular Field | 3.8 |
| Phillies | Philadelphia | Citizens Bank Park | 3.6 |
| Angels | Anaheim | Angel Stadium | 3.5 |
| Nationals | Washington, DC | Nationals Park | 2.6 |
| Rangers | Arlington | Rangers Ballpark | 2.3 |
| Red Sox | Boston | Fenway Park | 2.2 |
| Dodgers | Los Angeles | Dodgers Stadium | 2.1 |
| Giants | San Francisco | AT&T Park | 2.0 |
| Rockies | Denver | Coors Field | 1.4 |
| Blue Jays | Toronto | Rogers Centre | 1.2 |
| Mariners | Seattle | Safeco Stadium | 1.1 |
| Braves | Atlanta | Turner Field | 1.0 |
| Astros | Houston | Minute Maid Park | 1.0 |
| Marlins | Miami | Marlins Park | 1.0 |
| Rays | St. Petersburg | Tropicana Field | 1.0 |
| Orioles | Baltimore | Oriole Park | 0.9 |
| Twins | Minneapolis | Target Field | 0.9 |
| Pirates | Pittsburgh | PNC Park | 0.8 |
| Indians | Cleveland | Progressive Field | 0.7 |
| Padres | San Diego | PETCO Park | 0.7 |
| Tigers | Detriot | Comerica Park | 0.6 |
| Diamondbacks | Phoenix | Chase Field | 0.4 |
| Cardinals | St. Louis | Busch Stadium | 0.4 |
| Reds | Cincinnati | Great American Ballpark | 0.3 |
Over half of the stadiums are located within 2 miles of the city center. At a first glance, it seems as though big cities have stadiums further out of the city center. This certainly is true for New York and Chicago. Indeed, Yankees and Mets have stadiums in The Bronx and Queens, respectively, away from the central business locations of Midtown or Downtown. White Sox and Cubs are known for being the team of "South Side" and "North Side," respectively. It may seem intuitive that for cities like New York and Chicago, with already heavily crowded downtown centers and limited parking spots, it may be more reasonable to have the ballpark crowds away from these centers. For smaller cities like Cleveland, sport events are great sources to attract people to be around downtown.
This is merely a hypothesis. In any event, even under such assumption, cities like Kansas City and Milwaukee are high on the rankings, seeming to contradict the trend. Bigger cities like Houston and San Diego are near the bottom of the rankings. It's important to note that other factors play into the location of the stadiums. While this exercise may give some insight, it's far from the comprehensive picture.
Source:
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Kings of 8th Seed Champion
See related post: 3-0 Playoff Series Comebacks in Professional Sports
On Monday, the Los Angeles Kings of National Hockey League defeated the New Jersey Devil to win the Stanley Cup, the first time that an 8th seeded team has won the championship in either NHL or NBA, the two leagues that employ the 16-team playoff format. The Kings have been the story throughout this playoff. Despite barely making the playoffs, the 8th seed Kings went onto defeat the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Phoenix Coyotes, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seeded Western Conference teams, respectively, on its way to the Stanley Cup, where it defeated the Devils in 6 games for its first Stanley Cup trophy ever.
In NBA, only give 8th seeded teams have won the first round of the playoffs, most recently the Philadelphia Sixers this season against the Bulls. In the most successful case, the 1999 New York Knicks managed to make it to the NBA Finals, where it ultimately fell to the Spurs. Over at NHL, there have been more cases of upsets. In the most successful case, the 2006 Edmonton Oilers managed to not only make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, but also managed to come within 1 game of winning it, before losing to the Hurricanes in Game 7.
Not only did Kings it all, they won their series in decisive fashions. Until Game 5 loss at New Jersey, the Kings had won every single road game (10-0) of the playoffs. The ten road roads tie a single postseason NHL record. Given that the 8th seeded Kings began all series on the road, they were able to take commanding leads in all series. In fact, they were also able to win all Game 3's at home, thereby beginning each series up 3-0. Only a handful of teams have come back from 0-3 hole. The Kings put all four of their opponents in that unbearable hole, before finishing the series in Game 4 (vs Blues), Game 5 (vs Canucks and Coyotes), and Game 6 (vs Devils). The 16-4 run to championship was quite an impressive one, and the Kings doing so with an 8th feed makes it quite unique.
Sources:
On Monday, the Los Angeles Kings of National Hockey League defeated the New Jersey Devil to win the Stanley Cup, the first time that an 8th seeded team has won the championship in either NHL or NBA, the two leagues that employ the 16-team playoff format. The Kings have been the story throughout this playoff. Despite barely making the playoffs, the 8th seed Kings went onto defeat the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Phoenix Coyotes, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seeded Western Conference teams, respectively, on its way to the Stanley Cup, where it defeated the Devils in 6 games for its first Stanley Cup trophy ever.
In NBA, only give 8th seeded teams have won the first round of the playoffs, most recently the Philadelphia Sixers this season against the Bulls. In the most successful case, the 1999 New York Knicks managed to make it to the NBA Finals, where it ultimately fell to the Spurs. Over at NHL, there have been more cases of upsets. In the most successful case, the 2006 Edmonton Oilers managed to not only make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, but also managed to come within 1 game of winning it, before losing to the Hurricanes in Game 7.
Not only did Kings it all, they won their series in decisive fashions. Until Game 5 loss at New Jersey, the Kings had won every single road game (10-0) of the playoffs. The ten road roads tie a single postseason NHL record. Given that the 8th seeded Kings began all series on the road, they were able to take commanding leads in all series. In fact, they were also able to win all Game 3's at home, thereby beginning each series up 3-0. Only a handful of teams have come back from 0-3 hole. The Kings put all four of their opponents in that unbearable hole, before finishing the series in Game 4 (vs Blues), Game 5 (vs Canucks and Coyotes), and Game 6 (vs Devils). The 16-4 run to championship was quite an impressive one, and the Kings doing so with an 8th feed makes it quite unique.
Sources:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
4 Home-Run Game Probability
On Tuesday night, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton hit 4 home-runs in one game. This was only the 16th time in Major League Baseball's history to see the accomplishment of such a feat, and the first since 2003. Hamilton also had a double in the game, going 5-for-5 overall and totaling 18 bases in a single game, which was only one shy of Major League record. The Rangers won the game 10-3 against Baltimore Orioles.
To best estimate the probability of this event, the following data for Hamilton during each of the past four seasons at the Rangers were retrieved:
Since Hamilton hit 99 home-runs in 1965 at-bats during the past four seasons, let's assume that the probability of hitting a home-run is 99/1965 = 5.038%. On Wednesday night, Hamilton had 5 at-bats, and hit 4 home-runs. The probability of hitting 4 home-runs in a game with 5 at-bats will be the product of the following terms:
To put in perspective, each season is 162 games. During each game across the league, there are 30 teams and 9 players who come to bat. That is 30*162*9 = 43,740 total player-performances in a season, assuming uniformity. Already that number is greater than 32,688. This means that if every player in MLB had the HR-hitting probability as Hamilton, the league should expect to see occurrence like Tuesday night's every season. However, clearly that isn't the case. Four-HR games are more rarer than perfect games or no-hitters. In baseball, only 20-K games and unassisted triple players have been less frequent.
Sources:
To best estimate the probability of this event, the following data for Hamilton during each of the past four seasons at the Rangers were retrieved:
| Year | At Bat | Home Run |
| 2008 | 624 | 32 |
| 2009 | 336 | 10 |
| 2010 | 518 | 32 |
| 2011 | 487 | 25 |
| Sum | 1965 | 99 |
Since Hamilton hit 99 home-runs in 1965 at-bats during the past four seasons, let's assume that the probability of hitting a home-run is 99/1965 = 5.038%. On Wednesday night, Hamilton had 5 at-bats, and hit 4 home-runs. The probability of hitting 4 home-runs in a game with 5 at-bats will be the product of the following terms:
- nCr(5,4) to indicate the number of combinations
- (5.038%) ^ 4 to indicate the 4 home-runs
- (1-5.038%) to indicate the 1 non-HR at-bat
To put in perspective, each season is 162 games. During each game across the league, there are 30 teams and 9 players who come to bat. That is 30*162*9 = 43,740 total player-performances in a season, assuming uniformity. Already that number is greater than 32,688. This means that if every player in MLB had the HR-hitting probability as Hamilton, the league should expect to see occurrence like Tuesday night's every season. However, clearly that isn't the case. Four-HR games are more rarer than perfect games or no-hitters. In baseball, only 20-K games and unassisted triple players have been less frequent.
Sources:
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
3-0 Playoff Series Comebacks in Professional Sports
Vancouver is still hoping. Vancouver Canucks, which recently won the President's Trophy for the second straight season, after finishing the regular season with the best record in the entire National Hockey League, are currently down 3-0 to the 8th-seed Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. This comes after last year's Stanley Cup Finals, in which the Canucks lost Game 7 at home to the Boston Bruins, triggering riots in the streets. Vancouver is hoping that the return of Daniel Sedin, who has been out for the past few weeks with injury, will reignite the team. However, the chances are against them. Very few professional sports teams have come back from 3-0 hole in best-of-7 series.
Only 4 times in best-of-7 series across the professional sports have teams come back from being down 3-0 to win the series. However, when miracle comebacks do happen, most of them have come in NHL. The only non-hockey series comeback belong to the 2004 Boston Red Sox during the ALCS, the historical upset of the Yankees on its way to win the World Series. No teams in NBA have rallied from being down 0-3. The other 3 comebacks all have happened in the NHL. Most recently, Philadelphia Flyers rallied back against the Boston Bruins in 2010 Conference Semifinals. Last season in the NHL playoffs, two teams down 0-3 in the series rallied to force, but only to lose, Game 7. Canucks were actually on the other end of that, beating the Chicago Blackhawks. Overall though, in NHL playoffs series when teams are up 3-0, they only clinch the series in Game 4 on 59% of the times.
Can the Canucks salvage its season tonight and move the series back to Vancouver? Or will they exit early in disappointment? Game 4 is tonight in Los Angeles.
Sources:
Only 4 times in best-of-7 series across the professional sports have teams come back from being down 3-0 to win the series. However, when miracle comebacks do happen, most of them have come in NHL. The only non-hockey series comeback belong to the 2004 Boston Red Sox during the ALCS, the historical upset of the Yankees on its way to win the World Series. No teams in NBA have rallied from being down 0-3. The other 3 comebacks all have happened in the NHL. Most recently, Philadelphia Flyers rallied back against the Boston Bruins in 2010 Conference Semifinals. Last season in the NHL playoffs, two teams down 0-3 in the series rallied to force, but only to lose, Game 7. Canucks were actually on the other end of that, beating the Chicago Blackhawks. Overall though, in NHL playoffs series when teams are up 3-0, they only clinch the series in Game 4 on 59% of the times.
Can the Canucks salvage its season tonight and move the series back to Vancouver? Or will they exit early in disappointment? Game 4 is tonight in Los Angeles.
Sources:
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Madison Square Garden, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSG)
New York Knicks fans may have been disappointed at their team's loss to the rival New Jersey Nets on Monday night, particularly given that it marked the return of Carmelo Anthony. That said, the team is still currently riding on the momentum and sensations built by the rise of Jeremy Lin. While Lin and the Knicks have been on the headlines in ESPN or CNN, they have been featured in the Wall Street Journal as well. Most people may know Madison Square Garden, or simply MSG, as the iconic arena that is home to he Knicks. But it is also a $2.49 billion market cap publicly traded company on the NASDAQ.
As of Monday, February 13th, or about a week since Lin's rise in the Knicks, prices of MSG stock rose over 10% during the period, finishing at $32.32. As of Monday, February 20th, which didn't see trading due to President's Day, the price is still $32.85. With Knicks' recent success, it has meant more viewers: "MSG said its ratings for Knicks games are up 52 percent during Lin's four starts compared to the rest of the season." The recent spike has also put pressure on MSG and Time Warner Cable to settle their disputes, which has affected 2 million subscribers since Jan 1st; the dispute has recently been resolved.
As far as the company goes, MSG is divided into the business segments of MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment. With James Dolan as the CEO, MSG owns not only the Knicks, but also New York Rangers of NHL. As far as its financial statements go, the total equity has exceed total liability for each of the last 4 years. Revenue for Q4-2011 dropped from Q4-2010, but that is largely attributed to the NBA lockout. The success of the Knicks, with its new face of Jeremy Lin, will ultimately dictate the success of MSG.
Sources:
As of Monday, February 13th, or about a week since Lin's rise in the Knicks, prices of MSG stock rose over 10% during the period, finishing at $32.32. As of Monday, February 20th, which didn't see trading due to President's Day, the price is still $32.85. With Knicks' recent success, it has meant more viewers: "MSG said its ratings for Knicks games are up 52 percent during Lin's four starts compared to the rest of the season." The recent spike has also put pressure on MSG and Time Warner Cable to settle their disputes, which has affected 2 million subscribers since Jan 1st; the dispute has recently been resolved.
As far as the company goes, MSG is divided into the business segments of MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment. With James Dolan as the CEO, MSG owns not only the Knicks, but also New York Rangers of NHL. As far as its financial statements go, the total equity has exceed total liability for each of the last 4 years. Revenue for Q4-2011 dropped from Q4-2010, but that is largely attributed to the NBA lockout. The success of the Knicks, with its new face of Jeremy Lin, will ultimately dictate the success of MSG.
Sources:
- http://online.wsj.com/article/AP4d1e7f97ad3541159d5289028114a2bf.html
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/madison-square-garden-time-warner-cable-finalize-deal-to-bring-knicks-games-to-2m-subscribers/2012/02/20/gIQArrcTPR_story.html
- http://www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com/our-company
- http://investor.msg.com/
- http://www.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ:MSG
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Public Ownership of Sports Franchises
One may not initially associate sports franchises with issuing stocks, but Green Bay Packers are doing exactly that to finance the addition of seats at Lambeau Field. A publicly owned corporation since 1923, the Packers had over 110,000 shareholders (larger than the population of Green Bay) owning 4.75 million shares before the most recent sale on Tuesday. Although deficient of many advantages associated with traditional stocks, the Packers stocks hold more important sentimental values for the stakeholders.
Among the disadvantages, these stocks receive zero dividend and can only be transferred to family members. As a result, there is no re-sale value and doesn't even help the shareholders gain an advantage on the long waiting list for season tickets. NFL rules also prohibit the shareholders from betting on games. The only practical perks for the shareholders are voting rights and the rights to attend annual stockholder meeting in the summer.
Yet despite these restrictions, Packers fans rushed to own part of the team when the offering began on Tuesday. During the first 11 minutes of the offering, 1600 shares were sold. Packers hope to raise $22 worth of stocks before the offers closes next February. The greatest value is the claim of partially owning the franchise. It's this sentimental value, not monetary incentives, that motivates the fans to "invest" money into their team, and the benefits in the form of larger stadium, will help to benefit the fans themselves.
Green Bay is unique among all North American professional sports franchises. With a population of only around 300,000 in the metropolitan area, it by far has the smallest local fan-base. Nevertheless, Green Bay Packers have remained loyal to the Wisconsin city, over 100 miles north of Milwaukee, since its founding. Public ownership has helped that trend, but certainly the success of the Packers has allowed such passion. The Packers have won more Super Bowls than any other franchises, most recently in 2011. With a perfect 12-0 record heading to this week, it is aiming to go back where they were.
Similar small-town professional franchises have not fared as well. NBA's Sacramento Kings recently considered moving to Anaheim to provide more financial stability for the struggling team. While ideas were never proposed, it seems unlikely that Kings, which has fared poorly for most of the latter half of the past decade, could've generated much revenue from stock offerings.
Certainly, America continues to embrace its professional sports franchises, and most teams have very loyal fan-base in their hometown. Even in Cleveland, where teams haven't fared well in recent years, loyal fans bought their personalized bricks at the Heritage Park in Progressive Field, to be part of the history of the Cleveland Indians. In the turn of events this year that saw labor strikes in NFL and NBA, teams could consider selling part of the ownership to the devoted fan-base. It would strengthen the stability and presence of the team in the area while sustaining financial growth.
Avid sports fans flock to stadiums or ESPN to follow their passion, but at the end of the day, money and sports can't be separated. Franchises operate to maintain financial growth. Fans pay to see their teams succeed. Offering partial ownership of the teams to the public could be the link between the two sides.
Sources:
Among the disadvantages, these stocks receive zero dividend and can only be transferred to family members. As a result, there is no re-sale value and doesn't even help the shareholders gain an advantage on the long waiting list for season tickets. NFL rules also prohibit the shareholders from betting on games. The only practical perks for the shareholders are voting rights and the rights to attend annual stockholder meeting in the summer.
Yet despite these restrictions, Packers fans rushed to own part of the team when the offering began on Tuesday. During the first 11 minutes of the offering, 1600 shares were sold. Packers hope to raise $22 worth of stocks before the offers closes next February. The greatest value is the claim of partially owning the franchise. It's this sentimental value, not monetary incentives, that motivates the fans to "invest" money into their team, and the benefits in the form of larger stadium, will help to benefit the fans themselves.
Green Bay is unique among all North American professional sports franchises. With a population of only around 300,000 in the metropolitan area, it by far has the smallest local fan-base. Nevertheless, Green Bay Packers have remained loyal to the Wisconsin city, over 100 miles north of Milwaukee, since its founding. Public ownership has helped that trend, but certainly the success of the Packers has allowed such passion. The Packers have won more Super Bowls than any other franchises, most recently in 2011. With a perfect 12-0 record heading to this week, it is aiming to go back where they were.
Similar small-town professional franchises have not fared as well. NBA's Sacramento Kings recently considered moving to Anaheim to provide more financial stability for the struggling team. While ideas were never proposed, it seems unlikely that Kings, which has fared poorly for most of the latter half of the past decade, could've generated much revenue from stock offerings.
Certainly, America continues to embrace its professional sports franchises, and most teams have very loyal fan-base in their hometown. Even in Cleveland, where teams haven't fared well in recent years, loyal fans bought their personalized bricks at the Heritage Park in Progressive Field, to be part of the history of the Cleveland Indians. In the turn of events this year that saw labor strikes in NFL and NBA, teams could consider selling part of the ownership to the devoted fan-base. It would strengthen the stability and presence of the team in the area while sustaining financial growth.
Avid sports fans flock to stadiums or ESPN to follow their passion, but at the end of the day, money and sports can't be separated. Franchises operate to maintain financial growth. Fans pay to see their teams succeed. Offering partial ownership of the teams to the public could be the link between the two sides.
Sources:
Friday, November 18, 2011
NBA and MLB: A Tale of Two Labor Negotiations
Two of America's major professional sports league - National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball - are headed along two divergent routes of labor negotiations. The NBA is been on the lockout since July 1st, and the season, which already has been cut short by over 300 games, seems to be on even more jeopardizing route. The latest proposal of 50-50 revenue split between players and owners was rejected on Monday, and two antitrust lawsuits were filed on Tuesday. Meanwhile in baseball, given the progress of the negotiations, few even seemed to realize the expiration of the current contract in December. Recently, new five-year collective-bargaining agreement passed. Noteworthy changes include new restraints on draft spending, transition of the Houston Astros to the American League to establish two 15-team leagues as the franchise was purchased by Jim Crane, and addition of another wildcard playoff spot in each league.
Not everyone is happy over the deal. In Houston, some angry season-ticket holders expressed that they will no longer be renewing, as transition into the American League will alter the style of National League playing the team has been accustomed to. Several General Managers didn't like the limit of spending on drafting. Even the addition of the extra playoff spot doesn't even please everyone; some note that this will only favor the inclusion of strong AL East teams into the playoffs.
Despite these differences, "the players and owners at least understand that no issue is big enough to bring down the entire sport." Compromise is the key essential for both sides to prosper. Both the players and owners want to gain more in the deals, but the fundamental truth is that at the end of the day, only one side can gain at the expense of the other. Furthermore, without harmony, both sides lose, enormously. This Tuesday should've been the first paycheck day for NBA players. Instead, the average NBA player lost over $200,000 as a result of the stalemate. With over 300 and counting games canceled, those economically hurt aren't just the league owners and players. From bars to parking lots around the venues, the local economies have also suffered greatly.
The best approach is negotiation with the mindset that an ultimate solution between the two parties is imperative. When one or both sides begin to feel that losses are fine and allow strikes to unfold, the devastating effects begin to spread, affecting more than just the two sides. It comes back to their responsibility to soon realize that the current short-term losses will only continue to bleed, and to ultimately propose a compromise that restores America's pastime and economy.
Sources:
Not everyone is happy over the deal. In Houston, some angry season-ticket holders expressed that they will no longer be renewing, as transition into the American League will alter the style of National League playing the team has been accustomed to. Several General Managers didn't like the limit of spending on drafting. Even the addition of the extra playoff spot doesn't even please everyone; some note that this will only favor the inclusion of strong AL East teams into the playoffs.
Despite these differences, "the players and owners at least understand that no issue is big enough to bring down the entire sport." Compromise is the key essential for both sides to prosper. Both the players and owners want to gain more in the deals, but the fundamental truth is that at the end of the day, only one side can gain at the expense of the other. Furthermore, without harmony, both sides lose, enormously. This Tuesday should've been the first paycheck day for NBA players. Instead, the average NBA player lost over $200,000 as a result of the stalemate. With over 300 and counting games canceled, those economically hurt aren't just the league owners and players. From bars to parking lots around the venues, the local economies have also suffered greatly.
The best approach is negotiation with the mindset that an ultimate solution between the two parties is imperative. When one or both sides begin to feel that losses are fine and allow strikes to unfold, the devastating effects begin to spread, affecting more than just the two sides. It comes back to their responsibility to soon realize that the current short-term losses will only continue to bleed, and to ultimately propose a compromise that restores America's pastime and economy.
Sources:
- http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/new-labor-contract-shows-bud-selig-learned-lesson-111711
- http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOEfwc7ypNv9lhOtstScTVDadhAg?docId=2538d484e3f847adbd48023cee8587f6
- http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7238632/nba-lockout-average-player-loses-220000-paychecks-arrive
- http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7247758/nba-lockout-league-briefs-owners-situation-conference-call-source-says
Sunday, October 30, 2011
October Miracle
Related previous posts: Historical September Collapses, October Surprises
This is nothing short of historical and utterly magical. The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series Friday night after defeating Texas Rangers in Game 7. Two months ago, this seemed as about as unlikely as one could get. Here's all that happened for the Cardinals to win it all.
Sources:
This is nothing short of historical and utterly magical. The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series Friday night after defeating Texas Rangers in Game 7. Two months ago, this seemed as about as unlikely as one could get. Here's all that happened for the Cardinals to win it all.
- Stood 10½ games out of the final playoff spot with 31 games to play
- Stood 8½ back with 21 to play
- Stood 3 back with 5 to play, and needed the Phillies to sweep the Braves in the final games of the regular season
- Defeated the Phillies, which won 102 games in the regular season, and the division rival Brewers in first two rounds, both times without home-field advantage
- Down 3-2 in the World Series after 5 games, needed to win 2 consecutive games at home
- Rallied from being down to their last strike, twice, in back-to-back inning, during Game 6 to win against Rangers
Sources:
Saturday, October 8, 2011
October Surprises
During the regular season, New York Yankees won 97 games, and Philadelphia Phillies won 102 games. Yet even with the home-field advantage, neither team was able to advance out of the first round of playoffs, falling to the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively. The Cardinals, if one may recall, miraculously capped their run and got into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. They faced the Phillies, who sent former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay to the decisive Game 5 on Friday. Yet the Cardinals pulled it through. Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter simply out-pitched his old former teammate on a 3-hitter.
Surprise throughout the sports nation and disappointment along the East Coast? Certainly. Coming in with high expectations, teams like Yankees and Phillies wanted nothing short of a championship. Yankees president Randy Levine recently said that without winning the World Series, the season "is a bitter disappointment and not a successful year." Similar sentiment is inevitable in Philadelphia, which immediately became everyone's favorite to win the World Series this year when Cliff Lee resigned with the team, boasting inevitably the best rotation in the League. The prediction continued throughout the season, as Phillies boasted the best record in the League from April to September.
But this is the realm of sports, where anything can happen. The Cardinals can climb from their historical September rally into the playoffs, and knock out the all-mighty Phillies in the first round. What happened in the 162 games of regular season is only an indication. Indications can predict, but not ascertain any results.
Sources:
Surprise throughout the sports nation and disappointment along the East Coast? Certainly. Coming in with high expectations, teams like Yankees and Phillies wanted nothing short of a championship. Yankees president Randy Levine recently said that without winning the World Series, the season "is a bitter disappointment and not a successful year." Similar sentiment is inevitable in Philadelphia, which immediately became everyone's favorite to win the World Series this year when Cliff Lee resigned with the team, boasting inevitably the best rotation in the League. The prediction continued throughout the season, as Phillies boasted the best record in the League from April to September.
But this is the realm of sports, where anything can happen. The Cardinals can climb from their historical September rally into the playoffs, and knock out the all-mighty Phillies in the first round. What happened in the 162 games of regular season is only an indication. Indications can predict, but not ascertain any results.
Sources:
Friday, September 30, 2011
Who is Dan Johnson?
"He’s not even the 25th man on the Tampa roster. He’s more like the 32nd or 33rd or 34th man." Coming up to bat at the bottom of 9th inning, with his Tampa Bay Rays down 7-6 on the season's finale, with Red Sox ahead at the time and the season on the line, Johnson was hitting an abysmal .108 in 83 at-bats, including zero hits in all of September. Johnson quickly got down in the counts with one ball and two strikes. But the next changeup from Yankees' Cory Wade traveled down the right-field line and over the wall. Suddenly, Rays have come back from a 7-0 deficit in the last two innings. They'd eventually win in extra inning with another homer. But it was the homer in the bottom of the 9th that tied the game and forced the extras, that first goes into the history book.
Meanwhile over at Baltimore, Boston Red Sox, looking to save its season from a historic collapse, held lead into the 9th inning. Closer Jonathan Papelbon, a 4-time All-Star, could not hold onto the one-run lead. The game's final play unfolded as Outfielder Carl Crawford, who had signed 7-year, $142-million contract with the Red Sox before the season, could not make the diving catch; the Orioles scored the winning run. They weren't able to close the game and save the season. But the little-known Dan Johnson was able to lift the Ray into the playoffs.
Indeed, this is one of the signature of sports. One just doesn't know who will be the hero at the end of the night.
Source:
Meanwhile over at Baltimore, Boston Red Sox, looking to save its season from a historic collapse, held lead into the 9th inning. Closer Jonathan Papelbon, a 4-time All-Star, could not hold onto the one-run lead. The game's final play unfolded as Outfielder Carl Crawford, who had signed 7-year, $142-million contract with the Red Sox before the season, could not make the diving catch; the Orioles scored the winning run. They weren't able to close the game and save the season. But the little-known Dan Johnson was able to lift the Ray into the playoffs.
Indeed, this is one of the signature of sports. One just doesn't know who will be the hero at the end of the night.
Source:
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Historical September Collapses
As weather begins to chill and October rolls, America's pastime heads into the playoffs. But what baseball witnessed this September was anything short of unbelievable. On the final day of regular season, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves lost the wildcard spot after holding strong leads only earlier this season. And the fashion in which it all unwrapped today was also short of unbelievable.
On September 3rd, Red Sox held 9-game lead over Tampa Bay Rays for the wildcard. But that lead evaporated and as the day began yesterday, the teams were tied for the wildcard. Through most of the night, it looked as if Boston would wrap up the position and put a damper on their dangerous slide. They were up 3-2 as rain delay settled in the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Rays were down 7-0 against the Yankees. The Rays were down to their last strike; the Red Sox was one strike away from winning. But Rays rallied to win 8-7 against the first-place Yankees, and Red Sox managed to lose 4-3 to the last-place Orioles.
On the National League side, Atlanta Braves had 10½ games lead over St. Louis Cardinals on August 25th. Even before game on September 6th, the lad was 8½ games. But similar to slide in American League, Braves managed to lose its lead and came into the last day of the season tied with the Cardinals for the wildcard. Cardinals won its game first, 8-0 against the Astros. It was down to the Braves to save its season and force an extra game against the Cardinals to determine who wins the last playoff spot. Heading into 9th inning, Braved held onto 3-2 lead, but blew it, and finally let the Phillies score in the 13th inning to cap the ultimate collapse.
Collapses are not uncommon. But to see historical levels of collapse in both leagues, on the last day of the season, both in remarkable fashions on the last game of the season, is quite unprecedented. While collapse is one side of the equation, the final results still wouldn't be possible without the remarkable runs of the other teams. Both Tampa Bay and St. Louis played above .600 baseball to catch up the wildcard leaders. October is known for where legacies are born in the playoffs. But just as noteworthy are the remarkable stories in September that allow some of the teams to head into October baseball. From now, anything is possible. Colorado Rockies rolled their way into the final playoff spot in 2007 and went on their juggernaut into the World Series. How will the Rays and Cardinals turn out this season, after just having capped their unbelievable run into the playoff? October will tell.
Sources:
On September 3rd, Red Sox held 9-game lead over Tampa Bay Rays for the wildcard. But that lead evaporated and as the day began yesterday, the teams were tied for the wildcard. Through most of the night, it looked as if Boston would wrap up the position and put a damper on their dangerous slide. They were up 3-2 as rain delay settled in the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Rays were down 7-0 against the Yankees. The Rays were down to their last strike; the Red Sox was one strike away from winning. But Rays rallied to win 8-7 against the first-place Yankees, and Red Sox managed to lose 4-3 to the last-place Orioles.
On the National League side, Atlanta Braves had 10½ games lead over St. Louis Cardinals on August 25th. Even before game on September 6th, the lad was 8½ games. But similar to slide in American League, Braves managed to lose its lead and came into the last day of the season tied with the Cardinals for the wildcard. Cardinals won its game first, 8-0 against the Astros. It was down to the Braves to save its season and force an extra game against the Cardinals to determine who wins the last playoff spot. Heading into 9th inning, Braved held onto 3-2 lead, but blew it, and finally let the Phillies score in the 13th inning to cap the ultimate collapse.
Collapses are not uncommon. But to see historical levels of collapse in both leagues, on the last day of the season, both in remarkable fashions on the last game of the season, is quite unprecedented. While collapse is one side of the equation, the final results still wouldn't be possible without the remarkable runs of the other teams. Both Tampa Bay and St. Louis played above .600 baseball to catch up the wildcard leaders. October is known for where legacies are born in the playoffs. But just as noteworthy are the remarkable stories in September that allow some of the teams to head into October baseball. From now, anything is possible. Colorado Rockies rolled their way into the final playoff spot in 2007 and went on their juggernaut into the World Series. How will the Rays and Cardinals turn out this season, after just having capped their unbelievable run into the playoff? October will tell.
Sources:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Cleveland Indians and All-Star Trades
The Cleveland Indians definitely have not been on this side of the equation for awhile. These few days have marked 2 years since the team traded away Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and All-Star Victor Martinez, all of those coming a year after trading Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. But now, after a sizzling start that puts them still in contention for the playoffs, despite a consistent downfall the last few months, the Indians have acquired an All Star: Ubaldo Jimenez from Colorado Rockies.
In a trade like this, a team may win but also lose; the debate of short-run benefits versus long-run benefits doesn't always bring conclusive results. Teams give up young prospects who have potential to develop in the future, for stars who have shown capabilities to improve a team immediately. It may be most valuable to see what prospects the Indians have gotten in giving up their recent All-Stars.
In giving up CC Sabathia in 2008, the Indians acquired players including Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. Neither have become exceptional, but part of the reason in trading away Sabathia was that his contract was coming to an end. Knowing that he would eventually not resign with Cleveland, the Indians sought to get some plays in return while that was possible. Sabathia, meanwhile, earned 40 wins in the past two regular seasons, and already has 15 wins this season. In giving up Cliff Lee in 2009, the Indians acquired players including the active Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson. Carrasco has found some success at points this season, but as shown clearly in his loss on Friday night, he is still far from finishing developing. But it is noteworthy to point out that since leaving the Indians, Lee has pitched the Phillies (2009) and Rangers (2010) into World Series, and back in Philadelphia this year, the Philies are currently at the top in the standings. In giving up Victor Martinez the same year, the Indians acquired players including Justin Masterson, who has found most success this season. His 8-7 record may be mediocre, but he has had few run support this year. Martinez meanwhile, has been hitting above .300 ever since.
A brief look at these trade shows that for each All-Star traded away, all of whom are still prospering, one or two returns have remained in the current active roster, but none has become an All-Star. But it may simply need more development, as trading for prospects is an act of long-term investment. Now as the Indians are on the other side, some criticism has been said about how much the Indians gave up to attain Jimenez, who recorded 19 wins last season. Top prospect Drew Pomeranz and Alex White were sent away. Further reports indicate that Yankees were initially interested in Jimenez, but that Rockies were demanding too much Only time will tell whether this was the right decision or not, as is the case with investments with slowly returning dividends. But few doubt presume that given how Cliff Lee has been pitching, the Philadelphia Philies would track the prospects they lost in the deal and evaluate the costs and benefits of that trade. If the star produces immediate benefits on a grand scale, the organization would deem the transaction effective. So while the Indians ponder on whether on today's transaction was costly or valued, the ball is literally in Jimenez's hands to write the finishing ends to this story.
Sources:
In a trade like this, a team may win but also lose; the debate of short-run benefits versus long-run benefits doesn't always bring conclusive results. Teams give up young prospects who have potential to develop in the future, for stars who have shown capabilities to improve a team immediately. It may be most valuable to see what prospects the Indians have gotten in giving up their recent All-Stars.
In giving up CC Sabathia in 2008, the Indians acquired players including Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. Neither have become exceptional, but part of the reason in trading away Sabathia was that his contract was coming to an end. Knowing that he would eventually not resign with Cleveland, the Indians sought to get some plays in return while that was possible. Sabathia, meanwhile, earned 40 wins in the past two regular seasons, and already has 15 wins this season. In giving up Cliff Lee in 2009, the Indians acquired players including the active Carlos Carrasco and Lou Marson. Carrasco has found some success at points this season, but as shown clearly in his loss on Friday night, he is still far from finishing developing. But it is noteworthy to point out that since leaving the Indians, Lee has pitched the Phillies (2009) and Rangers (2010) into World Series, and back in Philadelphia this year, the Philies are currently at the top in the standings. In giving up Victor Martinez the same year, the Indians acquired players including Justin Masterson, who has found most success this season. His 8-7 record may be mediocre, but he has had few run support this year. Martinez meanwhile, has been hitting above .300 ever since.
A brief look at these trade shows that for each All-Star traded away, all of whom are still prospering, one or two returns have remained in the current active roster, but none has become an All-Star. But it may simply need more development, as trading for prospects is an act of long-term investment. Now as the Indians are on the other side, some criticism has been said about how much the Indians gave up to attain Jimenez, who recorded 19 wins last season. Top prospect Drew Pomeranz and Alex White were sent away. Further reports indicate that Yankees were initially interested in Jimenez, but that Rockies were demanding too much Only time will tell whether this was the right decision or not, as is the case with investments with slowly returning dividends. But few doubt presume that given how Cliff Lee has been pitching, the Philadelphia Philies would track the prospects they lost in the deal and evaluate the costs and benefits of that trade. If the star produces immediate benefits on a grand scale, the organization would deem the transaction effective. So while the Indians ponder on whether on today's transaction was costly or valued, the ball is literally in Jimenez's hands to write the finishing ends to this story.
Sources:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)