Are Dodger fans protesting against the McCourts? Posted by Anthony Stalter (06/01/2010 @ 8:00 pm)  Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Times observes that all the empty seats at Dodger Stadium might be due to fans protesting against Frank and Jamie McCourt. Whether it’s over their extravagant lifestyle, not paying taxes for six years, a shrinking team payroll or just their nasty divorce, many have seemingly turned against Frank and Jamie McCourt. And the only way for people to ultimately protest is to stay away. To punish the McCourts by withholding funds. The cost of a ticket, of course, is only the beginning of the revenue generated off those in attendance. There is parking and food and beer and souvenirs. That’s a lot of missed revenue on nights when stadium seats seem half empty. Dodgers fans have been historically — some would argue ridiculously — loyal through the years. The Dodgers have drawn over 3 million fans for 14 consecutive years. But when a stadium that big is barely half full, it gets noticed. And if it continues, the lack of revenue will have an impact.
Lion fans talked of boycott for years during the Matt Millen regime, but not even they stayed away. It’s unrealistic for fans to conspire together on one massive protest against any sports ownership. Losing is usually the only thing that keeps people away and in the case of the Lions and Cubs, not even that works sometimes. It’s a logical thought by Dilbeck, but I think it’s a stretch to think that fans are actually staying away from games because of the McCourts. The economy and high ticket prices make more sense than a protest.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
Couch Potato Alert: 3/20 Posted by Thomas Conroy (03/20/2009 @ 1:56 pm) Welcome to the longest-running game show on television today, How’s Your Bracket. I heard that there’s going to be college basketball and more college basketball on television this weekend. March Madness is upon us, and the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament really brings out school pride in alumnus all across the country. Today, you can wear your Stephen F. Austin or North Dakota State t-shirt proudly. All times ET… NBA
Friday, 8:30 PM: Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs (NBA TV)
Saturday, 8 PM: Boston Celtics @ Memphis Grizzlies (NBA TV)
Sunday, 1 PM: Miami Heat @ Detroit Pistons (ABC)
Sunday, 6 PM: Cleveland Cavaliers @ New Jersey Nets (NBA TV) NHL
Saturday, 9 PM: Vancouver Canucks @ Phoenix Coyotes (CBC)
Sunday, 12:30 PM: Philadelphia Flyers@ Pittsburgh Penguins (NBC) NCAA Tournament
Friday, 12 PM-12:30 AM: First round action from various sites (CBS)
Saturday, 1 PM-10:30 PM: Second round action from various sites (CBS)
Sunday, 12 PM-7 PM: Second round action from various sites (CBS) World Baseball Classic
Saturday, 9 PM: Semifinal: Korea vs. Venezuela from Dodger Stadium (ESPN)
Sunday, 8 PM: Semifinal: Japan vs. United States from Dodger Stadium (ESPN) Posted in: College Basketball, Couch Potato Alert, March Madness, MLB, NBA, NHL, Television Tags: ABC, Boston Celtics, CBC, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Dodger Stadium, ESPN, Japan, Korea, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA TV, NBC, NCAA tournament, New Jersey Nets, NHL, North Dakota State, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Antonio Spurs, Stephen F. Austin, Syracuse University, United States, Vancouver Canucks, Venezuela, wbc, World Baseball Classic
Hot Stove League: Manny Still Team-less Posted by Mike Farley (01/03/2009 @ 8:28 am) Among all the moves, be they trades or free agent signings, the biggest non-signing of the MLB Hot Stove off-season has been that Manny Ramirez remains without a team. Actually he hasn’t even had an offer besides the Dodgers’ two-year, $45 million offer back in November. But last night, the Dodgers and beleaguered outfielder Andruw Jones (*) parted ways, freeing up some more money on their payroll to offer Ramirez. Manny fits well on that team and with Joe Torre’s easy demeanor. And he can loaf a bit more in between raking the ball all over Dodger Stadium. We’ll see, but with the Yanks signing Mark Teixeira, and the Angels focusing on their bullpen by signing Brian Fuentes, there are less attractive options for Manny other than remaining in La La Land. In addition to the Teixeira Fuentes signings, Randy Johnson was inked by the Giants. This works out well for the Big Unit, who wanted to play in California and can easily reach 300 victories since he currently has 295. If only Barry Zito started pitching like Oakland Barry Zito, this staff would be looking damn good right now. So one of the problems with the stalled Jake Peavy to Chicago trade talks was that the Padres wanted infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry balked at that. Well, Hendry had no problem shipping DeRosa to Cleveland for three minor leaguers, did he? I think there is more to that Peavy story than what we’re being told. I don’t know what, but somebody doesn’t like somebody somewhere, and my guess is there is an agent in that conversation. So Derek Lowe doesn’t want to pitch for the Mets at three years, $36 million? Are you kidding me? How is that guy worth more than $12 million per season at 35 years old? Dude apparently wants a four or five year, $90 million deal. Good luck with that, Derek. Meanwhile the Mets are turning their attention back to in-house free agents Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez, as well as less expensive options like Jon Garland or Randy Wolf. * Omar Minaya, if you are reading this, DO NOT invite Jones to spring training. I know the Dodgers are paying his way in 2009, but the guy can’t hit his way out of a paper bag (the stats don’t lie…..158 batting average with 76 strikeouts in just 209 at-bats). Thank you for your attention to this matter. Posted in: Fantasy Baseball, MLB, Rumors & Gossip Tags: Andruw Jones, Barry Zito, Big Unit, Brian Fuentes, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, Derek Lowe, Dodger Stadium, Hot Stove, Hot Stove League, Jake Peavy, Jim Hendry, Joe Torre, Jon Garland, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny Ramirez, Mark DeRosa, Mark Teixeira, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Oliver Perez, Omar Minaya, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Randy Wolf, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
|
