Letter to the Editor: "Every MLB team and fan should take a long hard look in the mirror before blaming big market, successful teams for their own team's lack of success."

The Toronto Sun
April 8, 2010 Thursday

Dear Editor

Re "OK, the BS about MLB" (April 6): Steve Buffery only writes about one side of the argument. He doesn't mention the luxury tax and revenue sharing in Major League Baseball. The Yankees and Red Sox, and other big market teams, annually shell out millions to the small market teams through revenue sharing via the luxury tax. Some teams consistently go as cheaply as possible with their payroll and the owners use that money to line their own pockets while continuing to cry poor. The Jays could easily outspend the Yankees if they wanted to, but they don't.

Every MLB team and fan should take a long hard look in the mirror before blaming big market, successful teams for their own team's lack of success. And as a Cubs and Jays fan, I know a thing or two about watching a losing team. About 16 teams in Major League Baseball would be able to cover their costs, or a significant portion, before Opening Day, yet they still cry poor -- because they take that money and run. Don't blame the Yankees and Red Sox, it ain't their problem.

ALEX ESPOSITO