Monday, October 09, 2006

Pohlad Lite?

When the Lerners were named, I wrote a post (I think, but then I'm also suffering from early dementia) worrying about some things I had heard/read that made me think we might have another Pohlad on our hands, an owner who'll scrimp and save, devoting just enough resources to putting a passable team on the field, but who won't go that extra mile in devoting resources to the team. Obviously, we don't know one way or another (although the talk about actually reducing payroll next year makes me lean even more in that direction), but today's profile in the Washington Post does nothing to dissuade me from that feeling.

It's a good read about the Lerner family and their business dealings. They're crisp, to the point, and stick to the letter of the law, even in places where compromise might best be in order. Obviously, when dealing with the sad sacks who run the gov't here, that might be a prudent strategy, but it does show where much of the friction over the garage situation comes from.

In short, the article paints the picture of an owner who views the team solely as a business development, and who is singularly focused on the stadium, without any real cares as to how it effects the surrounding areas. I'm not one to decry selfishness; I think it's (through its effects) an important part of what makes this country great, but the Lerners were given a public good, and they should have some sort of obligation to the community, especially in making sure that their new stadium works with the community as a whole, and that it and the surrounding development blend seamlessly so that the economic engine that was promised comes to fruition.

What do you think? Am I a reactionary ninny? Do they have any obligation to the community? Or are they, as good businessmen, allowed to run the team/construction as if it were any other project?

11 Comments:

  • I think this yet another result of the ass-backward way the team was transferred. The Lerners had nothing to do with negotiating the stadium deal, thus don't have anything more to go on than the strict letter of the agreement. So, a good proportion of the blame for this mess needs to be laid at the feet of MLB.

    Would you be willing to reopen an agreement with a group of people that includes someone (David Catania) who says you should give them a 10% stake in your property for free?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 9:49 AM  

  • If it were me, I would be pushing the stadium first, last and always right now as well. All that other development depends on the stadium.

    I bet that LernerCo would be content with an on-time start in the new digs and a less than developed neighborhood for 2008. After their baby is taken care of they will move on the neighborhood.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 9:56 AM  

  • Both are fair points.

    SOL: The incompetence of the DC officials is certainly worrisome, but would they have to open it up that far to make some of these changes? Through it all, they've complained about the parking not being available and ruining the fan experience, even though the parking isn't really for the 'fans', but for the VIPs.

    bristow: their own interest is definitely what they should look out for, as good businessmen. But I'm not sure, especially after reading this profile, that they're as civic minded as you suggest they might be in the second part. I'd hope they would, but...

    By Blogger Chris Needham, at 10/09/2006 10:01 AM  

  • I think you are absolutely right about the Lerners being cheap. I posted these very same concerns on several blog sites before Selig awarded the team to the Lerner/Kasten Group. All you need to know is that the Lerners did not spend one red cent to help bring the Nats to DC while the Malek Group spent millions. When the new stadium was in jeopardy, Lerner did nothing while the Malek Group spent much time and lots of money to save the deal. That speaks volumes. Then, we heard the Lerners, being in the construction business, would be willing to spend some of the pocket change on enhancements to the new stadium that the DC Government could not afford. As far as I can tell, this didn't happen either.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 10:38 AM  

  • After reading the Post article, I think Ted Lerner may be a combination of "Pohlad Lite" and Peter Angelos. The tone of the article should make Nats' fans feel very disturbed.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 11:34 AM  

  • What bothers me about the Lerner Group is that they show no respect for the fact that they are receiving a FREE BALLPARK, none. Its fine to honor a contract and hold people to what was agreed to. I also realize that once the ballpark is built, everything will come behind it, its natural. But to only focus on your self, ballpark changes, and unwilling to spend one extra of their own dollars and ignore everybody else's concerns is bothersome. It seems that Stan Kasten is out on a limb---alone, trying to get everything in order for the Nats Franchhise, while real Ownership is only looking at the bottom line.
    I also find it disturbing.

    By Blogger Screech's Best Friend, at 10/09/2006 11:52 AM  

  • While I am worried that the Lerners might be a little too structured for the world of major league baseball, two things disuade my concerns:

    1)Stan Kasten is, above all else, a baseball guru. The Lerners will listen to him.

    2)Many teams with payrolls at or near the Nationals' current $60 million or so are succeeding in the league. The Nationals can too, as long as the minor leagues will be both fruitful and productive.

    By Blogger Farid Rushdi, at 10/09/2006 12:53 PM  

  • The Lerner family is cheap, underhanded, and decietful...From an urban planning standpoint, these people are looking to ruin what could be a great thing for the District, all for the sake of a few million dollars. Do I have a few million dollars? No, but if I had billions i certainly wouldnt skimp on the future of this city. Honestly though, what did we think we were getting? The man lives in Maryland, why would he care to be philanthropic about my hometown? Its just another example of the rich getting richer at the expense of average folks like me. And you dont think Major League Baseball knew this fully when awarding the team to this group? They have just gone ahead and picked up right where MLB left off. All these owners are like minded thinkers, and that is thinking for only their best interests. Its no wonder the Malek group wasnt awarded ownership, they are far too concerned with the community and philantropy for the likes of MLB execs.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 1:38 PM  

  • The Malek Group not getting the Nats franchise was one of the biggest screw jobs I have witnessed in my entire lifetime. However, Sleaze Selig's decision to award the team to the Lerner Family was no surprise to me. I can't wait until Adrian Fenty and and Ted Lerner take off the gloves and come out swinging at each other. You just know that's right around the corner.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/09/2006 3:31 PM  

  • You wanna know what I think? I'll tell you what I think, you reactionary ninny...

    http://curlyw.blogspot.com/2006/10/no-dollar-left-behind.html

    By Blogger Brandon, at 10/09/2006 8:10 PM  

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