Response to A Microcosm

Original post here (Tried to post response, didn't take don't know why?)

They have shown us. They have made it crystal clear: The Washington Nationals are a business.

They demand ROI. And they want it today not in three years.

This offseason continues the same pattern they have shown since inception. A big announcement about your #1 overall choice and that record breaking contract. So let's not talk about the fact that we went super cheap for EVERY OTHER PICK WE MADE! Our 3rd round choice was a 10th rounder on every one else's board but he'll sign fast and cheap so he's a Nat and who really cares about 3rd round choices?

It's apparent the Lerner's have decided they can comfortably maintain their asset by keeping payroll manageable, catering to high dollar customers (the big offseason expense are luxury club upgrades in a brand new ballpark!) and selling tickets to fans of the visiting team who just happen to be plentiful in Washington.

From an MBA standpoint, it makes a lot of sense. It's practical, prudent and almost foolproof.

But I don't have to point out how it feels from a fan's perspective. Hell, if the OWNERS don't care to win, then why should anyone else?

Chief Jackass

"...it seems some reporters just don't even know what they don't know, and often don't even know what they think they know."

"As a fan, and as an owner, no one hates to lose more than I do, but I like to base my opinions and my emotions on fact, not on cocktail party suppositions. That's the difference between a mature fan or pundit, and a childish tantrum...

"I have had to learn not to expect more from some of the folks covering the Nationals. My friends have been telling me that for a few years...

"I have to remind myself that the job of many reporters is filling column inches more than being factual or informed."

-- Chief Jackass Mark Lerner

It's only four small paragraphs. But oh how much it says.

His Obamaian paranoia about media, his casual dismissal of criticism as ranting of the uninformed. A true douche.

Hey Mark, if you are so concerned about accuracy, then by all means tell your side of the story. What's inaccurate? Don't you think we'd love to bash the Food Critic if he got something wrong? Of course we would. So show me.

Tell me I'm wrong when I make the claim that you pocketed $40m in profit in '08 and will turn a profit in '09. Open the books and make me look like a fool. Please.

Prove to me that you aren't ignoring the international free agent market. Show that you tried to sign Inoa or Sano or Aroldis Chapman? Give us the phone records, the texts, whatever we need to prove you are doing everything you can to win. Show me why spending $3.2m on the best Dominician prospect this year is a bad idea and how your orgainzation is just too tapped out to be a major player in this avenue for acquiring talent.

Clearly you must be smarter than me or all the other observers out here in the Natsmophere. You own the team and I don't. You have the money, you must be smart because you earned errrrrr inherited all that cash. Please enlighten us oh Sage of South Capitol Street. Tell us why uniforms are misspelled, tarps fail, fireworks malfunction and two consecutive 100 loss seasons happened?

There is one positive Mr. Lerner. You'll have to do a hell of a lot worse to capture the worst owner in town award.