In MLB, Have Big Local TV Money? Will Sign Stars.
By Jason McIntyre
"Heated competition and demand for sports cable programming are driving up broadcasting rights fees. And some ball clubs find themselves flush in a sport with no limit on how much they can spend for players."
This isn’t technically “news,” as the sport has been struggling with this for nearly a decade. But in the wake of Pujols-to-Anaheim, Yu Darvish-to-Texas, and Fielder-to-Detroit (even though the Tigers claim a lucrative TV deal didn’t have much to do with the deal), the problem has arisen once again. Braves fans should be worried. And Milwaukee, which just lost Prince Fielder, is not happy.
"“The TV contracts are the biggest difference,” Melvin said. “All I know is ours doesn’t come close to [the Angels, Rangers and other big-market teams]. We can’t change our market. We’re not going to be able to go and bring five million people to Milwaukee for a better TV market.”"
Pitchers and catchers report in 19 days! [Plain Dealer]