Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
I didn't realize fans of the game were not allowed to give their opinions.
They are allowed and expected to as thats what keeps interest in the game. Controversy spurs interest and sells advertising but that is "outside the box" and not part of the MLB inner circle where decisions are made. My point was that for the most part, to the team they mean nothing. I am not an owner, never will be, and therefore I tend not to look at ownership's side of things.
That surprises me as I've always viewed you as a knowledge seeker And I don't enjoy the game within the game.
Enjoyment doesn't mean you have to like the results. I enjoy seeing the big picture and understanding how things work. one of the reasons why baseball is not the all american sport anymore.
Long live sokker. That sport has failed in the US at college and pro levels because there are no issues. In Europe and S America the sport thrives because the fan base understands the inner workings and keeps it alive by the controversy. Too much controversy, too much wondering why after all of these years these issues keep dragging on with no real solutions.
The DH, corked bats, contracts, revenue sharing, juiced/altered balls, retaliation, drugs, are all part of what makes the sport breath. No one likes it but its all part of the big picture, LL was pure, HS was "social", travel ball was political, college ball separated players from prospects, and pro ball is a business. As a parent or a fan we've evolved and understood the inner workings through all those "steps". That understanding is what keeps the passion alive, at least for me. I have found that most people really don't care about the issues facing MLB.
Thats why the net is packed full of msg boards and blogs discussing every issue. The fire burns because of our displeasure and opinions. All kids are told by parents to "ignore it and it will go away" but instead of listening they watch mom/dad confront their issues with their opinions and they in turn follow suit. We are creatures of opinions and thrive on presenting them. IMO, which I am entitled to,
ABSOLUTELY the game of baseball should be played out on the field, not sudden information that pops up when convenient, but in our world today that is virtually (literally) impossible in almost anything.
Utopia is a beautiful thing, but is only an illusion. At the college level some have had to deal with small school and mid D1 issues and others had to deal with "power school" issues, but regardless of the almighty NCAA we all survived and those that follow will also survive. MLB will also survive because of the issues that are presented will be resolved within the business structure. After all it is there ball and their backyard Give me all of the facts, every players name, publish the investigation, players come clean with their involvement (honestly), don't hand out bits and pieces to keep me guessing.
As the character in Shakespeare's Henry VI, says "kill all the lawyers". Bits and pieces are what makes business business. Then when I am presented all of the facts, I will form an opinion (which again I am entitled to) and come to my own conclusions. I might even be forgiving.
TPM, besides our mutual passion for baseball we are both stubborn to the hilt and some issues will not have a "forgiveness factor" 
IMHO 
