[Goose]

It may need to change because of human behavior. Fans aren't going to take into account the fact that buying a championships isn't easy. That it is even possible will turn many fans off. Worse still, many teams will agree with my read about the fans and will be driven to spend more than they can afford to stay competitive. That will undermine the financial stability of at least a few teams. Having franchises fold is not a good look. Fortunately, I think MLB is aware of their  own behavior problems and will tweak the luxury tax to the point that there is a such a penalty for exceeding X dollars that nobody can afford it. That isn't to say teams can't get in trouble anyway by overspending. A progressive tax can still cost a lot of money before it becomes prohibitive. However, as long as it appears there is a real limit the "buying a pennant" threat will not be viewed as a serious problem.

Meh.  Let a team declare bankruptcy and reorganize under a bankruptcy court, then find a new buyer who can keep payroll under control.  Baseball has a lot of problems, but I don't think disparate spending is the biggest.  I think as long as small market teams can occasionally compete (eg Tampa Bay, Oakland, San Diego this year), that's enough.  And I say that as a long-suffering Padres fan.

BC

OK, fair enough. However, as a "small market" team, the Padres are spending lots and lots of money. Apparently they have it. The Athletics have been a great example of the financial disparity problem. They get kind of good and then lose everybody to free agency or trade to avoid getting nothing. Rinse and repeat. One would like to believe that by being smarter a team can overcome lack of funds. Unfortunately, that is indeed the rae case.

[Goose]

It may need to change because of human behavior. Fans aren't going to take into account the fact that buying a championships isn't easy. That it is even possible will turn many fans off. Worse still, many teams will agree with my read about the fans and will be driven to spend more than they can afford to stay competitive. That will undermine the financial stability of at least a few teams. Having franchises fold is not a good look. Fortunately, I think MLB is aware of their  own behavior problems and will tweak the luxury tax to the point that there is a such a penalty for exceeding X dollars that nobody can afford it. That isn't to say teams can't get in trouble anyway by overspending. A progressive tax can still cost a lot of money before it becomes prohibitive. However, as long as it appears there is a real limit the "buying a pennant" threat will not be viewed as a serious problem.

Meh.  Let a team declare bankruptcy and reorganize under a bankruptcy court, then find a new buyer who can keep payroll under control.  Baseball has a lot of problems, but I don't think disparate spending is the biggest.  I think as long as small market teams can occasionally compete (eg Tampa Bay, Oakland, San Diego this year), that's enough.  And I say that as a long-suffering Padres fan.

BC

OK, fair enough. However, as a "small market" team, the Padres are spending lots and lots of money. Apparently they have it. The Athletics have been a great example of the financial disparity problem. They get kind of good and then lose everybody to free agency or trade to avoid getting nothing. Rinse and repeat. One would like to believe that by being smarter a team can overcome lack of funds. Unfortunately, that is indeed the rae case.