Thursday, February 23, 2006

In Brief...

Two minor things to mention today...

1. I am not sure if anyone else saw the story about the trademark infringement suit regarding ownership rights to the name "Washington Nationals." Apparently, Bud Selig, genius that he is, forgot to sign the contract with the actual owner of the trademark to the name "Washington Nationals." Instead of signing the damn thing, Selig assumed that negotiations were finalized on a handshake and is now faced with the reality that unless a settlement can be reached, the team in Washington, D.C. will have to re-brand itself. Major League Baseball in general, and Selig in particular, have grossly mismanaged the franchise formerly known as the Montreal Expos. What's worse is that knowing Selig, he'll settle for five times the price it would've taken to buy the trademark outright a few years ago and then pass along that cost to the future owner of the team. That is, if Selig ever gets around to selling this team and giving it a fair shot at surviving in our nation's capital.

Selig has proven himself to be one of the worst chief executives in the United States. That baseball is thriving is a testament to some of the individual owners who have overcome the stupidity of those working in MLB HQ. Even small market owners should be appalled at how Selig handles his affairs. A franchise like the Kansas City Royals, which enjoys none of the favored-team tactics that Selig employs, should think long and hard about continuing to support the commissioner's buffoonery.

2. With only a few more days to go before the World Baseball Classic, I'd like to post something akin to a prayer. I'm in no way religious so I guess prayer isn't the right word but whatever, that's not the point...I just hope that none of the MLB players get hurt in this hair-brained scheme of Selig's. I hope that all MLB players come back to their teams in perfect health so that every baseball fan around the country can enjoy their favorite players. If any player should go down, may that team's fanbase kick Selig in his gray, wrinkled nutsack.

No comments: