I have been reading various articles over the past few weeks that contain various backhanded or alluding comments to the "cheapness" of the NATS ownership. Given that they just renewed the contract of Zimmerman I thought I would finally comment on these writings.
Lets just start by saying your all nuts!!!!!!!!!!
I am a longtime Expos fan. Yes EXPOS, I am living in a time warp and they will always be the EXPOS to me. Yes I am a loser but if you have cheered for a team your whole life, skipped school to watch home openers or can remember the TV being wheeled during the EXPOS pennant drive then you'll understand. There are some Houston Oilers fans, original Senators fans only fans from longtime franchises that have move will be able to understand. If you can understand this then you will understand where I am coming from.
The Lerner's have done nothing that any fan, outside commentator or ink stain can complain about. They are not carpet baggers like Loria, or nuts like Al Davis or looking too make a buck like Rupert Murdoch. Anyone who follows the NATS need to look know further then down the road to Baltimore and look at Peter Angelos to see what poor ownership can do to a franchise. The Lerner's are not spending money on washed up veterans, in baseball you seem to pay more for what the player has accomplished (for another team) then what they will accomplish for you, this is just good business. They are still spending money only its in player development again smart business for a franchise that was depleted by Selig and his cronies.
I would agree that maybe they could loosen-up for Cordero and Zimmerman but if you don't agree with that style (something that the Indians used somewhat successfully) then you don't agree. Zimmerman (knock on wood) could blow his knee and be done or Cordero could blow-out his elbow and be done. I hate to talk about people like commodities but that is how the game of baseball is played and it is a harsh reality.
The Lerner's are sticking to their plans and are giving direction to a franchise that has long been rudderless, to hear these statements is discouraging because they not only have to fight this public opinion but they are still building their market. Among other things Angelos is still trying to screw them, the broadcast deal they have this year is really appalling and he and Selig don't care about the game or if it succeeds in DC. they only care about getting their money. So with that in mind think about what this franchise has done and is doing to make this a viable franchise, think of what they have already overcome and you will see it is overwhelmingly positive. Unfortunately small minds can only see the hand in front of their face and will always try to bring down those with big minds and vision.
Go NATS!