Post by Captain America on Mar 30, 2015 20:45:44 GMT -5
I've been thinking of this idea for quite some time, but never got around to it until now. Basically, this shows which teams have more or less done well with their in-game finances over our 19 seasons thus far.
Of course, the payrolls of any team can change during a given season at any time, so the payrolls shown on the site may not be the most accurate representation of every payroll in each season for every team. And then, there are the expansion Diamondbacks and Rays that have only existed for 13 full seasons thus far. But with the data we have to analyze this, here's how the AL teams have done financially over time:
14. Tampa Bay Rays
Market Size: Average
Highest Revenue: $86,867,210 (2010)
Lowest Revenue: $40,580,244 (2003)
Highest Payroll: $119,298,037 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $19,018,476 (2003)
Average Revenue: $62,150,579
Average Payroll: $74,286,236
# of Seasons With Profit: 3
Total Revenue: $807,957,524
Total Payroll: $965,721,059
Grand Net Total: -$157,763,535
I'm not surprised at all by the sight of this. The Rays have had 3 GM's in their history since coming into the league in 2003. Mark, the first GM, started a rebuild that Greeme would later continue. But when Greeme was ready to compete, he loaded up on salary and lost over $29 million for 4 consecutive seasons from 2006-2009.
The Rays have always had one of the worst revenue streams and have the 2nd lowest revenue total of all AL teams. When Greeme briefly left, Stoool came in and did a short rebuild of his own, but then in 2014, decided to go all in for a World Series run and proceeded to increase his payroll to over $112 million and lose nearly $40 million.
Thus, due to the average market the Rays have (which in a way is like a small market in comparison to all the big market teams in this league), and the number of seasons where both Greeme and Stoool loaded up on salary and ended up losing a ton of money each time, the Rays' finances have rarely looked good. But both GM's always found ways to get by, which for them, was the important part.
13. Baltimore Orioles
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $84,017,408 (1997)
Lowest Revenue: $59,123,441 (2009)
Highest Payroll: $106,004,480 (2000)
Lowest Payroll: $62,227,570 (2008)
Average Revenue: $74,459,451
Average Payroll: $82,204,765
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,414,729,559
Total Payroll: $1,561,890,533
Grand Net Total: -$147,160,974
I really didn't expect the O's to be this far down, but clearly they have lost money a lot more often than gaining money. In 6 of those seasons, the Orioles lost less than $10 million, so it's not like Jah was consistently risking financial probation every time. However, the difference in highest revenue and payroll in team history is pretty big and definitely reflects on why the Orioles are ranked where they are.
12. Boston Red Sox
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $106,055,800 (2012)
Lowest Revenue: $65,706,714 (2007)
Highest Payroll: $141,952,677 (2013)
Lowest Payroll: $58,802,368 (2005)
Average Revenue: $91,563,397
Average Payroll: $98,816,849
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,739,704,526
Total Payroll: $1,877,520,120
Grand Net Total: -$137,815,594
I thought the Red Sox would be 1 or 2 among the worst net profits in the AL, but they ended up being the 3rd worst. But unlike the Rays, the Red Sox in their really big market have never really had issues with making money. Over time, they have had the highest average revenue in the AL and have had the highest single season revenue total in the AL as well.
Break though is a high roller and more than willing to take 1 financial risk over another if it could lead him to more success. So on the other hand, the Red Sox also have had both the highest average payroll in the AL and in 2013, they set a new single season payroll record that reached nearly $142 million. Among each AL team's lowest revenues and payrolls in a season, the Red Sox have the highest in both. What a surprise! In 2006, the Red Sox set an AL record by losing $-43,794,708. Again, making money has always been a strength for the big money Red Sox, but Break's consistent high spending got him a grand net total close to -$140 million.
11. New York Yankees
New York Yankees
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $103,759,348 (2003)
Lowest Revenue: $63,115,450 (2011)
Highest Payroll: $124,824,978 (2003)
Lowest Payroll: $47,903,470 (2010)
Average Revenue: $88,061,646
Average Payroll: $92,137,256
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,673,171,272
Total Payroll: $1,750,607,847
Grand Net Total: -$77,436,575
Next up is the other big money AL juggernaut...the Yankees. The Yankees have been among the top 3 in the AL in highest average revenue, highest average payroll, highest single season revenue, and highest single season payroll. Like the Red Sox, the Bronx Bombers are also among the leaders in highest low revenue and payroll totals among each team's worst revenue and lowest payroll seasons.
Erbes hasn't gone as crazy with spending the big bucks as Break has, but he has the market to be able to afford doing so whenever he wants, which is a nice luxury. He also has lost over $20 million in a season 4 times, while the Red Sox have done so 5 times. All in all, the BBSBL Yankees' financials haven't been anywhere near as crazy as they are in reality and that's a very good thing in itself, despite the team being in the bottom 5 here.
10. Detroit Tigers
Market Size: Good
Highest Revenue: $84,718,406 (2007)
Lowest Revenue: $50,086,277 (2001)
Highest Payroll: $91,736,465 (2013)
Lowest Payroll: $35,977,678 (2000)
Average Revenue: $62,175,494
Average Payroll: $64,335,667
# of Seasons With Profit: 9
Total Revenue: $1,181,334,372
Total Payroll: $1,222,377,661
Grand Net Total: -$41,043,289
Next up are the Tigers, who are currently in financial probation. That is definitely one of a few reasons why the Tigers are at the bottom of the top 10. The Tigers have earned more than $80 million in revenue just once over 19 seasons. But despite having a payroll above $80 million in 5 seasons, the Tigers have topped out at nearly $92 million in 2013.
Dave hasn't been the very best at managing his finances over time. More recently, he has lost a combined total of just about $55 million over the past 2 seasons. The guy has tried to put together good teams by increasing his payroll with better players, but the Tigers just haven't been able to make that much money in particular to sustain long-term winning baseball. Hopefully, Dave can continue to move the Tigers in a better direction and right the ship. Doing some promotions during the upcoming season wouldn't hurt either in order to sell more tickets.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
Market Size: Below Average
Highest Revenue: $82,415,949 (2013)
Lowest Revenue: $38,222,031 (2008)
Highest Payroll: $86,314,884 (1999)
Lowest Payroll: $44,362,951 (1996)
Average Revenue: $57,208,931
Average Payroll: $58,448,752
# of Seasons With Profit: 8
Total Revenue: $1,086,969,705
Total Payroll: $1,110,526,275
Grand Net Total: -$23,556,570
Poor Steve. For so long, he had the worst revenue stream in the entire league and it took him a long time to get in better financial shape. The Brewers' $38,222,031 revenue in 2008 is the worst ever for any AL team. As a result of his poor revenue, the Brewers' payroll has not been above $70 million since 1999. It has definitely handicapped the Brewers from being able to take on larger salaries, so they literally have to win with young players on cheap contracts. It's not easy, but eventually, they won consecutive division titles in 2012 and 2013. Steve's patience definitely paid off by then.
The Brewers have made positive financial gains in each of the past 5 seasons, after 7 consecutive negative profits before that. It's unlikely we will ever see a Brewers payroll above $100 million, but then again, you can't buy championships and winning seasons with money. The players actually have play well in the field for that to happen.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $94,589,918 (2006)
Lowest Revenue: $55,769,340 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $108,568,258 (2007)
Lowest Payroll: $25,135,928 (2010)
Average Revenue: $72,169,816
Average Payroll: $68,153,566
# of Seasons With Profit: 10
Total Revenue: $1,371,226,502
Total Payroll: $1,294,917,740
Grand Net Total: $76,308,762
And now we move into positive territory! The Blue Jays are also currently in financial probation, but over time, they've done rather well, with positive gains in the majority of all the seasons. As far as revenues go, the Jays have been in the middle of the pack more often than not. With the exception of a 4-year stretch from 2006-2009, the Jays have not been above $80 million in payroll in each of the other seasons.
Game hasn't always been the most proactive GM when it comes to trading for in-game cash, but generally speaking, the Jays' finances have been good, with a few notable exceptions of course.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
Market Size: Below Average
Highest Revenue: $92,827,650 (2010)
Lowest Revenue: $50,289,580 (2002)
Highest Payroll: $108,471,245 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $28,642,336 (2002)
Average Revenue: $73,015,499
Average Payroll: $67,410,865
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,387,294,465
Total Payroll: $1,280,806,432
Grand Net Total: $106,488,033
Who said below average market teams couldn't do well? The Pirates have proved otherwise over time and their finances have been good as well. They have never lost more than $-17,225,219 in a season and have topped $80 million in revenue 6 times. Stevie B has certainly found ways to put together elite teams that won't completely destroy his finances. The Pirates' payroll has only been north of $100 million twice and have been above $80 million just 7 times. It really goes to show that developed young talent can win just as many games as overpaid veteran superstars. Managing a below average market team would probably not be easy for some, but Stevie B has done very well thus far. The Pirates would have been a lot higher if not for the market size.
6. Montreal Expos
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $92,528,413 (2005)
Lowest Revenue: $61,479,138 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $104,182,591 (2011)
Lowest Payroll: $31,286,837 (2007)
Average Revenue: $75,940,850
Average Payroll: $68,453,407
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,442,876,147
Total Payroll: $1,300,614,731
Grand Net Total: $142,261,416
To my surprise, the Expos are a lot higher on this list than I had thought they'd be. And that's with some of the financial mismanagement Kobe has shown in the recent past. Anyway, the Expos have made positive financial gains in 12 seasons, which is among the top for AL teams. They've had a payroll over $90 million in just four seasons under Kobe's watch. Not surprisingly, those 3 of those 4 seasons resulted in the Expos making the playoffs. But it was in 2011 when the Expos won the wild card, but lost $-36,483,526 that sent them into a brand new rebuild.
Basically, when Kobe has paid attention, the Expos' finances have been on the good side. When he hasn't, they became a mess. As for Styro, who managed the Expos in the first 8 seasons from 1996-2003, he did a much better job overall with managing finances.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $98,906,895 (1998)
Lowest Revenue: $56,886,557 (2009)
Highest Payroll: $100,393,332 (2000)
Lowest Payroll: $24,748,329 (2004)
Average Revenue: $71,766,108
Average Payroll: $62,930,761
# of Seasons With Profit: 13
Total Revenue: $1,363,556,045
Total Payroll: $1,195,684,458
Grand Net Total: $167,871,587
The Phillies have had a lot of changes in ownership with 5 different GM's, but they haven't been winning a lot of games and generating a ton of revenue since the BigBuhner era from 1996-2002. In those years, the Phillies had their highest revenues and payrolls and haven't really come to close to those totals since BigBuhner left. Actually, there was CC's attempt to win a bit too soon in 2007 when he stretched the Phillies' payroll past $90 million and ended up losing over $31 million. CC lasted another season, but left before the 2009 season. CC's predecessor DJMyte started a much needed rebuild that CC ended up somewhat ruining, but his successor Jordan did another rebuild between 2009-2011 that current GM Temp has continued to do.
The Phillies have been searching for a direction since the BigBuhner days and have been in rebuild mode in just about every season since 2003. Thus, it's no surprise the Phillies have more positive financial gains over time, but hopefully Temp will continue to try to improve that team and get them to the next level. Trading for more in-game cash to stay 1 step ahead in the future wouldn't hurt as well, but the Phillies should not have any concerns right now about losing money.
4. Atlanta Braves
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $104,283,387 (1996)
Lowest Revenue: $54,500,976 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $110,026,064 (1999)
Lowest Payroll: $26,417,304 (2009)
Average Revenue: $80,267,429
Average Payroll: $70,573,296
# of Seasons With Profit: 11
Total Revenue: $1,525,081,149
Total Payroll: $1,340,892,608
Grand Net Total: $184,188,541
Here's another team that's been searching for a direction since their original GM, Matt left after 2003. Since 2004, the Braves have had just 2 winning seasons and have spent most of that time rebuilding. Because of this, the Braves' payroll has been under $70 million in 7 seasons in the post-Matt eras of Temp and HF. After Temp's leave on military duty, HF eventually came in and finished out the long rebuild, while trying to put together a winning team the next season. And despite having a lot of great players on his teams from 2010-2012, the Braves maxed out at 84 wins in 2012 and are currently doing a new rebuild.
After 6 straight years of making money from 2004-2009, the Braves lost over $2 million in 2010 before losing nearly $39.5 million in 2011, which definitely had an effect on the Braves' future after that. HF then went into sell mode after 2012 and has been making financial progress ever since.
The Braves' revenue has been in the middle of the pack generally speaking since 2004, while the payrolls have been on the lower end. Had Matt never left, this probably would look a lot different, but it is what it is.
3. New York Mets
Market Size: Huge
Highest Revenue: $91,996,543 (2005)
Lowest Revenue: $55,828,968 (2001)
Highest Payroll: $118,167,190 (2010)
Lowest Payroll: $28,521,224 (1999)
Average Revenue: $72,684,244
Average Payroll: $62,592,645
# of Seasons With Profit: 14
Total Revenue: $1,381,000,627
Total Payroll: $1,189,260,254
Grand Net Total: $191,740,373
The Mets are mostly way up here because of a combination of their huge market and a lack of long-term success. The Mets have not had a winning season since 2008, back when James was still around. You'd think the Mets with a huge market could still make over $80 million revenue during a bad season, but that has not been the case. In fact, the Mets have made over $80 million in a season in a 6-year stretch from 2004-2009. Other than that, they've been in the middle to lower end in the other seasons. It took them 6 seasons just to break $60 million revenue.
After a lengthy rebuild, James found some success with the Mets from 2002-2006, but he only managed two wild card appearances in 2004 and 2005. A few seasons later, James disappeared and Danchevy was let back into the league. He was given the Mets, who were in a bit of a mess to say the least in 2009. After losing 120 games that season, Dan tried to put together a contender and stretched his payroll to a team record $118,167,190 in 2010. But he ended up falling flat on his face as the Mets only won 74 games that season and lost nearly $40 million as well. After that, Dan decided to start all over from scratch and has been rebuilding and making more money since.
Again, the Mets' huge market and lack of winning over time are the main reasons why the Mets are [HASH]3 among AL teams, but hopefully Dan has learned from his mistakes in 2010 and manages his finances better when his team is ready to compete again.
2. Minnesota Twins
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $71,004,028 (1998)
Lowest Revenue: $51,346,157 (2007)
Highest Payroll: $73,515,612 (1998)
Lowest Payroll: $9,308,762 (2011)
Average Revenue: $57,502,473
Average Payroll: $44,693,897
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,092,546,979
Total Payroll: $849,184,040
Grand Net Total: $243,362,939
No team has endured more losing in this league than the Twins, who have just 2 winning seasons total in 1997 and 2014. A lot though happened in between those years. The original GM, Jeff didn't do much to improve his team during his 8-season stay. Kobe briefly had the Twins before begging to move to the Expos. Styro then returned after a brief leave of absence to take over the Twins beginning after the start of the 2004 season. In the first 10 seasons of his time there, the Twins consistently had among the lowest payrolls in all of BBSBL before surpassing $60 million in 2014 for the first time since 2000.
In 2011, the Twins set a new BBSBL record with an all-time low $9,308,762 payroll. That's right...$9,308,762 for an entire roster! No other payroll has come even close to this. With 12 seasons of positive cash flow, the Twins are among the top in number of positive financial seasons and their total 19-year payroll of $849,184,040 is by far the lowest of any AL team, as is their average payroll of $44,693,897.
But it's not like Styro has done nothing in all this time. He has developed a very good system full of young talent and most of them are now in the big leagues. He has added some larger salaries too, as his team in now in great shape to finally make a postseason run for the first time. That almost certainly will lead to more money in the Twins' bank, with how well their finances are set up for the future.
1. Florida Marlins
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $103,898,236 (2011)
Lowest Revenue: $72,284,337 (1999)
Highest Payroll: $116,442,501 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $38,403,416 (2004)
Average Revenue: $89,077,077
Average Payroll: $67,653,138
# of Seasons With Profit: 14
Total Revenue: $1,692,464,457
Total Payroll: $1,285,409,615
Grand Net Total: $407,054,842
Not only is Ashes the most successful GM in BBSBL history, but he's also by far the best at being successful with a lower payroll than most of his competition. For all the success they've had, the Marlins' payroll has only been above $100 million twice in 2009 and 2010. In fact, the Marlins' payroll has been above $80 million just 8 times over the years, while the team has had 16 winning seasons. What's even more remarkable is that the Marlins won the World Series in 2011 with just a $59,549,593 payroll, which has to be the lowest of any championship team.
The Marlins have had the 2nd highest average revenue and have made the 2nd most total revenue in 19 seasons. But because the Marlins' payrolls have been lower than the revenues in the vast majority of time, that is how the Marlins have been by far the most profitable franchise financially.
Ashes has shown that he can win with big payrolls, but also with much smaller payrolls that consist of more young talent than aging veterans. This is what really separates him as the best at managing his finances. He didn't tank a lot to be up here in this ranking and didn't break the bank to put together a championship team either. He's had just about everything going for him and it has shown.
NL ranks coming soon!
Of course, the payrolls of any team can change during a given season at any time, so the payrolls shown on the site may not be the most accurate representation of every payroll in each season for every team. And then, there are the expansion Diamondbacks and Rays that have only existed for 13 full seasons thus far. But with the data we have to analyze this, here's how the AL teams have done financially over time:
14. Tampa Bay Rays
Market Size: Average
Highest Revenue: $86,867,210 (2010)
Lowest Revenue: $40,580,244 (2003)
Highest Payroll: $119,298,037 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $19,018,476 (2003)
Average Revenue: $62,150,579
Average Payroll: $74,286,236
# of Seasons With Profit: 3
Total Revenue: $807,957,524
Total Payroll: $965,721,059
Grand Net Total: -$157,763,535
I'm not surprised at all by the sight of this. The Rays have had 3 GM's in their history since coming into the league in 2003. Mark, the first GM, started a rebuild that Greeme would later continue. But when Greeme was ready to compete, he loaded up on salary and lost over $29 million for 4 consecutive seasons from 2006-2009.
The Rays have always had one of the worst revenue streams and have the 2nd lowest revenue total of all AL teams. When Greeme briefly left, Stoool came in and did a short rebuild of his own, but then in 2014, decided to go all in for a World Series run and proceeded to increase his payroll to over $112 million and lose nearly $40 million.
Thus, due to the average market the Rays have (which in a way is like a small market in comparison to all the big market teams in this league), and the number of seasons where both Greeme and Stoool loaded up on salary and ended up losing a ton of money each time, the Rays' finances have rarely looked good. But both GM's always found ways to get by, which for them, was the important part.
13. Baltimore Orioles
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $84,017,408 (1997)
Lowest Revenue: $59,123,441 (2009)
Highest Payroll: $106,004,480 (2000)
Lowest Payroll: $62,227,570 (2008)
Average Revenue: $74,459,451
Average Payroll: $82,204,765
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,414,729,559
Total Payroll: $1,561,890,533
Grand Net Total: -$147,160,974
I really didn't expect the O's to be this far down, but clearly they have lost money a lot more often than gaining money. In 6 of those seasons, the Orioles lost less than $10 million, so it's not like Jah was consistently risking financial probation every time. However, the difference in highest revenue and payroll in team history is pretty big and definitely reflects on why the Orioles are ranked where they are.
12. Boston Red Sox
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $106,055,800 (2012)
Lowest Revenue: $65,706,714 (2007)
Highest Payroll: $141,952,677 (2013)
Lowest Payroll: $58,802,368 (2005)
Average Revenue: $91,563,397
Average Payroll: $98,816,849
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,739,704,526
Total Payroll: $1,877,520,120
Grand Net Total: -$137,815,594
I thought the Red Sox would be 1 or 2 among the worst net profits in the AL, but they ended up being the 3rd worst. But unlike the Rays, the Red Sox in their really big market have never really had issues with making money. Over time, they have had the highest average revenue in the AL and have had the highest single season revenue total in the AL as well.
Break though is a high roller and more than willing to take 1 financial risk over another if it could lead him to more success. So on the other hand, the Red Sox also have had both the highest average payroll in the AL and in 2013, they set a new single season payroll record that reached nearly $142 million. Among each AL team's lowest revenues and payrolls in a season, the Red Sox have the highest in both. What a surprise! In 2006, the Red Sox set an AL record by losing $-43,794,708. Again, making money has always been a strength for the big money Red Sox, but Break's consistent high spending got him a grand net total close to -$140 million.
11. New York Yankees
New York Yankees
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $103,759,348 (2003)
Lowest Revenue: $63,115,450 (2011)
Highest Payroll: $124,824,978 (2003)
Lowest Payroll: $47,903,470 (2010)
Average Revenue: $88,061,646
Average Payroll: $92,137,256
# of Seasons With Profit: 6
Total Revenue: $1,673,171,272
Total Payroll: $1,750,607,847
Grand Net Total: -$77,436,575
Next up is the other big money AL juggernaut...the Yankees. The Yankees have been among the top 3 in the AL in highest average revenue, highest average payroll, highest single season revenue, and highest single season payroll. Like the Red Sox, the Bronx Bombers are also among the leaders in highest low revenue and payroll totals among each team's worst revenue and lowest payroll seasons.
Erbes hasn't gone as crazy with spending the big bucks as Break has, but he has the market to be able to afford doing so whenever he wants, which is a nice luxury. He also has lost over $20 million in a season 4 times, while the Red Sox have done so 5 times. All in all, the BBSBL Yankees' financials haven't been anywhere near as crazy as they are in reality and that's a very good thing in itself, despite the team being in the bottom 5 here.
10. Detroit Tigers
Market Size: Good
Highest Revenue: $84,718,406 (2007)
Lowest Revenue: $50,086,277 (2001)
Highest Payroll: $91,736,465 (2013)
Lowest Payroll: $35,977,678 (2000)
Average Revenue: $62,175,494
Average Payroll: $64,335,667
# of Seasons With Profit: 9
Total Revenue: $1,181,334,372
Total Payroll: $1,222,377,661
Grand Net Total: -$41,043,289
Next up are the Tigers, who are currently in financial probation. That is definitely one of a few reasons why the Tigers are at the bottom of the top 10. The Tigers have earned more than $80 million in revenue just once over 19 seasons. But despite having a payroll above $80 million in 5 seasons, the Tigers have topped out at nearly $92 million in 2013.
Dave hasn't been the very best at managing his finances over time. More recently, he has lost a combined total of just about $55 million over the past 2 seasons. The guy has tried to put together good teams by increasing his payroll with better players, but the Tigers just haven't been able to make that much money in particular to sustain long-term winning baseball. Hopefully, Dave can continue to move the Tigers in a better direction and right the ship. Doing some promotions during the upcoming season wouldn't hurt either in order to sell more tickets.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
Market Size: Below Average
Highest Revenue: $82,415,949 (2013)
Lowest Revenue: $38,222,031 (2008)
Highest Payroll: $86,314,884 (1999)
Lowest Payroll: $44,362,951 (1996)
Average Revenue: $57,208,931
Average Payroll: $58,448,752
# of Seasons With Profit: 8
Total Revenue: $1,086,969,705
Total Payroll: $1,110,526,275
Grand Net Total: -$23,556,570
Poor Steve. For so long, he had the worst revenue stream in the entire league and it took him a long time to get in better financial shape. The Brewers' $38,222,031 revenue in 2008 is the worst ever for any AL team. As a result of his poor revenue, the Brewers' payroll has not been above $70 million since 1999. It has definitely handicapped the Brewers from being able to take on larger salaries, so they literally have to win with young players on cheap contracts. It's not easy, but eventually, they won consecutive division titles in 2012 and 2013. Steve's patience definitely paid off by then.
The Brewers have made positive financial gains in each of the past 5 seasons, after 7 consecutive negative profits before that. It's unlikely we will ever see a Brewers payroll above $100 million, but then again, you can't buy championships and winning seasons with money. The players actually have play well in the field for that to happen.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $94,589,918 (2006)
Lowest Revenue: $55,769,340 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $108,568,258 (2007)
Lowest Payroll: $25,135,928 (2010)
Average Revenue: $72,169,816
Average Payroll: $68,153,566
# of Seasons With Profit: 10
Total Revenue: $1,371,226,502
Total Payroll: $1,294,917,740
Grand Net Total: $76,308,762
And now we move into positive territory! The Blue Jays are also currently in financial probation, but over time, they've done rather well, with positive gains in the majority of all the seasons. As far as revenues go, the Jays have been in the middle of the pack more often than not. With the exception of a 4-year stretch from 2006-2009, the Jays have not been above $80 million in payroll in each of the other seasons.
Game hasn't always been the most proactive GM when it comes to trading for in-game cash, but generally speaking, the Jays' finances have been good, with a few notable exceptions of course.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
Market Size: Below Average
Highest Revenue: $92,827,650 (2010)
Lowest Revenue: $50,289,580 (2002)
Highest Payroll: $108,471,245 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $28,642,336 (2002)
Average Revenue: $73,015,499
Average Payroll: $67,410,865
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,387,294,465
Total Payroll: $1,280,806,432
Grand Net Total: $106,488,033
Who said below average market teams couldn't do well? The Pirates have proved otherwise over time and their finances have been good as well. They have never lost more than $-17,225,219 in a season and have topped $80 million in revenue 6 times. Stevie B has certainly found ways to put together elite teams that won't completely destroy his finances. The Pirates' payroll has only been north of $100 million twice and have been above $80 million just 7 times. It really goes to show that developed young talent can win just as many games as overpaid veteran superstars. Managing a below average market team would probably not be easy for some, but Stevie B has done very well thus far. The Pirates would have been a lot higher if not for the market size.
6. Montreal Expos
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $92,528,413 (2005)
Lowest Revenue: $61,479,138 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $104,182,591 (2011)
Lowest Payroll: $31,286,837 (2007)
Average Revenue: $75,940,850
Average Payroll: $68,453,407
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,442,876,147
Total Payroll: $1,300,614,731
Grand Net Total: $142,261,416
To my surprise, the Expos are a lot higher on this list than I had thought they'd be. And that's with some of the financial mismanagement Kobe has shown in the recent past. Anyway, the Expos have made positive financial gains in 12 seasons, which is among the top for AL teams. They've had a payroll over $90 million in just four seasons under Kobe's watch. Not surprisingly, those 3 of those 4 seasons resulted in the Expos making the playoffs. But it was in 2011 when the Expos won the wild card, but lost $-36,483,526 that sent them into a brand new rebuild.
Basically, when Kobe has paid attention, the Expos' finances have been on the good side. When he hasn't, they became a mess. As for Styro, who managed the Expos in the first 8 seasons from 1996-2003, he did a much better job overall with managing finances.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Market Size: Really Big
Highest Revenue: $98,906,895 (1998)
Lowest Revenue: $56,886,557 (2009)
Highest Payroll: $100,393,332 (2000)
Lowest Payroll: $24,748,329 (2004)
Average Revenue: $71,766,108
Average Payroll: $62,930,761
# of Seasons With Profit: 13
Total Revenue: $1,363,556,045
Total Payroll: $1,195,684,458
Grand Net Total: $167,871,587
The Phillies have had a lot of changes in ownership with 5 different GM's, but they haven't been winning a lot of games and generating a ton of revenue since the BigBuhner era from 1996-2002. In those years, the Phillies had their highest revenues and payrolls and haven't really come to close to those totals since BigBuhner left. Actually, there was CC's attempt to win a bit too soon in 2007 when he stretched the Phillies' payroll past $90 million and ended up losing over $31 million. CC lasted another season, but left before the 2009 season. CC's predecessor DJMyte started a much needed rebuild that CC ended up somewhat ruining, but his successor Jordan did another rebuild between 2009-2011 that current GM Temp has continued to do.
The Phillies have been searching for a direction since the BigBuhner days and have been in rebuild mode in just about every season since 2003. Thus, it's no surprise the Phillies have more positive financial gains over time, but hopefully Temp will continue to try to improve that team and get them to the next level. Trading for more in-game cash to stay 1 step ahead in the future wouldn't hurt as well, but the Phillies should not have any concerns right now about losing money.
4. Atlanta Braves
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $104,283,387 (1996)
Lowest Revenue: $54,500,976 (2014)
Highest Payroll: $110,026,064 (1999)
Lowest Payroll: $26,417,304 (2009)
Average Revenue: $80,267,429
Average Payroll: $70,573,296
# of Seasons With Profit: 11
Total Revenue: $1,525,081,149
Total Payroll: $1,340,892,608
Grand Net Total: $184,188,541
Here's another team that's been searching for a direction since their original GM, Matt left after 2003. Since 2004, the Braves have had just 2 winning seasons and have spent most of that time rebuilding. Because of this, the Braves' payroll has been under $70 million in 7 seasons in the post-Matt eras of Temp and HF. After Temp's leave on military duty, HF eventually came in and finished out the long rebuild, while trying to put together a winning team the next season. And despite having a lot of great players on his teams from 2010-2012, the Braves maxed out at 84 wins in 2012 and are currently doing a new rebuild.
After 6 straight years of making money from 2004-2009, the Braves lost over $2 million in 2010 before losing nearly $39.5 million in 2011, which definitely had an effect on the Braves' future after that. HF then went into sell mode after 2012 and has been making financial progress ever since.
The Braves' revenue has been in the middle of the pack generally speaking since 2004, while the payrolls have been on the lower end. Had Matt never left, this probably would look a lot different, but it is what it is.
3. New York Mets
Market Size: Huge
Highest Revenue: $91,996,543 (2005)
Lowest Revenue: $55,828,968 (2001)
Highest Payroll: $118,167,190 (2010)
Lowest Payroll: $28,521,224 (1999)
Average Revenue: $72,684,244
Average Payroll: $62,592,645
# of Seasons With Profit: 14
Total Revenue: $1,381,000,627
Total Payroll: $1,189,260,254
Grand Net Total: $191,740,373
The Mets are mostly way up here because of a combination of their huge market and a lack of long-term success. The Mets have not had a winning season since 2008, back when James was still around. You'd think the Mets with a huge market could still make over $80 million revenue during a bad season, but that has not been the case. In fact, the Mets have made over $80 million in a season in a 6-year stretch from 2004-2009. Other than that, they've been in the middle to lower end in the other seasons. It took them 6 seasons just to break $60 million revenue.
After a lengthy rebuild, James found some success with the Mets from 2002-2006, but he only managed two wild card appearances in 2004 and 2005. A few seasons later, James disappeared and Danchevy was let back into the league. He was given the Mets, who were in a bit of a mess to say the least in 2009. After losing 120 games that season, Dan tried to put together a contender and stretched his payroll to a team record $118,167,190 in 2010. But he ended up falling flat on his face as the Mets only won 74 games that season and lost nearly $40 million as well. After that, Dan decided to start all over from scratch and has been rebuilding and making more money since.
Again, the Mets' huge market and lack of winning over time are the main reasons why the Mets are [HASH]3 among AL teams, but hopefully Dan has learned from his mistakes in 2010 and manages his finances better when his team is ready to compete again.
2. Minnesota Twins
Market Size: Big
Highest Revenue: $71,004,028 (1998)
Lowest Revenue: $51,346,157 (2007)
Highest Payroll: $73,515,612 (1998)
Lowest Payroll: $9,308,762 (2011)
Average Revenue: $57,502,473
Average Payroll: $44,693,897
# of Seasons With Profit: 12
Total Revenue: $1,092,546,979
Total Payroll: $849,184,040
Grand Net Total: $243,362,939
No team has endured more losing in this league than the Twins, who have just 2 winning seasons total in 1997 and 2014. A lot though happened in between those years. The original GM, Jeff didn't do much to improve his team during his 8-season stay. Kobe briefly had the Twins before begging to move to the Expos. Styro then returned after a brief leave of absence to take over the Twins beginning after the start of the 2004 season. In the first 10 seasons of his time there, the Twins consistently had among the lowest payrolls in all of BBSBL before surpassing $60 million in 2014 for the first time since 2000.
In 2011, the Twins set a new BBSBL record with an all-time low $9,308,762 payroll. That's right...$9,308,762 for an entire roster! No other payroll has come even close to this. With 12 seasons of positive cash flow, the Twins are among the top in number of positive financial seasons and their total 19-year payroll of $849,184,040 is by far the lowest of any AL team, as is their average payroll of $44,693,897.
But it's not like Styro has done nothing in all this time. He has developed a very good system full of young talent and most of them are now in the big leagues. He has added some larger salaries too, as his team in now in great shape to finally make a postseason run for the first time. That almost certainly will lead to more money in the Twins' bank, with how well their finances are set up for the future.
1. Florida Marlins
Market Size: Slightly Above Average
Highest Revenue: $103,898,236 (2011)
Lowest Revenue: $72,284,337 (1999)
Highest Payroll: $116,442,501 (2009)
Lowest Payroll: $38,403,416 (2004)
Average Revenue: $89,077,077
Average Payroll: $67,653,138
# of Seasons With Profit: 14
Total Revenue: $1,692,464,457
Total Payroll: $1,285,409,615
Grand Net Total: $407,054,842
Not only is Ashes the most successful GM in BBSBL history, but he's also by far the best at being successful with a lower payroll than most of his competition. For all the success they've had, the Marlins' payroll has only been above $100 million twice in 2009 and 2010. In fact, the Marlins' payroll has been above $80 million just 8 times over the years, while the team has had 16 winning seasons. What's even more remarkable is that the Marlins won the World Series in 2011 with just a $59,549,593 payroll, which has to be the lowest of any championship team.
The Marlins have had the 2nd highest average revenue and have made the 2nd most total revenue in 19 seasons. But because the Marlins' payrolls have been lower than the revenues in the vast majority of time, that is how the Marlins have been by far the most profitable franchise financially.
Ashes has shown that he can win with big payrolls, but also with much smaller payrolls that consist of more young talent than aging veterans. This is what really separates him as the best at managing his finances. He didn't tank a lot to be up here in this ranking and didn't break the bank to put together a championship team either. He's had just about everything going for him and it has shown.
NL ranks coming soon!
