Small Payroll Teams Making Big Splash

Bob Nutting, Pirates owner, vows to turn things around in Pittsburgh

Over the past few weeks I have read many stories and comments on how the Pirates will NEVER have a winning record with Bob Nutting as the owner. While the point has been validated so far, baseball's recent history has shown that teams with lower payrolls have been very successful. 

In fact, 3 teams in the bottom five of league payroll have made the World Series in the past 5 seasons. And in 2003, the 54 million dollar payroll was enough for the Florida Marlins to bring home a World Series title. Since 2000, a total of 17 teams falling in the bottom 10 of league payroll have made the playoffs. This stat doesn't even reflect the number of teams who have had winning records, which is all we are asking of the Bucs right? 

Teams with the second and third highest payroll in ALL of baseball have only made the playoffs ONCE in the past four seasons. Just because you spend a lavish amout money doesn't mean you will win baseball games. Last season only 3 of the 8 playoff teams were in the top 10 of baseball's payroll list. If you don't believe me, here's a chart courtesy of CBS and Baseball Chronology. 

Payroll Rankings courtesy of Baseball Chronology

Nutting has said it before and will say it again, the Pirates will spend money when they feel it is warranted. Do you really think a big name player is going to come to Pittsburgh and play for the Pirates? No matter how much money we throw at Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder they would never play here. 

And didn't we just lock up Cutch for the next 5 or 6 years? It's safe to stay that he is a bonafide "star" now, so doesn't that make it a good sign? Nutting is spending his money wisely, not just overpaying guys to make the fan base happy. The Pirates just set a record by spending the most money on any draft with their 2011 draft class. They opened their pockets for Pedro Alvarez when most thought we wouldn't give him the Boras Bonus. 

I am not saying we should continue to be ranking in the lowest part of league payroll, but the Pirates have made a huge step foward and they have done so through drafting and trading. Three or Four seasons ago our major league and minor league rosters were absolute trash. Now we have 3 all-stars on the major league roster and 2 of baseball's top ten prospects. It can only get better from here.

So start bashing me now, but I will trust the Bucs ownership for the time being and trust they are looking out for the better of the team.