I don’t know where the phrase "follow the money" first originated. I first heard of it in the movie "All the President’s Men" when "Deep Throat" tells reporter Bob Woodward to "follow the money" to find information.
"Follow the money" explains a great deal on how and why many things occur. But fortunately not all things happen because of money. We think religion, morality and patriotism play a large role also. My father used to say that there are three things money can’t buy: A baby’s smile, the love of a good woman and a key to the Kingdom of Heaven. There are more, but that’s a good start.
All true, but money seems to dominate the sports scene. Not always, for there are variables in sporting events that money can’t control. But, money is used to set the scene, either through highly paid players or the venue where the sporting event takes place.
Money made the new Viking Stadium possible. The prospect of new jobs, construction spending and additional investments have all made the stadium acceptable. Looking at it objectively, the Wilfs are going to bring almost a half a billion dollars into the state one way or another, in addition to Minnesota’s contribution.
It will be good to get some of that New Jersey money. Granted, the Wilfs are going to make a great deal of money, but in order to achieve that, they have to invest in the state. The stadium is all about money, not Christian Ponder, Jared Allen nor Adrian Peterson; not the love of the Vikings by Minnesotans, nor the demonstration by Viking fans in front of the Capitol. "Follow the money!"
The Twins have demoted Danny Valencia, Matt Maloney, Ben Revere, Liam Hendricks, Clete Thomas, Luke Hughes and Sean Burroughs. That is six out the original 25 on opening day and seven total. They were cut because they were not playing well and Terrry Ryan and Ron Gardenhire were tired of horsing with them.
Last season, wholesale demotions did not happen mostly because of two reasons. There were many injuries and players were incapacitated and unable to play or play well. So they needed warm bodies to stick out on the field. And, I believe, because the organization still adhered to a team philosophy of giving everyone a second or even third chance. Minnesota nice! That attitude has changed. Now it’s either fish or cut bait.
What has caused that change? Well, naturally the disgust at losing and an attempt to field a decent team. But there are other reasons.
Our Twins have a beautiful new stadium being paid for partially by the Pohlads. The first couple of years the stadium was filled. In 2010 it was because of the team’s success and because of the splendid new stadium. Everybody made money.
Last year’s attendance was a carryover from the beautiful new stadium and the 2010 team. This year the new stadium can’t carry the attendance by itself. It’s down by 5000 fans a game, the biggest drop in the Major Leagues.
The Pohlads don’t like that, particularly with the player salaries they’re paying. All of a sudden there is a lot of pressure on Ryan and Gardenhire to right the ship. They’re trying, but the minor league cupboard is bare.
Don’t be surprised if established players are pedaled for special prospects in order to provide reasons for fans to watch the future. So, the new Twins’ team will be the result of not only trying to win for its own sake, but also to increase revenue. Follow the money. . . .
