OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

seth70liz76 · 04-05-2006, 03:32 PM

[Note]To this point, I've tried to integrate real characters into the storyline, but my knowledge (and resources) regarding the PCL is limited. Whenever possible, I've used real people, but for the most part, the PCL characters are completely fictional. [/Note]

"So, as these charts show, the loss of the Angels and San Francisco economically is crippling. Hollywood and Oakland are seriously endangered; I'd say they have five years, at best, before relocation is necessary." The crew cut consultant continued to deliver the grim news to the assembled PCL owners.

"And all because the Eastern Leagues are playing there," Oakland owner Paul Rolph shook his head distastefully. The other six owners nodded in agreement.

"Well, it isn't the 'Major League' label that gives them status-it is the wages paid," the consultant offered. "Their five thousand dollar minimum makes it very difficult for the PCL to compete with the Eastern Leagues"

John Clearwater of Sacramento snorted, "Ridiculous! We have always been able to field players of equal talent to the American and National Leagues." Several owners harrumphed in agreement.

"And those players eventually left because the PCL would not pay like the National and American Leagues. With air travel and two west coast teams, the number of players willing to stay with the PCL for less money will be further reduced. The only way to protect your markets is to bring your salary structure in line with the NAL and CL. Do that, and the PCL has a chance to survive as an independent league."

"That would be at least $120,000 on payroll alone; probably $250,000! That would more than double our player expenses," Herbert Joski of Portland cried. "I can't afford that."

The consultant was measured in his reply. "I don't believe every owner, every city, can do it. But to keep the PCL profile high you must meet their standards."

"I could almost run a club for the monies being thrown at DiMaggio and Greenberg."

"And a D-League club can do it for a whole lot less. My job was to assess the situation the PCL is in; frankly it isn't a good situation. As I see it, you have two choices: Increase salaries and start making a play for stars in their prime; or do what you have always done and end up like the American Association and International Leagues. Your best cities taken over and the PCL reduced to developing talent for the Eastern Leagues."

"You've seen what they did in Columbus and Buffalo," President Rowland interjected. "Didn't offer a dime to the owners there; brought in their own people-with the cities just giving away the stadium leases."

"Don't they have what they want," San Diego owner Mac Roegers said hopefully. "I can't see Seattle or San Diego ever being territories they would want."

"Take that chance if you like," the consultant said. "But know this: if you keep to the status quo, all the PCL will be able to lay claim to is being the best minor league in America."

04-05-2006, 03:32 PM	#65
seth70liz76 All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,634	Does the sun rise or set, part 1 [Note]To this point, I've tried to integrate real characters into the storyline, but my knowledge (and resources) regarding the PCL is limited. Whenever possible, I've used real people, but for the most part, the PCL characters are completely fictional. [/Note] "So, as these charts show, the loss of the Angels and San Francisco economically is crippling. Hollywood and Oakland are seriously endangered; I'd say they have five years, at best, before relocation is necessary." The crew cut consultant continued to deliver the grim news to the assembled PCL owners. "And all because the Eastern Leagues are playing there," Oakland owner Paul Rolph shook his head distastefully. The other six owners nodded in agreement. "Well, it isn't the 'Major League' label that gives them status-it is the wages paid," the consultant offered. "Their five thousand dollar minimum makes it very difficult for the PCL to compete with the Eastern Leagues" John Clearwater of Sacramento snorted, "Ridiculous! We have always been able to field players of equal talent to the American and National Leagues." Several owners harrumphed in agreement. "And those players eventually left because the PCL would not pay like the National and American Leagues. With air travel and two west coast teams, the number of players willing to stay with the PCL for less money will be further reduced. The only way to protect your markets is to bring your salary structure in line with the NAL and CL. Do that, and the PCL has a chance to survive as an independent league." "That would be at least $120,000 on payroll alone; probably $250,000! That would more than double our player expenses," Herbert Joski of Portland cried. "I can't afford that." The consultant was measured in his reply. "I don't believe every owner, every city, can do it. But to keep the PCL profile high you must meet their standards." "I could almost run a club for the monies being thrown at DiMaggio and Greenberg." "And a D-League club can do it for a whole lot less. My job was to assess the situation the PCL is in; frankly it isn't a good situation. As I see it, you have two choices: Increase salaries and start making a play for stars in their prime; or do what you have always done and end up like the American Association and International Leagues. Your best cities taken over and the PCL reduced to developing talent for the Eastern Leagues." "You've seen what they did in Columbus and Buffalo," President Rowland interjected. "Didn't offer a dime to the owners there; brought in their own people-with the cities just giving away the stadium leases." "Don't they have what they want," San Diego owner Mac Roegers said hopefully. "I can't see Seattle or San Diego ever being territories they would want." "Take that chance if you like," the consultant said. "But know this: if you keep to the status quo, all the PCL will be able to lay claim to is being the best minor league in America." __________________ It was a mistake to come back.