As the baseball season winds down, fans across several major-league cities are clamoring for change. Whether it’s new ownership or revamped front offices, the desire for something different is palpable.
But why does it seem like change is so unlikely in the world of baseball management? Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro recently emphasized the value of stability and continuity, expressing his belief that knee-jerk reactions don’t always lead to improvement.
Despite the frustrations of fans from teams like the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mariners, Giants, Reds, and Pirates, there appears to be a lack of urgency in addressing underperformance. As the season unfolds, discontent among supporters grows.
One common trend is that managers often bear the brunt of criticism when teams fall short. Yet, these managerial changes can sometimes be distractions orchestrated by top executives to buy time.
Shapiro’s stance on stability makes sense in a high-pressure industry where social media amplifies every misstep. Owners are hesitant to shake things up, perhaps due to the expanding postseason format or the prevailing analytical groupthink that dominates front offices.
Financial security plays a significant role in this inertia, with many teams not feeling the same pressure to perform as other businesses might. Teams like the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Giants, Mariners, Reds, and Pirates showcase varying degrees of underachievement and complacency among ownership.
While change may be necessary for these struggling franchises, the reluctance to disrupt the status quo underscores a deeper issue. Ownership’s unwillingness to invest emotionally in the team’s success can hinder progress and maintain a cycle of mediocrity.
As the season draws to a close, the future of these teams hangs in the balance. Will ownership finally be spurred to action, or will stability continue to trump the need for transformation?
(Top photo of Blue Jays president/CEO Mark Shapiro (left) and GM Ross Atkins (right): Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
