I have a feeling, that the luxury tax is just a front for the real issue. And no matter what the luxury tax increases or decreases to next year, I have a feeling we are at the max amount right now for spending. Around $140-150 million a season in payroll.
right now, we are at $142 million, and this is pre arb numbers.
My thoughts are, Arte is finally realizing how much, top to bottom a team costs a year. And he is a businessman, and doesn't want to lose money year to year.
I really think the positions of the ducks and Angels ownership are two very different things. Regarding the Ducks, Samulei sold his company for Billions recently. But he is pretty much is and genias, and still has a vital role in the new company. He also is very generous and donates a lot a year. Losing money a year on the Ducks is considered more of a tax writeoff for him. Arte on the other hand. Have you guys noticed his net worth isn't going up, but the Angels value is skyrocketing? I really don't think he has disposable cash available that he wants to tap into to finance a money losing year to year situation. That's why I think the line is in the sand on how much he is willing to spend a year.