How Will the Economy Impact the Hot Stove?

Scott Boras might have a difficult time with his sales pitch in this economic environment. No player wants to be the poster boy for greed while unemployment numbers are creeping up. As people's discretionary spending drops teams may feel a pinch by the time spring training rolls around. A sign of how things might be going was evident today when the Red Sox announced they were freezing ticket prices. With less money coming in will salaries keep going up? Manny was not happy with his $20 million option in Boston and was looking for a long term deal but so far it looks like the best he can do is 2 years with an option for a third by the Dodgers.

The economic uncertainty can slow up the Hot Stove with owners hesitant to spend big bucks while players think the market is still what it was last season, just like homeowners that still think their homes prices are going up. Theo and Sox ownership may look to cut spending by going for younger players and avoid the big price free agents, it may also make sense for them to wait it out in case prices fall.