Alex Rodriguez Earns $160K Per Inning: Proof of Ignorance

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   thaivalentineposted 12 years ago

   I don't follow American sports but this was in the Bangkok Post this morning.   I think this is a sad statement on society when a person swinging bat can make this kind of money.

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   Cagsilposted 12 years ago

   Interesting. I guess you're against people being paid what someone else thinks they are valued at and can bring value to whatever team they are on?
   
   It is sports after all. Most players are over valued, but if the organization has the money and is willing to pay the player, then why should you or anyone else give a damn.
   
   It's not YOUR money.

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   Greg Sageposted 12 years ago

   Maybe.
   
   But it's a much sadder statement to have big brother step in and tell you you're not ALLOWED to earn more for being more focused than others and doing what they do... only better.
   
   Sports figures may be "overpaid" by traditional measures, but they are paid according to the value they create.  Frankly, by that measure, much of middle America is quite a bit MORE overpaid.  Someone who punches a clock and skates by doing the minimum is a greater drain on their company than someone who overachieves, creates additional value beyond their salary, and is paid accordingly.
   
   A   The owners aren't going broke.
   
   B   If they were, who are we to tell them they don't have that right.

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   I am DB Cooperposted 12 years ago

   I'm not quite sure how this is "proof of ignorance". Baseball has free agency, which means players without a contract are basically on the free market for teams to make bids on, and the player can decide which offer is best. A-Rod makes a lot of money for himself, but I'm sure he's also made a lot of money for the three teams he's played on during his career.
   
   Entertainment is something of value, and it's one of the top exports of the United States. Instead of thinking of A-Rod as someone who produces nothing, think of him as one of the best assembly-line workers at a factory that produces "entertainment". If his output is 1,000 times the average worker's, shouldn't he be paid accordingly?

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   optimus grimlockposted 12 years ago

   I think she feels thats alot for playing a kids game! Your right entertainment holds a huge value in society. Its really societys fault they help create there high demand for salaries!!!

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   Jonathan Jancoposted 12 years ago

   No matter how much an athlete makes the rich guy who signs the check makes a f*** of alot more . . . period. And if food and beverage service suddenly became the end all be all of the economy, and someone wanted to pay me several million to serve it with a smile on my face, I sure as hell would.

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   optimus grimlockposted 12 years ago

   amen brother Janco lol

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      platinumOwl4posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I read all six comments and they have a semblance of merit. However, I'm not sure but I believe she is trying to say this: we should place the same value on scientist, mathematicians and teachers. Then, perhaps our children would become more interested in math and science. The salary of a teacher, the person in charge of creating minds of tomorrow is pathetic.

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         Jonathan Jancoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         It is unfortunate that such disciplines/professions are undervalued in society. Of course, these athletes who make all this money have the freedom to advance their wealth towards the purposes of the sciences or education. And some do use their wealth towards what they call 'higher purposes'. Dikembe Mtumbo was a good example.

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            platinumOwl4posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I commend the example you gave but the problem is few if any followed his lead. Look, the United States is in an educational decline. And this is not by accident. Suppose 20 athletes from all sport took the money they spend on jewelry and cars and created a foundation to feed the hungry. The interest alone could perpetuate the foundation.

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               Jonathan Jancoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               That sure would be great. And yeah Dikembe was the only example I could come up with off of the top of my head. But what would be an amazing idea, not only schools or the like, but how bout startups? In this current economic mess, this would be a great oppurtunity for somewhat resented rich athletes to really play the heroes and help the economy recover. A bit optimistic I know, but if it happened today it def wouldnt be too soon.

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   optimus grimlockposted 12 years ago

   mutumbo basicly came from another world so he grew up mentally pure, Not like the rest of those gready bastards lol. Theres's alot of athletes who give to charities just not enough to make a huge impact. I agree teachers should make alot more they're worth it!

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      thaivalentineposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Certainly, I don't fault Mr. Rodriguez yet it amazes me that so many of the problems people experience are self induced.  The owners are dumb, if these guys were not making this kind of money what would be their options.  Would Alex be running a company or developing vaccines to the world's major diseases?  No, he would probably be selling cars or office copiers.

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      Cagsilposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Really? Are you sure of that? Or are you just throwing that statement out there? And, I would say it's not about them not giving enough.
      
      I would place the blame on the Charities, who refuse to do more with the money they receive to begin with.
      Teachers are great tools, but to warrant 7 figure incomes? No. Should they make more? Actually, if THEY(teachers) truly understood "wealth creation", then their pay wouldn't matter to them and they would be teaching because they love to teach and not using the JOB as a way to make ends meet.

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         optimus grimlockposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Its true athletes dont give enough to charities. I never said 7 figure, I think 100,000 is a good number give or take for a teacher but thats in a perfect world.

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   GoingOnlineposted 12 years ago

   Do not check how much people are paid to just show up at a party for a few minutes. And I am sure the organisers know that paying that person was worth every penny in advertising.

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