Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
When you think of the Houston Astros, not that you ever think about them, a team with little talent and the world’s lowest payroll comes to mind, right? Exactly. However, another thing needs to be brought to the attention of all the Astros haters of the world — this team is filthy rich.
Owner Jim Crane has put his own system of paying his players next to nothing while putting an awful team on the field night after night. With the worst record in all of baseball, the Astros seem to have one thing figured out. No, not baseball, but money.
With the league’s lowest payroll by a long-shot, the Astros seem to be on pace to finish the season as the league’s highest-earning organization. It’s weird to think that a team with the third lowest attendance in the league is set to earn about $99 million in 2013.
While Crane isn’t the most popular owner in baseball, being hated by many of his own fans, he might be smart in the way he is saving money — even if it means tanking his team this season.
After getting rid of cheap veteran players such as Carlos Pena and Rick Ankiel, the Astros’ total payroll is down to a ridiculously low $13 million. Not bad for a team with no hope for a 60-win season — although I could be wrong if they get ‘hot’.
This team is set to take in more than $99 million in operating income this season, more than the previous six World Series championship teams combined.
Yeah, that’s a lot of money.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
