It's a fine line

Today's model for the industry can sadly become tomorrow's small-market casualty in the snap of a ligament

The latest in a long line of Rays pitching injuries, ace Shane McClanahan is lost for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024 as he prepares for Tommy John surgery.

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Amid their historic start to the season, I wrote admiringly about the Tampa Bay Rays in April, about how—despite all the challenges they face as an organization—they’re able to compete at or near the top of the American League year after year by being smarter, more innovative, more efficient and more disciplined than many of their rivals.

And in an MLB Roundup yesterday, I had a note about 4 of the bottom 10 payroll teams in MLB (including the Rays) currently sitting in playoff position, while the sport’s 3 biggest spenders will likely be sitting out the playoffs altogether in 2023.

Both stories are compelling, worthy of discussion and, in some circles, celebration. But the harsh realities of Major League Baseball serve as a reminder that no matter how much we want to toast low-payroll success that should give hope to all, it is, in actuality, a perilous high-wire act performed on a windy day.

And teams like the Rays and Marlins are working without a net.