One of the worst teams vs. the bookmaker baseball odds this season is the Pittsburgh Pirates. That is not a surprise as the Pirates struggle almost every season vs. baseball online bookmaker odds. What is shocking is that the Pirates are making money even though they continue to lose.
Bookmaker odds at SBG list the Pirates as underdogs in almost every game they play. The Pirates are a pitiful squad that loses every single season vs. baseball odds at the online bookmaker. You would think that the ownership would want to improve the team and start winning. You might be shocked to know that is not the case.
Pirates Making Millions: Financial reports indicate that the Pirates made almost $29.4 million dollars in 2007 and 2008. It was reported that the team made over $5 million dollars last season. How is that possible you ask? Almost half of the Pirates’ revenue comes from MLB.
They get money in revenue sharing, network TV deal, merchandise sales, etc. The Pirates don’t spend much on player salaries so they can make money even though they lose games.
Surprise: Can you believe the Pirates made over $14 million in 2008 and over $15 million in 2009? Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutting was not happy that the numbers were made public because it makes him look bad.
The Pirates can put a rotten product on the field and still make money. The Pirates had the lowest payroll in baseball when the 2010 season began.
Pittsburgh and MLB Denial: The Pirates deny they are not trying to win and MLB backs them up. The numbers don’t support them though as Pittsburgh traditionally has one of the lowest payrolls in the league and they have had 18 straight losing seasons.
The Pirates really can’t defend themselves because they have played poorly for almost two decades. Pittsburgh discards their top players when they are making too much money. Players who get close to free agency are traded and those that are arbitration eligible never make it to arbitration because they get traded first.
They didn’t get anything in return from former closer Matt Capps after he demanded a raise. It is a sad situation in Pittsburgh and the Pirates are one of those teams that do not get much action at the bookmaker.