The Cleveland Indians, one of the richer clubs, were once just as bad off as the Rangers. The San Francisco Giants are selling out Pacific Bell Park, the stadium they opened last year. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig frets over a growing gap between the rich teams and the poor ones. The critics of Mr. Rodriguez's deal want the Rangers and other rich teams to bring their spending down to the means of the less wealthy clubs. It's no easy task.
Many teams face obstacles to increasing revenue.
The Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers play in small media markets. After years of trying, the Twins, the Expos and the Florida Marlins haven't been able to create a political consensus in their cities for new stadiums. Just as clearly, though, there are teams that could do more in generating revenue. It's not about the owner's pocketbook because, in truth, some of the small-market teams are owned by some of the richest people in America. At least some poorer teams are catching on to the idea that baseball can produce more money.