Without question, the luxury tax is no stranger to conversation amongst Los Angeles Dodgers fans and the organization in general. Of course in recent years the Dodgers have remained under the tax. However recently a report that ownership imposed no spending limit on the front office brought some hope that the Dodgers would swoon the prize free agent or two.
Now that it hasn’t happened, part owner Stan Kasten is addressing the issue with a few key quotes to the LA Times’ Bill Plaschke. When Kasten has something to say – you might not always like it – but it’s typically worth the read. Therefore, let’s do this one right.
Stan Kasten debates the #Dodgers' ownership philosophy with @BillPlaschke. Kasten does not hold back on his adjectives–wrong, silly, childish, superficial, ludicrous–but does not shy away from pointed questions. https://t.co/2GxwVEbtuY
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) January 5, 2020
Notably, Kasten says that there was never a mandate from ownership on the luxury tax. Furthermore, Kasten doesn’t understand why it’s such a topic of discussion in the first place.
“Two years ago, it was important, even though it was never a mandate. Last year was less important. This year, there’s no real need for that. Last year we did reach out in a couple of respects that would have blown past the CBT, like Bryce Harper. … Why it seems to be such a flashpoint here befuddles me. … Obviously, the Gerrit Cole thing would have caused us to blow past it.”
Equally important, Kasten acts like something is coming with his next quote. Then he says that the team will be well over the luxury tax. Quickly, he says just ‘somewhat over’ within the same quote that reads a little humorous.
“The team we have now is not going to be the team we have to start the postseason. I expect that team, this year, it looks like it’s going to be well over the CBT, or somewhat over.”
Whether or not the player or players are identified by the front office to carry the Dodgers over the tax threshold remains to be seen. Still, Kasten is adamant that there is no spending limit; and something is coming in the way of impact for the Dodgers.
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