The Oakland Athletics and Their Success

The Athletics are the notorious 'Money Ball' team. They spend little and find much success, but this year it appears they are finding more success than ever, but not for the same price. The Athletics added nearly $23 Million in payroll this off season. About a forth of that comes from the trade that acquired Jim Johnson who holds a $10 Million salary and has not performed well. About another half of that came from the so far very successful Scott Kazmir. Other names like Nick Punto and Craig Gentry fill the rest of that additional salary. But the Athletics' payroll is about $83 Million and last season it was about $60 Million. They are on track to win 100 games this season, but they are paying more per win in a winning season for the first time in this century.

If they continue on this successful and specific pace then the Athletics would be spending about $830,000 per win. They have not spent that much per win since 2011 which was a losing season where they spent nearly $900,000 per win.  In a winning season the Athletics have not spent more than $668,000 per win. They are still spending significantly less than other teams to win as many games, but they are spending more than ever. This season the Cubs, Twins, Indians, and Pirates have the closest payroll to the Athletics and all but the Indians are experiencing losing seasons. The Athletics have not spent more than $1 Million per win since 2007.

List of payroll, season, and number of wins for the Athletics.

The Swingin A's

2013     $60.6 M     96 W
2012     $55.4 M     94 W
2011     $66.5 M     74 W
2010     $51.6 M     81 W
2009     $62.3 M     75 W
2008     $48.0 M     75 W
2007     $79.3 M     76 W
2006     $62.2 M     93 W
2005     $55.9 M     88 W
2004     $59.8 M     91 W
2003     $50.2 M     96 W

With the increase in team popularity and player popularity, and of course the teams overall success they are making more money. The organization is spending the money and spending it very wisely. They are making great trades, and we will see if they add any parts at the trade deadline. The Athletics have expressed interest and in my opinion desperately need a new stadium. Perhaps if they continue this low budget success they will have one in the near future.