This will be my last season in Portland no matter what. We'll try to capitalize on this core they've been gifted into and see if we can pull off another run, they'll still be among the bottom teams in payroll and after this year, anyone with a real contract will be dealt.
Code:
INTERNAL MEMO - PORTLAND STAGS BASEBALL CLUB
November 18, 2062
To: Baseball Operations Department
From: The Portland Baseball Trust Management Committee
Re: 2063 Payroll Exception
After an emergency meeting of the Trust's beneficiaries, we are making a one-time authorization for a 2063 payroll ceiling of $78 million, with the explicit understanding that this team will be dismantled following the 2063 season, regardless of results.
Context:
Grandfather built this team through careful financial stewardship. For 40 years, he ran the Stags like he ran his lumber mills - watching every penny, making sure costs never exceeded revenue. When he passed, the Trust was structured to maintain this philosophy, ensuring the team would never become a financial burden on future generations.
What happened in October changed things. For the first time since acquisition, the Stags turned a real profit. Merchandise sales are up 300%. Season ticket deposits for 2063 have already exceeded total 2062 sales. The Trust's accountants have run the numbers: we have exactly one year where we can safely operate at a loss before the tax implications become untenable.
Let's be clear: this is not a shift in philosophy. This is a one-time market correction. We're borrowing against future revenue to take one real shot with this young core. After 2063, we return to fundamental principles. The team will be stripped to baseline operational costs. Key assets will be converted to future value. The next generation of Stags baseball will return to grandfather's vision of sustainable, profitable baseball.
The extra $35-40 million for 2063 comes with conditions:
1. Any player contracts must be easily moveable by next offseason
2. No commitments beyond 2063 above league minimum
3. A complete plan for asset liquidation must be in place by July 2063
4. Revenue from increased attendance must be segregated for Trust operations
We understand this decision may seem at odds with the team's traditional operation. Consider it a temporary allowance for market conditions we never anticipated. The Trust's primary obligation remains protecting family interests, not chasing pennants.
Take your shot. But understand - this is it. By this time next year, we go back to being who we've always been.
Signed,
The Portland Baseball Trust Management Committee
P.S. - And no, we're not fixing the bleachers. Grandfather always said cold concrete builds character.