The Oakland A's would be considered a "small-market" team despite being in a major metro area. They don't have much of a TV contract, apparel sales are probably far lower than say the Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox (I don't think that revenue is shared) and I even think for some reason they don't get a share of MLB TV revenue any more.
This plus an ownership group that is happy to be competitive, mildly profitable and has trained the fan base to not get attached to any particular players since they'll be gone in 3-4 years. We're basically an MLB "farm system" for the rest of the league.
Also playing in a 55 year old football stadium unfavorable to hitters doesn't make the team a prime destination for marquee players.
|