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Hicks’
cash can’t buy wins It’s probably a good thing Tom Hicks has a lot of money. The businessman/entrepreneur (who Forbes estimates is worth 750 million) is used to success. However two of his biggest investments — the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League and the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball — are bringing back results only Enron could overshadow. First, there is the Dallas Stars. Since the franchise’s relocation from Minnesota in 1993, the Stars have been synonymous with the Stanley Cup Playoffs, winning five division titles, two President’s Trophies, and have been to the finals twice (winning the title in 1999). However, for only the second time since their move to Dallas (and their first time under Hicks’ ownership), the Stars have failed to make the playoffs. The team finished in 10th place in the Western Conference, four points from the eighth and last spot. The season was highlighted by botched trades and free-agent signings, problems with team chemistry and the firing of Ken Hitchcock, the coach whose defensive-minded system brought the Stars their success. However, under new coach Rick Wilson, things did not get any better, as the team only went 13-11-7-1 for the interim coach who may or may not be back. The team will not spend the off-season dealing with many team dilemmas. First is their goal-tending status, whether to keep the eccentric and erratic Ed Belfour or upstart Marty Turco. Also in question is the chemistry of the team. Assembled of old veterans and young raw talent, the Stars couldn’t seem to find common ground. They constantly changed around lines and positions, hoping to find something that would work. At least the Stars will have an opportunity to rectify their mistakes, with training camp for next season not opening until September. The same cannot be said for the Rangers, Hicks’ other franchise. The Rangers have also have had some success of late, wining three division titles since 1996. However, after being bounced by the Yankees in each of their playoff series, Hicks decided changes needed to be made. This past off-season, after a last place finish, Hicks hired John Hart as the team’s new general manager. Hart spent the owner’s money at free will, trying to field the best team money could buy. Hart made his first splash by signing what seemed to be every pitcher available, highlighted by free agent pitcher Chan Ho Park. Park was supposed to be the “ace” the team has never had. Next was trades for outfielder Carl Everett and reliever John Rocker, who are known more for their idiocy and volatility than their baseball talent. As his final move, Hart brought back Juan Gonzalez, the slugger whose most productive years seem to be behind him. Despite skepticism of pitching, the Rangers felt they could keep up with opponents with offense. However, the team’s theory of outhitting their opponents has seemed to blow up in their faces. Barely into the 162-game season, the Rangers are dead-last in the AL West, and do not appear to be heading upstream anytime soon. Both Gonzalez and Park on the disabled list, and have done little or nothing at all for the team so far. Everett has a bum knee, and refuses to sit, despite his lack of productivity. And Rocker was sent to the minors Tuesday, due to his allowing of runs late in games, and may not be with the team much longer. So what has a combined payroll of over $150 million brought? Two
losing teams for a Metroplex that is not interested in a loser.
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is filled with bandwagon fans who don’t
give a team the time of day unless they are a winner. So unless
the situation gets better soon, empty seats may be abundant at The
Ballpark in Arlington and the American Airlines Center. That
is of course, unless Mr. Hicks thinks he can buy his way out of
it. |
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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002 |
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