MEMO TO FSG: WTF?

Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

They have a haphazard administrative style.

In 2020, the Red Sox traded Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. Betts is one of MLB's best players and has proven so since.

Liverpool FC sit atop the standings in both the Premier League and Champions League. Three of their best players are out of contract at season's end: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Talks for renewal seem to be moving at a snail's pace. Alexander-Arnold, Salah and van Dijk can negotiate with non-English clubs as of Jan. 1.

In 2022, the Penguins re-upped Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin, preserving a core three (including Sidney Crosby) that had not won a playoff series since 2018. (And still hasn't.)

The Penguins' core three is a lot less expensive than Liverpool's core three. But Liverpool brings in a lot more revenue than the Penguins.

Liverpool are ripping football apart. The Penguins are looking at a third straight non-playoff season.

WTF is FSG waiting for? They've got to retain Alexander-Arnold, Salah and van Dijk.

Why would FSG preserve a core that's done winning but potentially dissolve a core that's functioning at the highest level, and with income doubtless rocketing?

Crosby, Letang and Malkin have won a lot in Pittsburgh.

Alexander-Arnold, Salah and van Dijk have won even more in Liverpool, and more recently.

But it's not about gratitude and nostalgia. It's about now.