Criticisms suggesting that the Los Angeles Dodgers are negatively impacting Major League Baseball are typically rooted in frustrated discussions about big-market financial power, competitive balance, and payroll disparities. Because the Dodgers' ownership group and front office consistently leverage massive financial resources to sign global superstars and retain elite depth year after year, rival fans and sports commentators occasionally argue that such economic muscle creates an uneven playing field. However, proponents of the franchise counter that aggressive spending, smart asset management, and a commitment to winning are standard competitive strategies open to all major league clubs under existing collective bargaining agreements.