From mlb.com, gives you a little perspective on financial goings on around the league. Rockies: Colorado will listen to inquiries about any of the players on the roster, including cornerstone first baseman Todd Helton. With $53.1 million in 2004 tied up in six players, including one -- pitcher Mike Hampton -- who is no longer with the team, the Rockies have little flexibility unless they make a deal. But when asked if he thinks there is any chance to deal top-end talent in a situation that makes sense, Rockies chairman Charlie Monfort told MLB.com, "Not in this market." Other teams are trying to cut payroll as well. As for Helton, he is owed $130.9 million over the next eight seasons and has a complete no-trade clause. Left-handed pitcher Denny Neagle, whose return this season is iffy after Tommy John elbow ligament transfer surgery, right fielder Larry Walker, coming off shoulder and knee surgeries, and catcher Charles Johnson have complete no-trade clauses and carry large contracts. The Denver Post reported center fielder Preston Wilson, the 2003 NL RBI champ who is owed $21.5 million over two years, could be had for the right offer. "To be practical and honest with our fans, we are not by any means actively trying to trade Preston and Todd. But we can't really shut any door that would make economic sense," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle told the newspaper. "We aren't in a position to say that anyone is untouchable." Diamondbacks: Arizona declined to pick up Miguel Batista's $5 million option but would like to re-sign the right-hander. The Diamondbacks would also like to add another bat and a left-handed reliever, but may not be able to do so without moving payroll first. Arizona is also interested in re-signing Carlos Baerga. Braves: With the Braves expected to cut payroll by $15-20 million this year it is highly unlikely they will keep all of their key free agents, including Gary Sheffield, Greg Maddux, Vinny Castilla and Javy Lopez. Those four made a combined $39 million in 2003. If Castilla departs, the Braves are expected to give second baseman Mark DeRosa a shot at third base. The Braves are pondering first base options for 2004 with minor leaguer Adam LaRoche or perhaps outfielder Chipper Jones, a former third baseman, as possibilities if cost-effective options can't be found via trade or on the free-agent market. Mariners: Outgoing GM Pat Gillick said the Mariners would like to re-sign Cameron, but aren't sure they can make the fit financially. "We haven't talked to him, but we will," Gillick said. "It might not be possible (to get a deal done)." The Mets are one of several teams expected to pursue Cameron when the free agent season starts next week. http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/NA...nt_id=599911&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
it's nice to see teams slashing payroll. It's time to show some restraint when it comes to signing guys to high priced free agents.
god i wish the edit function was enabled. it's nice to see teams slashing payroll. It's time to show some restraint when it comes to signing guys to high priced contracts.
Sure, it's fine ... if all teams had the same rules with which to work -- but it just does not work that way and that is why not baseball but MLB is in deep stuff. Imagine the players available 'on the cheap' if an owner wanted to goose his payroll and take on salary to make a legit run. Would the turnstiles turn? Would advertisers advertise? Would bears...in the woods???
Major League Baseball with the last labor negotiation has set the stage for an eventual salary cap. Now, it may take awhile for it to happen but eventually they'll have no choice but to implement one, both a maximum and a minimum.
I could live without the cap if the revenues were more equal. It's extensive revenue sharing that they need moreso than the cap.
EXACTLY!! and...there are only like 3 teams that have committed to spending more next year than they did this year...curiously, the orioles are among those. the point here is....nearly every team is cutting payroll. so we can point a finger at drayton like he's scrooge...or recognize he's in the same boat as everyone else.
MadMax, I pretty much agree with all that. Where my argument would come from, is the fact that the owners are the ones putting themselves in this position, specifically by not negotiating a CBA in which they believe or can succeed in.
been doing what???? cutting payroll?? if that's what you think, then you obviously aren't aware of the state of the franchise pre-McLane. McLane added payroll like crazy...the Astros are spending money on payroll, relative to the league, tons more than they were before McLane bought the team. This was a team that was in receivership at one point! codell - understood...and I agree...but that doesn't change the fact that drayton is simply doing what the rest of the owners in the league are being forced to do; deal with the financial realities of owning a major league baseball team.
He's better than McMullen. That's not saying a great deal about him though. After next season we hopefully won't have to listen to his constant complaining about losing money.
