skyking162

For reference, here are the 2007 team payrolls. The AL average is $93 million while the NL comes in at $74 million. That $19 million difference buys 4-5 wins on the free agent market, explaining much of the talent disparity between the leagues.

The Marlins will have an even lower payroll next season, but should still win 75 games. The two Florida teams (now that the Rays are under better management) have an impressive collection of talent for as little as they spend on free agents. Assuming both teams bump up the payroll to make a run in the next few years, I have no problem with that strategy. It sure beats what the Orioles and Reds are doing.

Lg  Organization          Payroll
A   New York Yankees      $189,639,045
A   Boston Red Sox        $143,026,214
A   Los Angeles Angels    $109,251,333
A   Chicago White Sox     $108,671,833
A   Seattle Mariners      $106,460,833
A   Detroit Tigers        $95,180,369
A   Baltimore Orioles     $93,554,808
A   Toronto Blue Jays     $81,942,800
A   Oakland Athletics     $79,366,940
A   Minnesota Twins       $71,439,500
A   Texas Rangers         $68,318,675
A   Kansas City Royals    $67,116,500
A   Cleveland Indians     $61,673,267
A   Tampa Bay Rays        $24,123,500

N   New York Mets         $115,231,663
N   Los Angeles Dodgers   $108,454,524
N   Chicago Cubs          $99,670,332
N   St. Louis Cardinals   $90,286,823
N   San Francisco Giants  $90,219,056
N   Philadelphia Phillies $89,428,213
N   Houston Astros        $87,759,000
N   Atlanta Braves        $87,290,833
N   Milwaukee Brewers     $70,986,500
N   Cincinnati Reds       $68,904,980
N   San Diego Padres      $58,110,567
N   Colorado Rockies      $54,424,000
N   Arizona Diamondbacks  $52,067,546
N   Pittsburgh Pirates    $38,537,833
N   Washington Nationals  $37,347,500
N   Florida Marlins       $30,507,000 

Source: USA Today Salary Database

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