The Yankees' starting infield will earn $85.2 million this season.
That is more than the entire payroll of 16 teams: Atlanta, Rockies, Orioles, Brewers, Rays, Reds, Royals, Blue Jays, Nationals, Cleveland, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Rangers, Athletics, Padres, and Pirates.
New York also has the four highest-paid players in the game this year: Alex Rodriguez ($33 million), CC Sabathia ($24.2), Derek Jeter ($22.6), and Mark Teixeira ($20.6). John Lackey ($18.7), at #12, is the only Boston player in the Top 25. Last year, the Yankees had six players in the Top 25, while Boston had none.
I don't know if this is a comment on the fact that the Yankees spend so much or that several teams don't spend enough. Baseball does not need a salary cap as much as it needs a salary floor, IMO.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in seeing compiled statistics at the end of the season to determine the following:
ReplyDeletea) if this is still true
b) whether the Yankees infield outhit the other teams, individually and collectively.
c) whether the Yankees infield outfielded the other teams, individually and collectively.