A few items of note as Opening Day 2011 winds down …
- Dodgers GM Ned Colletti confirmed that he and Andre Ethier's agent, Nez Balelo, have had vague discussions about a contract extension for the outfielder, tweets Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. We first learned of the extension talks Wednesday, when Balelo issued a statement in which he said the subject had been broached but no formal offer was made.
- White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle has no idea about whether he factors into the South Siders' long-term plans, writes Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Buehrle is in the final year of a contract extension he signed during the 2007 campaign and said, "if [extension] talks do happen, I'm sure my agent will let me know or the White Sox will let me know."
- USA Today has published its list of the payrolls of the 30 Major League clubs. Not surprisingly, the Yankees pull in at No. 1 at roughly $202MM while the Royals are No. 30 at roughly $36MM. Interestingly, the AL Central has the most top-10 teams between the White Sox, Twins and Tigers, writes Bob Nightengale.
The USA Today link says nothing about how they came to these totals. Most clubs have a lot of incentives built into their contracts. I am assuming this is the minimum teams would spend on contracts. Things could change fairly drastically if a lot of incentives are hit.
Bates and Khoury are no surprise at all as releases, but surprised they dumped Mills, 26 and a low-mid 90’s FB with a decent sinker as well.
Most surprising was Boston giving up on 2006 1st round pick Jason Place and then Willie Holmes..They got cut today also.
It funny to see the two richest owners in baseball, Toronto and Washington, near the bottom in salaries. I guess they are waiting for the right time.
Also funny how A-Rod almost makes what the whole Royals team makes, what like 10 million off?
A-Rod is a trade mark, Royals are not.
Stan Susmanon
Ha! I wish I had saved the names of all the Yankees trolls who INSISTED that the Red Sox payroll would be as high as the Yankees this year and questioned my sanity for believing otherwise. The difference between them is the same as the Rays payroll.