Sunday, December 9, 2012

Dodgers Have The Highest Payroll In 2014

With the signing of Zack Greinke, it appears as though the Yankees will not have the highest payroll in Major League Baseball for the first time since 1998.

Greinke agreed to a contract of 6 years and $147 million, an average annual value of $24.5 million, which makes him the highest paid pitcher in MLB (Sabathia makes $24.4 million, according to his contract's AAV). That gives the Dodgers four players making $20 million or more per season (according to AAV), as Zack joins Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Matt Kemp (the Phillies are the only other team with that many players making $20 million or more).

Unless the Yankees switch gears and start making some big moves, their payroll is sure to fall under the approximate $220 million payroll Los Angeles is looking at. It would be nice if that would get some people off the Yankees back when it comes to the "trying to buy championships" thing, but I doubt it. Hopefully this news gives the Yankee front office a swift kick in the rear end, and they started to realize that the money saved for getting under a payroll of $189 million by 2014 won't make up for the lost revenue from fielding a championship caliber team.

Yankees Hesitant On Pierzynski

More stuff from Mr. Jon Heyman...

The Yankees are apparently hesitant about AJ Pierzynski. Although it's not the type of news I'd like to hear during this slow postseason, I'd rather the Yanks not bring AJ to the Bronx. Team officials believe he's just an average defensive catcher, and most Yankee fans can tell you that recently they've been all about strong defensive catchers. It makes sense as the team has gotten plenty of offense out of a traditionally non-offensive 2nd base position, as well as strong contributions out of other spots, but looking at the current proposed lineup for 2013 I'm not sure about that any longer. 

That's not to say I'm changing my stance on Pierzynski. I just wish the Yankees' thoughts went beyond his defense, and instead focused on the fact he's going to be 36, doesn't get on base that often, and had a season with some uncharacteristic power that he's very unlikely to replicate.

Yankees Lose Interest In Hamilton

I'm not sure if I want to see Hamilton in pinstripes or not. At first I see the numbers, including 100 home runs over the last 3 years, and think "oh, hell yeah". Then I look at his drug history and wonder if New York City would get to him and lead to issues. Either way, the Yankees signing him would be interesting news in a very not interesting postseason so far.

Well, Jon Heyman put those "Hamilton to Yankees" rumors to rest, saying the team is not involved at this point. If Josh's price were to fall, then perhaps talks would re-ignite, but as of right now it looks like myself and other Yankee fans are left wanting.