Post by Fish Troll on Oct 28, 2008 17:35:35 GMT -5
Marlins' larger payroll doesn't rule out roster changes
By Mike Berardino
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
October 28, 2008
PHILADELPHIA
The Marlins haven't seen their payroll hit $40 million since 2005, the days of Carlos Delgado and Al Leiter.
That could change in 2009.
According to an industry source, the Marlins are telling teams they should have no problem keeping just about all of their 16 remaining arbitration-eligible players. Owner Jeffrey Loria, the source said, has authorized a payroll of up to $40 million, depending on the recommendations of his baseball people.
Such a hefty increase over the $22 million the team spent this year would represent an 82 percent hike. Increased revenue sharing, along with the expectation of a new ballpark as soon as 2011 and the World Series run of the low-budget Rays, have emboldened the Marlins to open their wallet again.
That doesn't mean there won't be significant alterations to the roster that won 84 games and finished third in the NL East this season. But it does mean the Marlins probably won't be in the position of dumping salary for that purpose alone.
Deposed closer Kevin Gregg is readily available, as is power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs. Lefty Scott Olsen could be dealt as well due to a surplus in the starting rotation.
By Mike Berardino
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
October 28, 2008
PHILADELPHIA
The Marlins haven't seen their payroll hit $40 million since 2005, the days of Carlos Delgado and Al Leiter.
That could change in 2009.
According to an industry source, the Marlins are telling teams they should have no problem keeping just about all of their 16 remaining arbitration-eligible players. Owner Jeffrey Loria, the source said, has authorized a payroll of up to $40 million, depending on the recommendations of his baseball people.
Such a hefty increase over the $22 million the team spent this year would represent an 82 percent hike. Increased revenue sharing, along with the expectation of a new ballpark as soon as 2011 and the World Series run of the low-budget Rays, have emboldened the Marlins to open their wallet again.
That doesn't mean there won't be significant alterations to the roster that won 84 games and finished third in the NL East this season. But it does mean the Marlins probably won't be in the position of dumping salary for that purpose alone.
Deposed closer Kevin Gregg is readily available, as is power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs. Lefty Scott Olsen could be dealt as well due to a surplus in the starting rotation.
www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-flspmarl1028sboct28,0,3975144,print.story
Woot! Raising payroll mean we won't lose talent for next season.
