How many will have a lower opening-day payrolls this 2009 in MLB?”
An Associated Press analysis of Opening Day salaries in Major League Baseball showed that team payrolls decreased by 1.7 percent from 2008 to 2009, with teams spending a total of $47 million less this season than last. According to the AP report, the drop in combined payroll is the first since 2004 and second since the 1994-95 work stoppage. The salary figures are based on teams’ active rosters and disabled lists as of Opening Day. “Clubs were cautious all winter with regards to the economy and were concerned the economy might have an impact on club revenue,” said Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, told the AP. “The spending reflected that for many clubs.” Figures published by the AP say the Yankees lead the Majors with a $201.4 million payroll, followed by the Mets at $135.7 million, Cubs ($135.1 million), Red Sox ($123 million), Tigers ($115 million), Angels ($113.7 million) and Phillies ($113 million). The lowest spenders are the Marlins ($37 million), Padres ($43 millio
