[vincesanity82]

How does a small-market team compete in the AL East? Not by having a team payroll the same size as a single player's annual salary. In 2007, the Rays spent about $24 million in payroll, Alex Rodriguez swaggered to the bank with about $23 million. Close enough to make my point.

In 2008, the Rays look to spend over $40 million, a 70 percent increase. The St. Petersburg Times reports:

The Rays have more than $20-million committed to seven players (Carl Crawford, $5.25-million; Troy Percival, $4-million; Cliff Floyd, $2.75-million; Akinori Iwamura, $2.4-million; Al Reyes, $2.3-million; Rocco Baldelli, $2.25-million; Gary Glover $1.075-million); four players remaining in arbitration (Carlos Pena, Scott Kazmir, Dan Wheeler and Jonny Gomes) who could make $13-million to $14-million; 12 or 13 players who will get the $390,000 minimum or slightly more; and openings for a backup catcher, super-utility type and left-handed reliever. Plus millions in incentives.

The $40+ million blows away the 20% increase touted by principal owner Stuart Sternberg, but certainly solidifies a few key position players and bullpen arms. Assuming the arbitration cases are settled amicably, it might just be enough to get the team out of the basement.

Rays Almost Double Payroll Heading into 2008 - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[azrael492]

They signed Pena to a 3 yr deal worth over $24 million. They somehow got Kazmir to sign at a discount. They got him for $3.75 million. With the money being thrown around at pitchers, he could have gotten a lot more.

[legend]

If they could only get some arm in the bullpen they could maybe get as high as thrid in the East.

[azrael492]

They do have the bad luck of being in the AL east. As promising as they appear to be all they can hope for is 3rd

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by legend

If they could only get some arm in the bullpen they could maybe get as high as thrid in the East.

More like 2 or 3 arms...Kazmir only signed for 4 million -what is he, stupid? Then again, I suppose he's under contract so the Rays didn't have to give him anything. When he's a free agent, he may become the highest paid pitcher. A young lefty who throws bullets? Look at how much mediocre pitchers like Gil Meche got.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

More like 2 or 3 arms...Kazmir only signed for 4 million -what is he, stupid? Then again, I suppose he's under contract so the Rays didn't have to give him anything. When he's a free agent, he may become the highest paid pitcher. A young lefty who throws bullets? Look at how much mediocre pitchers like Gil Meche got.

I think they may have a pretty good rotation. They have Kazmir to start. James Shields really came on strong last season, and they got Matt Garaz from the Twins. He has been very close for a few years. I like their starting staff.

[suedon70]

Finally! $40 Million is far from $180-200 million typically spent by Boston & NY, but it somewhat proves that TB ownership is starting to spend some serious $ on keeping their talent. If they can sign Kaz to a long-term deal after this season, then I will be on board the Rays train.....

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by suedon70

Finally! $40 Million is far from $180-200 million typically spent by Boston & NY, but it somewhat proves that TB ownership is starting to spend some serious $ on keeping their talent. If they can sign Kaz to a long-term deal after this season, then I will be on board the Rays train.....

I'm getting on board now. To me, they are the most exciting young team in the sport...aside from my reds. If everything comes together like it should, they will compete for the AL east.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by suedon70

Finally! $40 Million is far from $180-200 million typically spent by Boston & NY, but it somewhat proves that TB ownership is starting to spend some serious $ on keeping their talent. If they can sign Kaz to a long-term deal after this season, then I will be on board the Rays train.....

What happens in five or so years when this team is going to cost at the very least 3 times that amount? But those will be a fun 5+ years.