Battle of the Budgets

 Jessica Fletcher - Contributing Reporter

Season 47 LCS matchups include a battle of the budgets. In the American League we have Colorado Springs' $124M payroll going up against Cinncinati's $82M. While in the National League it's Oklahoma Citiy's $115M versus Buffalo's $80M. By the way, both low budget teams are up 1-0 after Game 1. 

Only four teams spent more than Colorado Springs, and every single one of them made the playoffs. On the flip side, there were eleven teams that spent less than Buffalo and only Jackson made the playoffs spending a low $58M. Open up those wallet books and maybe we'll see them in the ALCS next year. 

Time to invest! Let's take a quick look at guaranteed contracts for Season 48. Tampa Bay takes the lead after signing Birdie Kydd (1B) to a 2-year $11.6M contract extension just yesterday. 

Now where could some of that money be spent? Here are a few names currently looking at the Free Agent market, unless their current owners can get them signed to an extension. (all analysis as of this writing - cannot be held accountable for aging until the fountain of youth is found)

• Alex Tarraga (1B) - Some lousy 29 yr old bum that plays for Buffalo. A little surprised he's listed at the top of this list. He might make a $1M or two on a one year deal if he's lucky. Can't really think of a team that could use his services. Let's move on to the next guy so you forget about him. 
• Bob Lalli (1B) - Just outside his prime, at the age of 33,  but hoping to land one more contract before this switch hitter starts playing year to year. Coming off a season that saw him hit .325, 26 HR, and drive in 103 RBI. 
• Antonio Kata (C) - First year of his new contract will be his last in his 20s, so a great time to sign him to a long term contract. Didn't have a great season this past year, but hopes to rebound with his 73 contact, 73 power, 80 eye, and 84/84 splits. Though many AL teams might prefer him for their DH slot. His below average plate calling might leave a lot to desire for the NL teams. My grandma might be faster than him too. 
• Joey Pritchett (SP) - Does he have anything left in the tank? Take him out of the extreme hitter's park in Santa Fe and his numbers would surely be better. Good control, decent splits, his pitch quality might slip next year, and never known for his velocity. 
• Murray Westbrook (RP) for those looking for some bullpen help. The 31 year old pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 24 of 25 saves for playoff team Augusta this year.