S61 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Let's take a look at future money that is already tied up. Who has the most and least amount to spend next season. If time allows, we'll take a look at upcoming Free Agents as well. Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' are Helena Hot Dogs at nearly $240M. Close behind is Houston with nearly $210M. Followed by Chicago and Huntington right around $185M. This season it appears to be more teams in the $80-130M committed range than any of the years prior. I wonder if that's because of the MWR or just how things are shaking out these seasons. Mexico City is the only team who has commitment issues, guaranteeing not a single dime beyond this season. Fargo, New York, and Buffalo combined have less money committed than #5 lowest - Colorado Springs; whose salary we feel are on the rise - it's about to be Loin season again. 

The average commitment in the league is $46M next year, down to $28, then $13, then $6M by S65. Most of those rose from previous years, it's gotta be the MWR. Obviously we do this article a little early, so I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S61 IFA Spending Tiers

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The Cobbfather owners love spending on the international market, let's break the teams into tiers for available prospect money. We've tried to keep in mind teams who have higher draft picks and will need to save a little for the Rule 4 draft versus the others who might be only spending on IFA this year. Listed teams in alphabetical order by their tier. 

• Tier 1 
• Buffalo
• Colorado Springs
• New York
• Tier 2
• Fargo
• Tier 3
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Hartford
• Vancouver
• Tier 4
• Augusta
• Montreal
• Scottsdale
• Washington DC
• Tier 5
• Mexico City (already signed one IFA for $6.1M - this accounts his remaining budget)
• Charleston
• Tier 6
• Austin
• Jacksonville
• Tier 7
• Anaheim
• Boston
• Cincinnati
• Dover
• New Orleans
• Oklahoma City
• Philadelphia
• Santa Fe
• Salem
• Tucson
• Tier 8 
• Columbus
• Helena
• Houston
• Huntington
• Minnesota
• Tacoma

S60 On The Books!

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Now that we've covered up coming free agents, let's take a look at future money that is already tied up. Who has the most and least amount to spend. 

Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' are Houston Space Cowboys at nearly $250M; down from $300M just last season. Close behind are Columbus and Philadelphia at $242M & 238M respectively. The next group sits right around the $150M mark but it quickly drops from there all the way down to $0 committed by Chicago, New York, and Vancouver (combined). Add in Colorado Springs and the foursome have at least $1M already spent. Will we be talking about a possible 6th straight #1 pick for New York? Absurd! But sad to say, the team isn't really looking at that impressive either, but maybe that's just me. Guess that's why they continue to rebuild; need more talent. Must sign more IFAs, might draft top prospects! I am a robot, must do more! 

The average commitment in the league is $42M next year, down to $27 then $16, then $5 by S64. Second straight year it's dropped across the board entirely.

I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S59 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Almost forgot, but thankfully we have a built in reminder of the annual 7yankee7 recruitment post; it's time to look at future budgets. If you're looking for a new league join, be sure to check them out! 

Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' are Houston Space Cowboys at over $300M on the books. Jumping down nearly $50M is Sante Fe Surf Riders who have seen a resurgence and reclaimed their division title. Skipping down a bit more, we have Oklahoma City Barons ($221M) and Huntington Tropics ($200M). Then you get a quick dropoff before you find the 16 teams who have committed less than $100M. Least on the books is Colorado Springs, with no money tied up beyond this season. Augusta Alcoholics are still spending on...you guessed it, Alcohol with only $13.7M committed. 

The average commitment in the league is $49M next year, down to $29 then $17, then $7 by S63. 

I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S59 - Gettin' Paid!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Free Agency has just opened, here is where we stand on budgets. Payroll budgets remaining top 10:

• Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII - $72M
• Colorado Springs From My Loins - $68.6M (rebuilding)
• Pittsburgh Yinzers - $60.5M (rebuilding)
• Augusta Alcoholics - $57.8M (rebuilding)
• Columbus Corgis - $50.1M 
• Mexico City Staring Frogs - $49.5M (rebuilding)
• New York Empire - $47.6M (rebuilding)
• Chicago Gunslingers - $44.4M (rebuilding)
• New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers - $41.8M
• Anaheim Diablos - $40.6M

S58 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Haven't seen the annual 7yankee7 recruitment post yet, but it's time to look at future budgets. If you're looking for a new league join, be sure to check them out if they even have any openings! 

Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' are Huntington Tropics, Oklahoma City Barons, and Philadelphia Harpers; all who are above $200M. Not far behind him is Tokyo ($194.8M), Jacksonville ($194.4M), and Houston ($190.8M); who are all close enough to the top three spenders. Then a huge gap where it drops to $150M range and falls off again to below $100M. Least on the books is Augusta and Colorado Springs, both with no money tied up beyond this season. Days of the big contracts are back! The average commitment in the league is $47M next year, down to $30 then $15, then $7 by S62. 

I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S58 - Gettin' Paid

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

We've hit the last day of the offseason, yet a few moves will still remain. As our teams move forward and get ready for game 1 of Spring Training. As a reminder, things will shake up a bit once a few of the current agreed upon trades go through...if they go through. Our top 5 big spenders are:

• Houston Space Cowboys - $131.0M
• New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers - $125.6M
• Oklahoma City Barons - $125.3M
• Huntington Tropics - $120.8M
• Columbus Corgis - $117.4M

Our bottom 5 spenders include:

• Colorado Springs From My Loins - $14.3M (not much springing these days)
• Augusta Alcoholics - $21.9M (how much beer can one team spend on?)
• New York Empire - $23.7M (storybook rebuilding - just wait for the IFA spending)
• Mexico City Staring Frogs - $28.1M (anybody seen the pesos - dollars exchange rate lately?)
• Tacoma Aroma - $30.8M (the aroma seems to be getting better, but still smells)

Here's a look at the available prospect spending, can't wait to see the $30M signings that occur this season. 

S57 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The annual 7yankee7 recruitment post once again reminds me that it's time to look at future budgets. Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' is still the Chicago Gunslingers with just under $200M; down again from last year. Not far behind him is Huntington ($183M) and Atlanta ($181M). Least on the books is Mexico City with a mere $2M on the books. There are 4 teams with zero dollars committed for S59 or beyond. Seems every team is pinching pennies and being a little more careful in what they spend these days. Gone are the days of the big contracts! The average commitment in the league is $46M next year, down to $26 then $16, then $5. 

I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S57 - IFA Spending in 3...2...

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Approaching the end of Free Agency, and the international market is about to hit the ground running...or so many franchises hope. Let's take a look at all the big spending that's about to happen this season. 

Helena, Huntington, and Atlanta are the only teams outside the top 17 picks, meaning they might have a little more to spend in IFA than the others. Though given New York's lack of signing their draft prospect last season; proves he's willing to roll the dice. However this year with the #1 pick, I wouldn't expect him to pass on signing such a top talent. Their season is a a complete loss if they don't sign their top pick AND land a top IFA. That's three teams with more than $40M to spend and one dang near$40M. There's going to be some extremely bummed people by the end of this season when 8 teams walk away with a borderline AAAA/ML IFA prospect instead of an all-star or game changer like Weiss, WYW, or Tarraga who is likely to retire after this season. 

Good luck on the IFA market to everyone, even that Canadian team. 

S57 - Bills Update

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

We've hit the last day of Arbitration and moving towards Free Agency. Our top 5 big spenders are:

• Philadelphia Harpers - $111.0M
• Chicago Gunslingers - $110.2M
• Oklahoma City Barons - $106.3M
• Pittsburgh Yinzers - $101.6M
• Sante Fe Surf Riders VIII - $101.2M

Our bottom 5 spenders include:

• Augusta Alcoholics - $17.7M (will they go for 4 straight years of $40+ prospect spending?)
• Tacoma Aroma - $22.6M (outside of first season, has yet to be above $55M)
• Mexico City Staring Frogs - $25.3M (Mas Tequila!)
• New York - $27.4M (a long way from S55's $134M)
• Montreal - $37.7M (the exchange rate must be worse for French Canadians)

Here's a look at the payrolls post-arbitration, listed by how much budget they have remaining. Could be spent on free agents / IFAs / buying division titles / ponzi schemes / Tim Horton's donuts / their favorite twitch streamer.  

Take out the rebuilding teams who will be looking to transfer money for IFA spending, the FA market is looking like this:

1. Dover - 65.3M (this is the team to watch)
2. Tokyo - 41.1M (Proven to be a big spender)
3. Boston - 40.1M (has to deal with Atlanta more than any other team on this list)
4. New Orleans - 37.1M (Get ready for SP spending!)
5. Milwaukee - 33.0M (jbb in his 29th season, will look to get back on top of the division)
6. Anaheim - 26.2M (looking for owner's first second or above finish in the division)
7. Columbus - 20.6M (doesn't have much competition within the division this year)
8. Hartford - 18.9M (will they get Bonk to resign with them? Will Bonk get a max deal?)
9. Vancouver - 17.3M (boo canada!)
10. Pittsburgh - 16.4M (not likely to spend much, but are they rebuilding?)
11. Chicago - 15.8M (tight division race, he knows where to find talent)
12. Santa Fe - 15.8M (will spend every bit on these millions remaining)
13. Minnesota - 15.8M
14. Jacksonville - 15.5M
15. Salem - 15.5M
16. Salt Lake City - 15.2M
17. Philadelphia - 14.0M
18. Houston - 13.8M
19. Oklahoma City - 6.7M

S56 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The annual 7yankee7 recruitment post reminds me that it's time to look at future budgets. Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' is still the Chicago Gunslingers with just over $265M; down from last year. Not far behind him is Tokyo and New Orleans. Least on the books Augusta Alcoholics with $0M next four seasons. Their commitment appears to be to beer over players! Mexico City came in at just $1.2M for next year only. Tacoma comes in as the third team with no money committed beyond S57. 14 teams have 0 commitments to S60. The average commitment in the league is $48M next year, down to $30 then $15, then $8. 

I expect a bit of change as extensions are signed after the regular season. 

S56 - Bills Update

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

We've hit the last day of Arbitration and moving towards Free Agency. Our top 5 big spenders are:

• New Orleans Hurricane Dodgers - $114.0M
• Colorado Springs From My Loins - $112.9M
• Pittsburgh Yinzers - $112.5M
• Chicago Gunslingers - $107.5M
• Charleston Offspring - $107.2M

Our bottom 5 spenders include:

• Tacoma Aroma - $21.1M (They can't even smell what the Rock is cookin')
• Mexico City Staring Frongs - $34.4M (Look at me now, I'm getting IFA budgets!)
• Augusta Alcoholics - $35.1M (Looking to spend money in Salem soon)
• Helena Hot Dogs - $37.4M (Is a Hot Dog a sandwich?)
• Washington DC Nationals - $44.0M (At least someone in DC isn't spending money)

Here's a look at the payrolls post-arbitration, listed by how much budget they have remaining. Could be spent on free agents / IFAs / slush funds / ponzi schemes / Tim Horton's donuts; we know which one Vancouver will be spending on. Can't wait to see what Atlanta decides to spend that $2M on!

S55 On The Books!

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The annual 7yankee7 recruitment post reminds me that it's time to look at future budgets. Here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Future salary is future owner problems' is the Chicago Gunslingers with just over $285M and at least $59M on the books for the next three seasons. No commitment issues there! On the flip side, Helena and Mexico City are holding strong to their commitment to not commit. Helena does one better by still having $0M in future salary. 

S55 - Bills update

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

It's only been a few days, but let's check in on those payrolls and budgets. We've hit the last day of Arbitration and moving towards Free Agency. Our top 5 big spenders are:

• New Orleans Smell - $122.3M
• Pittsburgh Yinzers - $110.6M
• San Juan Fudds - $106M
• Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII - $101.3M
• Oklahoma City Barons - $99M

Yup, that's 3 of the 4 NL South teams within the top 4 of that list. Austin, the 4th member of the division, ranks in at 7th highest. Our bottom 5 spenders include:

• Tokyo Nomo - $17.6M (Saving money to rewrite the Mr. Roboto song to: Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto, nomo, nomo)
• Tacoma Aroma - $20.5M (I can smell the IFA spending now)
• Mexico City Staring Frogs - $21.5M (DNA testing to recreate dinosaurs. YES!)
• Augusta Alcoholics - $22.3M (no comment on what they are saving for)
• Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates - $27.6M (must be saving money to improve their recipe)

Here's a look at the payrolls post-arbitration, listed by current payroll. Includes budget space remaining and how much they have remaining for payroll. Could be spent on free agents / IFAs / slush funds / ponzi schemes / Tim Horton's donuts; we know which one Vancouver will be spending on. 

S55 Root of All Evil

  Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

If your money is green, then you have $185M to spend. If your money is every color of the rainbow, looking at you Canada, then do your own conversions. After paying off officials to get rid of the former New Orleans Old Fashioneds owner, some of you might have a little less. Budget carefully or you might be left with millions upon millions upon millions unspent. Kind of like Atlanta, Mexico City, Washington DC, and Minnesota last season. Will anyone top last year's $129M spent by New York on their payroll or the $40M spent on prospects by Augusta? Here's a look at the payrolls pre-arbitration (listed by budget remaining - pre trades, FA signings, extensions). Lots of available money out there, but I'd expect quite a few teams to contribute some towards international signings once they start appearing. Surprised to see our Commish didn't spend $185M on Tim Horton's donuts and coffee, maybe he's finally learning. 

In an interesting note, prospect spending appears to be a will and will not. Only 9 of our 32 teams have anything other than Min/Max prospect budgets. With 11 each going $20M and 11 going $6M. We'll track spending as the season progresses. 

On the Books!

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

This budget reports is brought to you by the number 7...as in 7yankee7 and 7jerry7, here is who has the most committed in future seasons. List in order of most future money committed. In the 'Most likely to propose to their girlfriend after 3 weeks' are the Philadelphia Harpers with just over $250M and at least $64M on the books for the next three seasons. No commitment issues there! On the flip side, the guys who will date their girls for 10 years and never think once about putting a ring on it, are the Helena Hot Dogs and Mexico City Staring Frogs; neither of whom have committed a single $1 to future seasons. Now if that doesn't say, I'm weighing my options; then I don't know what does. Santa Fe is an interesting case, they currently sit at the #3 overall pick next season but have the third most money tied up in current contracts. Should be interesting to see how they handle their pennies the next few years. 

S54 Whose paying!

Jessica Fletcher  - contributing reporter

Let's take a look at where owners are spending their money by position. Bonus money not included. I shouldn't have been, but a little surprised at how few max contracts there are this year; only 4 of them. 

Catcher - 

1. $6.5M - Braulio Guardado - Buffalo
2. $6.2M - Roger Herman - New York
3. $6M - Will Roth - OKC
4. $6M - Roger Sterns - Philly
5. $5M - Clif Calderon - Seoul

First Base

1. $9.5M - Keith Halter - Columbus
2. $8.4M - Omar Gonzalez - Tokyo
3. $8.3M - Al Martinez - Chicago
4. $6.9M - Yusmeiro Troncoso - Austin
5. $6.6M - Alex Tarraga - Buffalo

Second Base

1. $20M - Harry Padilla - New York
2. $9.9M - Shea Crowe - Chicago 
3. $9.8M - Matty Moss - Atlanta
4. $8.3M - Benny Saez - San Juan
5. $7.5M - Roger Stinnett - Dover

Shortstop

1. $11.2M - Sammy Figureoa - Austin
2. $9M - Yuniesky Tavarez - Santa Fe
3. $7.5M - Banjo Urlaub - Pittsburgh
4. $7M - Donovan Romano - Santa Fe
5. $7M - Alan Harris - Columbus

Third Base

1. $9.8M - Bernie Mendez - Buffalo
2. $9.3M - Rip Bromberg - Pittsburgh
3. $7.3M - Vin Pirela - Philly
4. $6.5M - Nick Zoltan - Colorado Springs
5. $6.3M - Jhonny Rijo - Chicago

Leftfield

1. $11.5M - TJ Christenson - Atlanta
2. $9.3M - Yoervis Colome - New York
3. $7.5M - Julio Pascual - Pittsburgh
4. $7.3M - Drew Ducati - Columbus
5. $6.8M  - Dicky Chang - Portland

Center Field

1. $20M - Anibal Castillo - Columbus
2. $8.5M - Cyrus Sisk - Huntington
3. $8M - Bonk Burnett - Hartford
4. $7.8M - Brandon Stevens - OKC
5. $7M - Bey Combs - San Juan

Right Field

1. $7.2M - Vic Nova - Colorado Springs
2. $7M - Brace Lansing - OKC
3. $6.5M - Lou Porzio - Austin
4. $6M - Jorge Johnson - Colorado Springs
5. $5.8M - Davy Oliver - Boston

Designated Hitter

1. $5.9M - Alex Perez - Monterrey
2. $5.5M - Paulo Tabata - Philly
3. $4.8M - Akinori Yoshii - Seoul

Starting Pitcher

1. $20M - Nigel White - Hartford
2. $20M - Arismendy Costilla - Colorado Springs
3. $18M - William Thompson - New Orleans (Atlanta paid $4M)
4. $16M -Louis Combs - New Orleans
5. $15M - Onelki Manuel -Dover

Relief Pitcher

1. $15.8M - Radhames Machado
2. $9M - Marcos Owen - Columbus
3. $7.5M - Don Krause - Chicago
4. $7.3M - Humberto Lee - Columbus
5. $7M - Boone Dowd - Chicago

1 8 5

   Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

One Eight Five Million! That's what every team has...Canadian teams are enjoying a somewhat low exhange rate right now. I wonder if the Canadian Commish has anything to do with it. #rumorstarted. So here we are at another year, another attempt at the Cobbfather World Series, another chance to sign that top International prospect, another chance for Dizzy Leonard to not make it into the Hall. No team has a chance to top alexng688's Season 36 international spending of $51M; Atlanta is closest still still over $8M away. Santa Fe once again as highest payroll; but why change a good thing? He's finished outside of 1st place in the division only 3 times since Season 34 and working on his 8th straight title. 

Here's a look at the payrolls as they stand today (listed by budget remaining)

Way Early S48 Budgets

Jessica Fletcher - Contributing Reporter

With 12 games remaining in Season 48, let's take a look at guaranteed money beyond this year. Highlighted are the teams currently in first place; Montreal, Dover, New York, and Jackson have secured their division and likely resting some of their big names for the playoff run. 

We've only had 5 in-seasons extension deals worked out so far this season, but we'll see if a few of those possible free agents end up working a deal with the home team. 

The league has just recovered from a bit of a draft drought, but are we entering a free agency drought soon? Here is a look at a few of the current top names if nothing changes (all analysis as of this writing - cannot be held accountable for aging until the fountain of youth is found). 

• Yoenis Portillo (LF, 35) - Has played his entire career in Buffalo but with Tarraga's contract and Portillo's age, he'll hit free agency and have to find a home else where. All said, with 12 games left, he still has a chance to hit above .300 for the 13th time in his career but when will father time catch up? 
• Andres Estrada (1B, 33) - His 2/13.6 prior to season 47 has sure paid off for Estrada, winning it all his first season with the team and second of his career. His ratings haven't taken much of a hit this year but he's hitting .269 with only 18 hr this season. Then again, hitting in Oklahoma City isn't the easiest thing to do. With an above average glove, surely another team will offer him a couple of  years. 
• Jimmie Tapia (3B, 32) - Consistent is what Tapia is. Finishes another season with at least a .260 average, 17 HR, and 25 SBs. Should be able to land another couple of years on the free agent market, if Boston let's him walk. He's yet another player on our list that has only played for one team his entire career. 
• Chuk Takada (LF, 31) - Big year (or is it?) for players who have only played for one team, Takada will be in the boat if klown doesn't lock him up. His last 2/4.4M deal seems like a steal, even while hitting ~15HR with a .285 average. He might not be at the top of the lineup, but still a quality bat to have in the bottom of the lineup. And with the way he limits strikeouts, he shouldn't hurt the team too bad. 
• Eduardo Ambriz (1B, 30) - The youngest of our bats, and he has held up well this season. He may have struggled last season, but his current 33 HR, 107 RBI, 30 2Bs, 18 SBs, and .279 average show he still has a good bit left in the tank. You'll have to wonder if his new team moves him back to 2B, even with a slightly below average arm strength for the position. That might add a little extra value to his next contract. 

• Sergei Griggs (SP, 30) - One of Colorado Springs' front line starters could see the open market. Mid 3s ERA with more than twice as many Ks and walks. At only 30, he should have at least one more big paydown left in him. But who will it be? 
• Doc Cortes (SP, 29) - Our youngest of the pitchers and primed for a big payday after being traded to the Washington DC Nationals from Ottawa earlier this season. He'll continue to limit free passes while missing quite a few bats. His career 104-69 with a 3.03 ERA in 1653 innings should peek the interest of numerous owners and GMs. 
• Ron Steenstra (RP, 30) - Likely our top reliever for those looking for bullpen help. He has closed out 43 of 49 for NL East division leader Columbus. If they hold off Buffalo, he'll be a big reason why. All thanks to a deal with Atlanta earlier this season. In comparison, Julian Clay who mike traded to ekoon has a 5.84 ERA this season down in New Orleans. Of course, Mike also go Alfonso James and Ernest Paulson (before trading him & salary relief back to Atlanta for Al Cubillan)

Whose paying for what?!?

 Jessica Fletcher  - contributing reporter

Season 48 is the year Cobbfather owners paid for the Atlanta Expos. So far ekoontz has maneuvered 10 trades with 9 different owner, that's nearly 30% of the league that he' traded with. He's whittled down to a pedestrian $21.3M payroll. But the kicker is, his trade partners are covering $13M of that salary. Let's break down his deals

Deal 1: He turned soft (putting it mildly) hitting defensive stud AAA shortstop prospect for his starting backstop, Jared Hafner on Rookie 1 contract.

Deal 2: Turned back of the rotation starter Gary Merchan (Arb1 - $1.2M) into backup catcher and fantastic pitch caller Bob Kiermaier (Rookie 2 contract), SuB Peter Zheng (Rookie 2 contract), and closer Buddy Gibson (Rookie 2 contract). 

Deal 3: Dealt quality starting pitching prospect Joe Madson (A+ Prospect - side note: 80 pitch quality 4-seam FB but velocity is 32, WIS if fun!) into starting DH Bruce Latham (Rookie 2 contract) and SuB Gabby Lunsford (Rookie 3 contract).

Deal 6: Traded pitching prospect Archie Easley (AA Prospect) for Sub Al Cubillan (Rookie 3 contract)

Deal 7: SuB Farmer Swanner , SuA prospect Gregory Dawkins (AAA Prospect on Rookie 1 contract), and starting prospect Wally Saberhagen for back end starter Ben Nicolino (Rookie 1 contract). - Not likely to have an impact this season. 

Deal 4, 5, 8, 9, & 10: Dealt away defensive and lefty hitting specialist Wayne Brow (AA Prospect), power hitting third baseman Grayson Lowry (AA Prospect), DH Gregor Diaz (A- Prospect), & Alfonso James (AAA Prospect), mid to late rotation starting prospect Corey Simmons (AA Prospect), SS Kenny Jacquez (4/$38M) and 2B Andy McLaughlin (Arb 1 - $1.6M) for $13M, Ace JC Wall (5/$40M) and potential ace prospect Damaso Ethier (AA Prospect). We might be talking about this group of deals in a few seasons. A three man playoff rotation of Wall, Gross, and Ethier sounds pretty amazing. 

Let's take a look at where owners are spending their money by position. Bonus money not included. 

Catcher - 

1. $7M - Fritz Butcher - Helena
2. $5.9M - Jeff Newfield - Austin
3. $5.4M - Marshall Van Ostrand - Colorado
4. $5.3M - Omar Acevedo - New York
5. $5.1M - Mike Walls - Washington DC

First Base

1. $20M - Alex Tarraga - Buffalo
2. $9.4M - Keith Halter - Columbus
3. $7.3M - Eduardo Ambriz - Pittsburgh
4. $7.1M - Gregory Treinen - Cincinnati
5. $7.1M - Eduardo Figureoa - New York

Second Base

1. $10M - Geronimo Nunez - Salt Lake City
2. $9M - Harry Padilla - New York
3. $8.8M - Chan Ho Jiang - Scranton
4. $8M - Clyde Spivey - Montreal
5. $7.5M - Bey Combs - San Juan

Shortstop

1. $20M - Cyrus May - Colorado Springs
2. $20M - Francisco Bonilla - El Paso
3. $9.5M - Helena
4. $8M - Al Rosario - Montreal
5. $6.5M - Malachi Bootcheck - Scranton

Third Base

1. $16M - Carl Marthinson - Scranton
2. $11.8M - Juan Siqueiros - Austin
3. $10M - Edgardo Melendez - Dover
4. $9.3M - Victor Nunez - Helena
5. $8.5M - Del Bailey - Santa Fe

Leftfield

1. $9.3M - Yoervis Colome - New York
2. $8.9M - Yoenis Portillo - Buffalo
3. $8M - Renato Martinez - Huntington
4. $7.5M - Vin Melhuse - Helena
5. $7.2M - Yohan Mairena - Salt Lake City

Center Field

1. $13.5M - Carmen Buller - Santa Fe
2. $10M - Anibal Castillo - Columbus
3. $7.5M - Forrest Kelly - Austin
4. $7.3M - Don Stubbs - Colorado Springs
5. $7.2M - Luis Carrasco - Santa Fe

Right Field

1. $19M - Felipe Benitez - New York
2. $13.3M - Lee Schlitter - Salt Lake City
3. $8.9M - Doug Cornelius - Ottawa
4. $7.5M - Al Martinez - Helena
5. $7.5M - Richie Barkley - OKC

Starting Pitcher

1. $20M - Louis Conley - New York
2. $20M - Samuel Ramirez - San Juan
3. $20M - Yovani Parraz - Pittsburgh
4. $20M - Gerald Kojima - Montreal
5. $18M - Koyie Ward - Huntington

Relief Pitcher

1. $12.2M - Rickey Kohn - Pittsburgh
2. $11.8M - Taylor McKay - Chicago
3. $8M - Christopher Romero - Washington DC
4. $7.5M - Eric Hampton - OKC
5. $7.3M - David Grichuk - Helena