Dodgers’ payroll falls to 11th, below Giants
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For the first time in five years, the Dodgers do not have the top player payroll in the National League West.
The Dodgers’ opening-day payroll is $95 million, according to the annual USA Today salary survey. That ranks 11th among the 30 major league teams, just behind the Minnesota Twins. The San Francisco Giants rank ninth, at $99 million.
On the day he took control of the Dodgers six years ago, Frank McCourt said he would maintain a payroll among the top quarter of major league teams. According to the USA Today surveys, the Dodgers’ opening-day payroll has dropped from $119 million in 2008 to $100 million last season and $95 million this season.
You will see other numbers for the Dodgers’ payroll too, and they will be correct in their own way. Calculations vary, depending on how you account for signing bonuses, deferred salaries, salaries owed to traded or released players, and so on. For example, USA Today lists Manny Ramirez as making $18.69 million this season, but the contract breakdown at Cot’s Baseball Contracts shows Ramirez receiving actual payments of $10 million this season.
-- Bill Shaikin