TORONTO – As Toronto Blue Jays fans revel in restored hopes that a blockbuster trade will bring the team out of their World Series slump, much of the excitement has surrounded the level of skill the new players have – but real hope may lay in the cash involved.
The deal would see Miami Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes, left-hander Mark Buehrle and right-hander Josh Johnson traded to the Blue Jays.
This would give an immediate boost to the Blue Jays, who have not reached the playoffs since winning their second consecutive World Series in 1993. If the deal goes through as planned it would become one of the biggest trades in major-league history, bumping the Jays’ payroll for 2013 to just over $92 million (U.S.).
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But payroll may contribute to a team’s success in the World Series in addition to the talent of their pitchers or hitters.
When the Blue Jays won their second World Series in 1993 they held the highest total payroll in the league for that year, totaling over $45 million. During their first World Series win they held the third highest payroll in the league at just over $43 million.
In 2009 the New York Yankees had the highest total payroll in the league at over $201 million – they also won the World Series that year.
In fact, in the last five years teams who have won the World Series have held higher spots in the payroll bracket overall.
2012 – San Francisco Giants, 8th highest total payroll that year
2011 – St. Louis Cardinals, 11th highest total payroll that year
2010 – San Francisco Giants, 9th highest total payroll that year
2009 – New York Yankees, 1st highest total payroll that year
2008 – Philadelphia Phillies, 12th highest total payroll that year
In the MLB, teams with a higher payroll have more of an ability to attract stronger players, as the promise of a higher salary is tempting to players – but does a higher payroll contribute to a team’s chances of making it to the World Series? The Jays will test that in 2013.
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