Hardball Dollars

So, how has Jim Hendry spent the money freed up with the exit of Sammy Sosa's and Nomar Garciaparra's contracts? Let's take a look. With the addition of Jacque Jones, here's what's locked in for salaries in 2006:

Player               2006 Salary ($millions)
Kerry Wood              12.00
Aramis Ramirez          10.50
Derrek Lee               9.40
Greg Maddux              9.00
Jacque Jones             5.33
Ryan Dempster            5.00
Michael Barrett          4.33
Bob Howry                4.00
Scott Eyre               3.70
Mark Prior               3.55
Glendon Rusch            2.75
Neifi Perez              2.50
Todd Walker              2.50
Scott Williamson         2.00
Henry Blanco             1.50
John Mabry               1.05
Total                   79.11

Now, those totals are for the 16 players with guaranteed contracts for 2006. They also have potential bonuses of another $3.3 million.

Let's look at the guys slated for arbitration and the automatic renewals. The follwoing are estimated salaries and will not be finalized for a few months:

Player                Est. 2006 Salary ($millions)
Carlos Zambrano             6.00
Juan Pierre                 5.00
Corey Patterson             2.75
Jerry Hairston, Jr.         2.50
Will Ohman                  0.75
Ronny Cedeno                0.50
Matt Murton                 0.50
Roberto Novoa               0.50
Jerome Williams             0.50
Michael Wuertz              0.50
Total:                     19.50

All in, that looks to be $101.91 million for 2006. Clearly, some salaries could go. Patterson (one hopes) could be traded, as could Todd Walker. Then again, if Mark Prior gets a large arbitration settlement, he could go up to $6 million. That would eat up any Korey/Walker savings.

So, how has Jim done? Here's what he spent:
Jacque Jones 5.33
Ryan Dempster 5.00
Bob Howry 4.00
Scott Eyre 3.70
Neifi Perez 2.50
John Mabry 1.05

That's your Sosa/Nomar Dividend.

Remember when we discussed adding multiple good guys versus single difference makers? Would anyone here trade Jones, Howry, Eyre, Perez and Mabry for Rafael Furcal and BJ Ryan?

I would.