Playoff clubs sit atop the pay scale

ATLANTA — For the first time since 1999, all eight playoff teams are in the upper half of the payroll spectrum.
Since 2000, either the small-market Oakland Athletics or Minnesota Twins — or both — qualified for the postseason. This defied the sentiment of Commissioner Bud Selig, who has said it's impossible for small-market teams in their financial structure to sustain their performance vs. the richer franchises.
This season, when the unlikely playoff run of the Cleveland Indians — who have baseball's 26th-highest payroll — ended on the season's last day, the commissioner's words proved correct. (Related item: Postseason teams' payrolls)
If the Chicago White Sox are successful in eliminating Boston from the playoffs they'll do it with the second-lowest payroll of the eight postseason teams.
The White Sox, who took a 2-0 lead Wednesday in their best-of-five Division Series battle with the big-spending Red Sox, have a postseason payroll of $74.2 million, which ranks 13th among the 30 teams.
Only the San Diego Padres, at 15th with a $70.5 million payroll, are lower, according to a USA TODAY survey of all team payrolls as of Aug. 31 when playoff rosters were set.
The Yankees, with their record $202.9 million payroll, are first, and Boston, at $126.83 million, is second.
Change the format
As the postseason picks up steam it continues to amaze me why the powers that be won't change the Division Series to a best-of-seven format.
There's little credibility after a grueling 162-game season to have it end abruptly for Division Series teams after, in some cases, just three games. I don't think a true champion can be determined in the current best-of-five arrangement.
"I've always been an advocate of four out of seven," says Atlanta manager Bobby Cox. "I know they've looked at this for years. They keep talking about it, but a lot of things would have happen."
New York Yankees manager Joe Torre has always said the best-of-five is unfair.
Why not start by shortening the season to 154 games? That would make it work, but because the bottom line is so important to those who run the game, it won't happen. Income from the extra eight games is very important.
Selig is very cautious about discussing the subject but says it has been investigated. In fact, in talking with him, I get the feeling he might like a return to 154 games.
If that cannot be done, eliminate some of the off days. With jet travel today, a best-of-seven Division Series could be compressed into roughly the same time frame.
Another problem is television. The network suits would have a difficult time with a best-of-seven tournament.
When general managers meet next month, they should make this a priority and make a recommendation to management to make the change.
It pays to be a Yankee
It's October, and the Yankees are still playing. For three players who've been in the postseason for each of the 10 consecutive years Torre has taken them to the playoffs, it's been a lucrative run.
According to a USA TODAY study, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera each have earned $1,642,729.80 in postseason shares beginning in 1996. Elder statesman Williams got another $15,112.76 when the Yanks went to the playoffs in 1995 under Buck Showalter.
Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre always have received the full amount. Stottlemyre is the only member of Torre's staff who's been on board for the 10-year run.
Ownership search drags
Finding a permanent owner for the Washington Nationals continues, but there's no word from MLB when Selig will make his final selection. Chances are it won't happen until after the World Series, but any new owner would like to be on board in time to be involved with this offseason's free agents.
Bob DuPuy, MLB president and chief operating officer who's handling the process, says the fact there's still no lease for the proposed new stadium near the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., is a problem.
"The difficulty with the lease remains a troublesome issue," DuPuy says. "I've been in touch with all eight of the ownership candidates, and we're trying to move the process forward as rapidly as possible so the eventual owner can plan for the coming season."
Why not Hart?
If Stuart Sternberg, who took control of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from founder Vince Naimoli on Thursday, wants to turn the franchise around quickly with a capable general manager, he should contact John Hart.
There's none better than Hart, who resigned this week as the Texas Rangers GM, at molding a contending team. Given the great, young talent the Devil Rays have, Hart, who built all those championship teams in Cleveland, would be an excellent choice.
The catch is if he wants to jump back into the GM trenches. He's been talking for years about stepping down and finally did it with the Rangers when he turned the reins over to his protégé, 28-year-old Jon Daniels.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/