Baseball Money Matters

Kris Benson is on the trading block. The teams rumored to be interested in Benson and his $6.10 million contract include the Yankees (of course), the Cardinals, the Phillies, the Braves and possibly the Red Sox. The 29-year old right-hander only counts for $3.45 million against the cap - which could be a factor in negotiations with the Yankees and Red Sox (the only two teams over the cap). Benson would cost the Red Sox or Yankees $7.825 million including luxury tax money (assuming my math is correct).

Since the Pirates would be looking for prospects in return - I would expect that it wouldn't be the Yankees or Red Sox in the lead for the guy who spells his first name incorrectly.

One last thought on the matter; if the Pirates are successful in trading the contracts of both Benson and Jason Kendall - they potentially could have a payroll of less than $20 million. Is it possible that the Pirates will get enough money from league merchandise, TV and luxury tax sharing that they will be in the black without a fan going through a turnstile?