Report: Economic Recession Hits Some MLB Players in Wallet

Baseball is not recession-proof. According to USA Today’s annual survey, 14 of MLB’s 30 team enter the 2010 season with decreased payrolls. 

The average player's salary is $3.27 million, up 1 percent from $3.26 million in 2009. The growth of salaries is the smallest boost since 2004, when the average salary for players decreased 4 percent.  In 2009, 14 teams cut payroll, but the growth of an average individual salary steadily increased 4 percent.

"The economy has affected all of us," Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz told USA Today, "It's a fact of life."

The Braves have lowered their payroll to $84.4 million, a drop of 13 percent from last year.

But there are always exceptions to the rule.

The New York Yankees still have the highest payroll at $206.3 million, an increase of 2 percent.  The 2009 world champions' starting infield will receive $85.2 million alone. That’s more than the payrolls of 16 teams.
 
"We're struggling to sign [first baseman Prince Fielder],and the Yankees infield is making more than our team," Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said.

The Red Sox log in at No. 2, doling out $162.4 million, up 33 percent.

The Minnesota Twins's payroll increased 49 percent. Their record $97.6 million this year doesn't include catcher Joe Mauer's eight-year, $184 million contract that begins after this season.