Barring A Trade, Rays Payroll Will Be More Than $60 Million In 2012

We will update the 25-man roster projection tomorrow, but first, let’s take a look at the payroll projection… With the addition of Carlos Pena,  the 2012 payroll projects to be approximately $63.6 million, an increase of 54.7 percent over last season. This is based on raises already built into existing contracts, and projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players and players in their first three seasons. Here is the breakdown of the projected payroll. Notes on the table, and additional thoughts can be found below… Notes on the projected 40-man roster and payroll… As expected, Justin Ruggiano, who was out of minor league options, was removed from the 40-man roster when Carlos Pena was signed. Other key playersout of minor league options who will be fighting for roster spots include Elliot Johnson and Jose Lobaton. However, we project both of those players to make the opening day roster.(...)Read the rest of Barring A Trade, Rays Payroll Will Be More Than $60 Mil...