Tigers Among MLB Teams Feeling Financial Pinch

The MLB Winter Meetings are in full swing, and it is clear the economy once again is playing a large role in the decision making of both teams and players. Some clubs in Indianapolis are clearly dealing with monetary issues -- the Tigers are willing to trade All-Star CF Curtis Granderson due to “financial pressure,” and MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince writes “money will be at the root of each decision” made by the Indians. Even Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. indicates the team has a firm payroll limit, albeit higher than most at $140M. Outside of marquee names like Lackey and Holliday, free agents expecting to cash in this offseason may miss out on the lottery. Meanwhile, the Pirates offer a rare look into their finances. Pirates President Frank Coonelly says the team uses all revenue-sharing funding it gets "in our effort to build a winning club.”