No Need to Sweat the Philadelphia Phillies Signing Marlon Byrd
Yahoo Contributor Network  COMMENTARY | Once upon a time, the
Philadelphia Phillies dipped into the bargain basement and
pulled out Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth. I'm talking bargain
here, folks.  In 2007, the Phillies paid these guys $1.26
million combined. That season, the Phillies won their first of
five straight National League East titles and the two bargain
outfielders would be key contributors to a World Series
championship the following season.  Both blossomed into All-
Stars and eventually priced themselves out of the Phillies'
budget. Last season, they cost two other teams a combined $29
million.  I bring this up to exemplify that very often major
league teams have to be very lucky to succeed. These days, most
teams can't afford to exceed the luxury tax, at least on a
regular basis. Few teams can hold on to great stars for their
entire careers, or sign top talent on demand to fill in holes.
It requires creativity with budgeting money