Royals promise to cut an already low payroll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals had their highest payroll in 2002 and their worst win-loss record, so changes are going to be made, says owner David Glass.

Glass said the payroll for the 25-man roster will be trimmed about $10 million to $37 million for 2003. He said the figure includes money to re-sign their pitcher-of-the-year, Paul Byrd, who is a free agent after going 17-11 with a 3.90 ERA.

The payroll for the entire 40-man roster, Glass said, will be about $40 million.

The Royals had an all-time worst 62-100 record last season and Glass said he lost about $20 million.

"The amount of the payroll doesn't necessarily dictate how you are going to play," Glass said. "We had the highest payroll in the history of the Royals last year and we lost 100 games. So obviously, we need to do something different."

Based on 2002 major league baseball salaries, the Royals $37 million payroll would have placed the team next to last among the league's 30 teams. Where the 2003 payroll will put Royals on that list will not be known until all teams set their rosters by March.

There are several high-priced veterans the Royals have been expected not to re-sign, including shortstop Neifi Perez, who was paid $4.1 million last year.

Byrd has indicated he would like to stay in Kansas City and the Royals would like to keep him.

"We have factored him into our projected payroll," said general manager Allard Baird. "I feel we have a legitimate chance to sign him, because we want him here and he wants to be here."

Byrd was paid $2.2 million last year through incentive clauses on a base contract of $850,000. But nearly half the $37 million will be earmarked for first baseman Mike Sweeney and center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Sweeney, who signed a five-year contract extension last spring, will see his salary rise to $11 million next year.

Beltran, who made $3.5 million last year, will go to salary arbitration and will probably command about $6 million.

Other expensive players under contract include third baseman Joe Randa at $4.5 million, catcher Brent Mayne and outfielder Michael Tucker, $2.75 million, and reliever Jason Grimsley, $2 million.

Also eligible for arbitration is first baseman/outfielder Raul Ibanez, who made $800,000 last year while having a breakthrough season with career-highs in 24 homers, 103 RBIs and a .294 average.

"We know exactly where we are," said Baird. "We expect to improve next year."