Big Bucks In Sports

JAPAN's Ichiro Suzuki $17.1 million

UNDERWATER
Recently fired G.M. Bill Bavasi's worst sin was signing free-agent first baseman Richie Sexson to a four-year deal in December 2004. Sexson, who has a .221 average after hitting .205 last year, will earn $15.5 million in '08. Only 17 players make more.

THE RAYS WAY
The team's philosophy: Build around young (read: cheap), skilled players, like 23-year-old centerfielder B.J. Upton ($412,100 in '08).

DIVIDED THEY STAND
The Nationals spend the biggest share on hitters, to little effect; the White Sox and the A's get their mound money's worth.
[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

* Runs scored

All stats through last Saturday

Basketball

Though they had the sixth-highest payroll in the league, the champion Celtics were still the league's most efficient team. Dominating the regular season with 66 victories will do that

Small-Market Savvy

ON THE COURT, the Celtics trounced the competition, but in the efficiency race, the Magic, Hornets and Jazz gave them a run for their money (though they ultimately fell short there too). On the other end of the scale, the Heat, with its .183 winning percentage, was even more shameful than the woebegone Knicks.