I don’t get the bum wrap Robert Sarver keeps taking as a cheap owner. He has shelled out top dollar for free agents such as Steve Nash and has re-upped the future of the franchise in Amare Stoudemire while having one oft the highest payrolls in basketball. There is however a cheap owner in town and no his name isn’t Bill, although he is cheap in his how right.
Jeff Moorad and Ken Kendrick need to take some heat for the fact that their team has a small payroll and a small total of wins over the last few seasons.

The fact that the Diamondbacks have the 5th lowest payroll in the bigs at $52M is a shame. This team can only use the excuse that “The player is over priced for his position” so many times before they cross the line from conscious to cheap. The fact that they have broken off talks with Eric Byrnes puts them right about to step across that line. Is Eric Byrnes worth the 5 years $50M that Gary Matthews Jr. got? Probably not seeing as Byrnes will be almost 36 in 5 years but if he is willing to accept a “hometown” discount, like he said he would, then 3 years and $24-$26M would probably get the job done. Is Eric Byrnes the best outfielder in the world, will he bat .315 the next three season? Probably not but at least the team knows he brings energy and hustle for every game. It’s time to open your wallet and either re-sign Byrnes or sign a big name free agent. Otherwise Kendrick and Moorad you are just cheap.

Join the discussion at The Fanster Forums. Arizona Sports 24/7.