![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/Projects/10_OTHER/050526_BigPayoff/SPAT_TheBigPayoff_08.jpg\")
";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff.sTitle = "MLB big payoff";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff.rowSpacer = "And who can blame them? Put in the same position, most of us regular Joes would feel the same way.
The best way for players to grab the big bucks is, of course, through the free agent market. That makes the 2008 season especially important for a handful of players who are looking to raise their value and catch the eye of big-spending general managers.
NBCSports.com looks at the free agents who have the most on the line.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Starting pitchers","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "bg", "", "", "200", "200", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","C.C. Sabathia","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070719/070719_Sabathia_vmed_8p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Tony Gutierrez", "AP", "245", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Age: 27
2008 salary: $11 million
Key stat: 19-7 with 3.21 ERA in 2007.
The skinny: He proved to be among the best in baseball with his AL Cy Young award in 2007. He has expressed interest in staying in Cleveland, but the huge deal Johan Santana got from the Mets may have priced the Indians out of the market.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Pedro Martinez","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Nati Harnik", "AP", "284", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
NEW YORK METS
Age: 36
2008 salary: $11.5 million
Key stat: 28 innings pitched in 2007.
The skinny: He's one of the most talented right-handers in baseball history, but his age and recent history of injuries could hurt him on the market. The Mets have shown no interest lately in giving him an extension, so he'll have to prove he can stay healthy.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Ben Sheets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070918/070918_ben_vmed_8p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Pat Sullivan", "AP", "298", "176", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Age: 29
2008 salary: $11 million
Key stat: 12-5 with a 3.83 ERA in 2007.
The skinny: Another talented right-hander with injury troubles, Sheets has not made more than 24 starts in a season since 2004. He's still young, and could snare a huge deal if he proves he can last a whole season.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Andy Pettitte","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070919/070918_AndyP_vmed_7p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "277", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
NEW YORK YANKEES
Age: 35
2008 salary: $16 million
Key stat: 46-31 while averaging 217 1/3 innings over the last three seasons.
The skinny: His admissions of past HGH use are unlikely to hurt him as he seeks his next contract, but his age might. Amazingly consistent over the last three seasons, but is still unlikely to get any more than 1-year contracts from here on out.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Bartolo Colon","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Steven Senne", "AP", "282", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
BOSTON RED SOX (minor league deal)
Age: 34
2008 salary: $108,000 in 1-year, minor league deal. Makes $1.25 million if he makes the Red Sox, with incentives potentially pushing the deal to $5.75 million.
Key stat: 155 2/3 innings pitched since winning 2005 Cy Young award.
The skinny: This was a low-risk deal by the Red Sox, who are searching for potential replacements for Curt Schilling. If Colon can regain a hint of his former dominance, this could be a great grab.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Derek Lowe","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060622/060622_MARINERS_DODGERS_vmed.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jeff Lewis", "AP", "230", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Age: 34
2008 salary: $10 million
Key stat: 3.81 ERA over 11 seasons.
The skinny: It's odd that Lowe has only had one winning season in three years with the Dodgers when he has had an ERA below 4 in each campaign. Lowe could be searching for his fourth big league team after this season, as the Dodgers have been stockpiling pitching, and have Brad Penny's option to worry about.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","A.J. Burnett","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0051465521.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Al Messerschmidt", "Getty Images", "264", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Age: 31
2008 salary: $12 million
Key stat: 69-66 in nine seasons.
The skinny: Burnett is actually signed through 2010 at $12 million per season, but has the right to opt out after 2008. Why would a guy who is essentially a .500 pitcher opt out of such a sweet deal? He probably wouldn't, unless he can have a bang-up season.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Jon Garland","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0051466506.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Matthew Stockman", "Getty Images", "298", "193", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Age: 28
2008 salary: $12 million
Key stat: 200\+ innings in each of his last four seasons.
The skinny: Garland came to L.A. from the White Sox in the deal for Orlando Cabrera. The move to a more pitcher friendly park could help him improve his numbers, and net this solid, under-30 pitcher a big contract.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Mark Prior","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070412/070412_Prior_vmed_3p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Ross D. Franklin", "AP", "262", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Age: 27
2008 salary: $1 million
Key stat: 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003
The skinny: The Padres take a low-risk shot on Prior in the hopes he can regain his dominant form (see key stat above). However, it's looking more and more like Prior will spend the upcoming season rehabbing/pitching in the minors.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Closers","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Joe Nathan","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss_070214_bbgreats/ss_070214_bbgreats_14.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Bruce Bisping", "MCT", "266", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
MINNESOTA TWINS
Age: 33
2008 salary: $6 million
Key stat: 160 saves over last four seasons.
The skinny: He's been one of the most reliable closers in baseball over the last few seasons, but he'll likely be following Johan Santana out the foor. Either as a free agent following the 2008 season, or in a trade sometime before the July 31 deadline.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Francisco Rodriguez","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss_070214_bbgreats/ss_070214_bbgreats_15.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Chris Carlson", "AP", "261", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Age: 26
2007 salary: $10 million
Key stat: 132 saves over last three seasons.
The skinny: Rodriguez lost his arbitration case and was \"stuck\" with a $10 million deal. If he has another great season, he's going to get paid off big time in the offseason, either by the Angels or someone else. Think something in the range of four years, $48 million.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Brian Fuentes","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0051480259.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Matthew Stockman", "Getty Images", "297", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
COLORADO ROCKIES
Age: 32
2008 salary: $5.05 million
Key stat: 81 saves over last three seasons.
The skinny: A former 25th round draft pick, this side-winding left-hander became a threat as a closer in Denver. He lost his position due to some struggles in 2007, but could command some attention with a solid rebound in 2008, even if as a situational lefty.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Brad Lidge","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Matt Rourke", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "266", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Age: 31
2008 salary: $6.35 million
Key stat: 66 games pitched in 2007 was his lowest total since 2002.
The skinny: Once an All-Star, Lidge seemed to lose confidence after giving up a monstrous home run to Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLCS, a series his Astros won. The Phillies are banking on him regaining his form as they moved former closer Brett Myers to the rotation.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Kerry Wood","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070802/070802_wood_vmed_1p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Matt York", "AP file", "262", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
CHICAGO CUBS
Age: 30
2008 salary: $4.2 million with another potential $3.45 million in performance bonuses.
Key stat: 0 career saves.
The skinny: His body broke down under heavy wear and tear as a starter with the Cubs. But he showed some promise in limited action out of the bullpen last season, and the Cubs will give him a shot at the closer's position in 2008. If he shines, a big contract will be on the horizon.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","First basemen","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Mark Teixeira","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070809/070809_teixeria_hmed_1p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "265", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
ATLANTA BRAVES
Age: 27
2008 salary: $12.5 million
Key stat: 170 home runs in five seasons.
The skinny: The normally frugal Braves probably won't have much shot to re-sign Teixeira after this season, unless he takes a huge dip from his career averages. At age 27, he's already proven to be one of the best first basemen around, and averaging 34 homers per season will bring big money in free agency.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Carlos Delgado","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070602/070602_degado_vmed_2p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Ed Betz", "AP", "289", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
NEW YORK METS
Age: 35
2008 salary: $16 million
Key stat: 431 career home runs
The skinny: Delgado had what for him was a rough season in 2007, as his .258 average and 24 home runs were both career lows for a full season. The Mets have a $12 million option on Delgado for 2009, but will be weighing that against a $4 million buyout if their slugger struggles again.
";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Richie Sexson","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050508/050508_mariners_vmed_6p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Michael Dwyer", "AP", "290", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
SEATTLE MARINERS
Age: 33
2008 salary: $14 million
Key stat: .205 average, 21 home runs in 2007
The skinny: Sexson needs a huge rebound from a miserable 2007 season to attract attention on the free agent market. His career-low .205 average, accompanied by 100 strikeouts and late-season benching were bad news for a guy making $14 million. And where did his power go? Sexson's .399 slugging was his lowest since 1997, when he played just five games in his first season for Cleveland.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Nomar Garciaparra","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061007/061007_garciaparra_vlg_12p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jeff Gross", "Getty Images file", "255", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Age: 34
2008 salary: $8.5 million
Key stat: 11.3 homers per season over last four seasons.
The skinny: Garciaparra is a long way from the player he once was in Boston, where he was a perennial MVP candidate. He was moved from shortstop around the infield, eventually to first base, in an effort to save his body from injuries. But his power also dried up, and you don't see a lot of first basemen who can't hit for power.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Second basemen","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Orlando Hudson","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070705/NL_allstar/hudson_orlando.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jeff Gross", "Getty Images", "198", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Age: 30
2008 salary: $6.25 million
Key stat: Three-time Gold Glove winner
The skinny: Hudson was an All-Star for the first time in 2007 as he won his third consecutive Gold Glove and hit .294. But he was limited by injuries. It will be interesting to see if he fits into the future plans in Arizona, a franchise stocked with up-and-coming talent.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Shortstops","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Orlando Cabrera","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Components/Video/_NEW/s_mdm_mlbalcentral_080310_mezzn.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jeff Gross", "Getty Images", "273", "364", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Age: 33
2008 salary: $9 million
Key stat: .301, 86 RBIs in 2007.
The skinny: Insiders laud Cabrera's leadership along with his obvious talents with the bat and in the field. He came to Chicago in a trade for Jon Garland. This oft-overlooked player will be looking for a piece of the spotlight in free agency.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Rafael Furcal","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070809/070809_furcal_vsmall_5p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Tony Tribble", "AP", "257", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Age: 30
2008 salary: $13 million
Key stat: At least 20 steals in each of his eight seasons.
The skinny: Furcal doesn't really walk that much for a top of the order guy, but his defense is solid and he's a demon on the basepaths usually good for 100 runs per season, Furcal fell off a bit in 2007, and will be looking to rebound in 2008.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Third basemen","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Hank Blalock","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070518/070518_blalock_vmed_4p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Scott Audette", "Reuters", "249", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
TEXAS RANGERS
Age: 27
2008 salary: $5.95 million
Key stat: 26 home runs over last two seasons.
The skinny: Once a huge power threat, the two-time All-Star seems to have lost some pop while battling injuries over the last couple seasons. Nonetheless, he is still young enough to receive a lot of interest on the market with a strong 2008. The Rangers have an option for 2009, but appear to be looking elsewhere, as they had him on the trade block over the offseason.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Joe Crede","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060902/060902_sox_vmed_7p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Ed Zurga", "AP", "273", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Age: 29
2008 salary: $5.1 million
Key stat: 30 home runs, 94 RBIs in 2006.
The skinny: 2007 was a lost season for Crede as he played in only 47 games. The White Sox tried to work on a multi-year deal with the third baseman over the offseason, perhaps hoping for a return to his 2006 form. But they also have Josh Fields waiting in the wings if Crede bails as a free agent.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Outfielders","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Vladimir Guerrero","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070527/070527_guerrero_vmed_5p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Julie Jacobson", "AP file", "259", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Age: 32
2008 salary: $14.5 million
Key stat: Career .325 hitter with 365 home runs in 12 seasons.
The skinny: It's hard to imagine the Angels not picking up the 2009 option on Guerrero for $15 million. He's a transcendent talent, the 2004 MVP, and one of the most frightening hitters a pitcher can face. So he doesn't walk much? So what? He crushes the ball no matter where it's thrown.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Manny Ramirez","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/071012/071012_ramirez_vmed_10p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Cj Gunther", "EPA", "271", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
BOSTON RED SOX
Age: 35
2008 salary: $20 million
Key stat: 490 home runs, 1,604 RBIs in 15 seasons.
The skinny: Ramirez is an 11-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer. The Red Sox hold options on their star for 2009 and 2010. So how could he become a free agent? The Red Sox have made some attempts to trade Ramirez in the past, so would it be possible that they let him go as a free agent? Perhaps if he shows a decline in 2008.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Carl Crawford","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060426/060426_carlCrawford_vmed_9p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Frank Franklin Ii", "AP", "298", "183", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Age: 26
2008 salary: $5.25 million
Key stat: 277 steals in six seasons.
The skinny: Crawford is an excellent talent both in the field and at the plate. He has averaged 46 steals a season with an 80 percent success rate, and boasts a career average of .296. The Rays have an option for 2009 at $8.25 million. If they do take the option, that will activate another option for 2010, so they can hold onto him for awhile if they so choose.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Adam Dunn","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050512/050512_adam_dunn_hmed.hsmall.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tim Shaffer", "Reuters", "230", "368", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
CINCINNATI REDS
Age: 28
2008 salary: $13 million
Key stat: 40\+ home runs for four consecutive seasons.
The skinny: By exercising the option for 2008, the Reds have made it more difficult to trade Dunn, as the move activated a no-trade clause until June 15. After that date, Dunn can pick 19 teams to which he cannot be traded. A classic slugger who also has a good eye (career .381 on base), Dunn may eventually be better suited for the DH role in the American League.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Pat Burrell","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/071004/071004_burrell_vmed_5p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Drew Hallowell", "Getty Images", "288", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Age: 31
2008 salary: $14 million
Key stat: 30 home runs, 97 RBIs in 2007.
The skinny: Despite good power as well as a solid eye at the plate, the Phillies have tried to deal Burrell in the past. His contract has hampered trade talk, as has his own unwillingness to accept any trade. But another season like 2007 under his belt should make Burrell an attractive free agent.
";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Bobby Abreu","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060808/060808_abreu_vmed_10a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jim Mcisaac", "Getty Images file", "255", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
NEW YORK YANKEES
Age: 33
2008 salary: $16 million
Key stat: Career .300 hitter with 221 home runs.
The skinny: His power was down a bit in 2007, but he still drove in 101 runs, scored another 123, and stole 25 bases. He's just another cog with the Yankees, but could be highly sought after by a team in search of a strong all-around player.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Rocco Baldelli","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Al Behrman", "AP", "261", "198", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
TAMBA BAY RAYS
Age: 26
2008 salary: $2.25 million
Key stat: 35 games played in 2007.
The skinny: Ever since his 2003 season, when he was a Rookie of the Year candidate at age 21, big things have been expected of Baldelli. But a constant string of injuries have thwarted his potential. This is a big year for Baldelli to prove he can hold up over a whole season. The Rays have an option for 2009, but might feel more inclined to spend their money on Carl Crawford.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Milton Bradley","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070923/070923-milton-bradley-vmed-8p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Lenny Ignelzi", "AP", "221", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
TEXAS RANGERS
2008 salary: $5.25 million
Key stat: Career .273 hitter
The skinny: Bradley is known more for his temper tantrums than his actual accomplishments on the field, which have never really lived up to the hype. Even so, the Rangers gave him $5 million based on a solid late-season performance in 2007, which was ended prematurely by a knee injury (pictured). If this guy can ever get through a season healthy and without suspensions or other controversy, he will make a ton of money.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Catchers","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Jason Varitek","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss_071024_WorldSeries07/ss_071025_WorldSeries07Game2_01.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Mike Segar", "Reuters", "248", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
BOSTON RED SOX
Age: 35
2008 salary: $9 million
Key stat: Career .350 on base percentage
The skinny: Arguably the heart and soul of the Red Sox over their recent run of success, Varitek is competent both at and behind the plate, but more importantly a leader and spokesman for the team. If he does move on, his leadership will be missed, but his skills have been on the decline since 2005.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Ivan Rodriguez","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/071009/071009_Rodriguez_vmed_930a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Duane Burleson", "AP file", "293", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
DETROIT TIGERS
Age: 36
2008 salary: $13 million
Key stat: Career .303 hitter with 1,182 RBIs in 17 seasons.
The skinny: Pundits mocked the Tigers when they signed this aging, injury-prone catcher to a four-year contract before the 2004 season. But Pudge and the Tigers have had the last laugh. He has been fairly healthy and hit for a solid average. His power has been on the decline over the last three seasons, but part of that can be attributed to his home park.";
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i++] = new Array("","Paul Lo Duca","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070925/070925_Mets-Nationals_hmed_9p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jeff Zelevansky", "Reuters", "139", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_MLB_Big_payoff[i-1].body = "
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Age: 35
2008 salary: $5 million
Key stat: Career .288 hitter.
The skinny: His best days appear to be behind him, and he has also been caught up in the steroids scandal to a degree. Although a four-time All-Star, the former Met will have to prove himself to get a multi-year deal in 2009."; // END editorial data