Marginal wins

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2008/12/18/692197/marginal-payroll

This outlines a basic view of marginal wins for each team.* The Marlins and Rays were the best, and the Marlins were by far the best. What if the ownership gave the same scouts, and front office guys 2 Million per marginal win? Would we win 90-95 every year. Obviously the idea of diminishing marginal returns applies, but at 291,000 a win one has to believe that buying a few wins would return in spades.

* A marginal win is an easy concept. Basically a team of replacement players (whatever the team could produce for no money by way of AAA, or trade of non-prospect) would win about 48 games, I've seen 50, and I've seen 52. I'd imagine it is probably 2 or so lower in the NL where the talent pool is lower. Any win over that is a marginal win created toward 162. As the margin gets lower, the tougher a win is to create given the idea of diminishing returns. Getting to be a 90 win team on paper is basically the idea, and hope for a little luck.