The Yankees, according to final figures released by the commissioner’s office, finished the year with a record payroll of $207.2 million, $90 million more than the Red Sox, who spent the second largest amount on playing personnel. The World Champion White Sox, by comparison, spent only $73.2 million, with the lowly Devil Rays writing checks for a mere $26.6 million, not much more than Alex Rodriguez makes as an individual playing third base for the Bronx Bombers.

The commissioner’s office informs the press of a letter which was faxed from the International Baseball Federation informing Major League Baseball of their intent to withdraw the sanctioning of the World Baseball Classic unless Cuba is allowed to participate. In mid-December, the Treasury Department had denied the necessary license for Castro’s countrymen to compete on American soil due to the U.S. law which restricts financial gain of the communist nation in the United States.

2006 – Bob Watson, the general manager of the United States team for the World Baseball Classic, expects to find out by next week whether Alex Rodriguez will play for the Americans at the tournament. Rodriguez is eligible to play for both the US and the Dominican Republic.

The minimum salary for players in the major leagues rises $9,000 this year to $327,000.

Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year $4 million contract by the Houston Astros including a three-year club option that could extend the deal through the 2009 season.