*Note: Edited to adjust to Joe C's numbers* As Bill Smith continues to make moves for the 2008 season, it is a good time to take an initial look at what he has to work with as we enter the new year.  Last year's total payroll ended up around $72 million.  Many informed sources have indicated that he would likely have another $5 million or so next year which would make the 2008 budget somewhere between $75 million and $80 million.  

The following budget includes 25 players, plus a guess on a centerfielder.  Obviously, if a Santana deal gets completed...they will likely spend significantly less than last year.

Starting Pitching:

Johan Santana        $13,250,000
Francisco Liriano        410,000 (E)
Boof Bonser              410,000 (E)
Scott Baker              410,000 (E)
Kevin Slowey             410,000 (E)

Bullpen:

Joe Nathan             6,000,000
Jesse Crain            1,050,000
Matt Guerrier            1,000,000 (A)
Juan Rincon            2,400,000
Dennys Reyes           1,000,000
Pat Neshek               410,000 (E)
Glen Perkins             410,000 (M)

Catchers:

Joe Mauer              6,250,000
Mike Redmond             950,000

Infielders:

Justin Morneau         7,400,000
Nick Punto             2,400,000
Brendan Harris           410,000 (E)
Alexi Casilla            410,000 (M)
Adam Everett           2,800,000
Brian Buscher            410,000 (M)
Mike Lamb              3,500,000

Outfielders:

Michael Cuddyer        5,200,000 (A)
Jason Kubel              1,400,000
Craig Monroe           3,820,000
Delman Young             700,000 (E)
Centerfielder X        6,000,000
                       ---------

Total Payroll        $68,810,000

(A) Arbitration eligible estimate for 2008
(E) Estimate
(M) Minimum

Signing a centerfielder for $6,000,000 would give the Twins about another $10,000,000 to work with if prior estimates of their 2008 budget are accurate.  This budget does not include additonal dollars spent during the year for players called up or signed as injury replacements or for incentives which are included in many contracts.  It does however, have 26 players so one replacement player is already accounted for.

Lastly, this budget is not intended to indicate which players will be on the roster on opening day as the names may change but the dollars of the young players will be similar.