The long-term commitments

Apologies for the delay this morning. I had to go see the dentist.

With virtually all of the big names off the board this winter, let's conduct our every-18-months-or-so audit of how clubs stand regarding their long-term commitments. The only remaining name that figures to receive a contract into 2015 is Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler (yes, the Yankees like him a lot).

In the past - this entry and this entry, to be specific - I focused solely on four seasons down the road. In March 2009, in other words, I looked at 2012, and following the 2010 season, I looked at how much teams had committed to 2014.

Looking back, I'm not sure why I limited the survey in such a manner. In light of some of the monster deals given out this winter, I want to see how much clubs have committed for player talent for 2015 and beyond.

As in the past, I look only at guaranteed contracts, as opposed to team options with buyouts, because I'm most interested in roster flexibility. Those buyouts count as real dollars spent, obviously, but when clubs are planning ahead, they can think, "OK, now that Player X stinks, we'll write him a check and send him on his way" and not concern themselves with how they're going to either jettison him or tolerate him with an ongoing contract. Same goes for vesting options; that's not something that occupies a team's thoughts this far in advance.

Here are your rankings, from most committed to least. Thanks very much to Cot's Baseball Contracts for all of the data:

Thoughts? This represents progress for the Yankees, who have worked their way down to fifth, although the A-Rod contract might be the worst of any player listed. I would've pegged the Phillies to be higher. Amazing that Colorado is so high, especially going so long with Tulowitzki after seeing their 11-year deal with Todd Helton turn poorly.

The Mets? Well, I guess the $0 for '15 means the Mets' cleansing process is slowly working. If they can get a new owner by then, or if Fred Wilpon wins the lottery, then maybe they can try making some long-term investments by then.

--Stop by later for another contest.