'07 budget could hit $95M

[SLAM]

(CP) - The 2006 season was a success, a failure and an important building block for the Toronto Blue Jays. A payroll increase of some US$20million to about $70 million helped them take second in the American League East with an 87-75 record. It was the first time they finished better than third since the World Series win in 1993. Five players were named all-stars. They were legitimately a factor, both in Toronto and across the league. Yet they fell out of contention earlier than expected. They wasted several opportunities to make a real charge in the post-season races. They were never able to win more than five straight games. Still, they successfully integrated five high-profile players into the fold. As a team they gained the valuable experience of playing with expectations. And a handful of players established themselves as productive big-leaguers. The key question facing general manager J.P. Ricciardi and his staff this winter is how to push things forward from here. For management, players and fans alike it's all about making the playoffs now.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/M...936218-cp.html

a week old but w/e.