Just reading how Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, Ben Sheets and a few lesser-name players had filed for free agency on the first day of eligibility. Other quality names are sure to follow including Francisco Rodriguez, A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia, but I'm not too sure owners will be opening their wallets quite as wide as some expect.

The turbulent economic environment we are dealing with affects billionaires too, ya know, and owners will likely use the recession as an excuse to try and re-establish a new line in the sand as far as the seemingly out-of-control player salaries of the past several years (ie... Andruw Jones $18,100,100 & Barry Zito $18,000,00 come to mind).

A lot of people look at this year's crop of free agents as one of the best in years, but while the talent level is high, the huge salary increases that typically balloon to new heights each year might just be a thing of the past. Don't get me wrong, these players will still be getting paid and getting paid well, but I predict the owners will site the economy as a valid reason to curtal their spending in many different areas with player salaries being No. 1 on that list.

I still expect the top prizes in this year's class like Sabathia and Manny to make in upwards of $20 million per year, but don't be shocked if some of the others receive offers closer to those being tossed around 2-3 years agao vs. those from last year. Good to know the ecomomy is hurting the millionaires as well as us poor folks.