That was a reference to the Mets, who should have much more payroll flexibility after 2002.

"He's always been sort of a Padre killer, too, and going into our new ballpark next year, we're looking for payroll flexibility."

If they are picked in the expansion draft, the Mets will probably welcome the payroll flexibility created by their departure.

I'm happy to have the payroll flexibility.

The Hampton trade was to be the first step in a three-pronged plan to create payroll flexibility for the Rockies.

The move also gives the Mets enhanced payroll flexibility for 2000.

The Yankees have the payroll flexibility to sign Garciaparra to a one-year contract for about $6 million, plus incentives.

Moving any of the three would create payroll flexibility to improve the offense in the off-season.

But the luxury-tax era calls for a different approach, so the Spurs chose payroll flexibility over roster stability.

Orlando ultimately opted for payroll flexibility over immediate help.