But it contends that player costs have expanded to $1.5 billion from $414 million, a 252 percent rise.

"I didn't get the impression that they went after Hasty to drive up our player cost," he said.

Add other player costs, and the total would be more than $15 million.

The Yankees' player costs were almost $19 million higher.

Under the initial cap, teams must spend 64 percent of revenues on player costs.

"We weren't going to get free agency without giving the owners some type of restraint on player costs."

At the same time, player costs will be down.

The television revenue was generally enough to cover the player costs.

Still, he complains, "Our player costs are going out of sight."

Under the new system, the players will receive 50 percent of the industry revenue for salaries and all other player costs.