The resilient little team with the small payroll, the serious talent and the uncertain future finally played a sleep-in-your-own-bed home game tonight.

The Twins had the smallest payroll of the eight playoff teams last year, $65 million, which ranked 21st among all 30 clubs.

In 8 of the past 15 years, the Twins have had a smaller payroll than the Athletics.

A relatively small payroll hasn't kept the Athletics out of the playoffs and most likely won't this year.

Oakland started four rookies and had one of the smallest payrolls in baseball.

Playing a short drive from the more popular Giants, the A's generate relatively little revenue and have a small payroll.

How the Oakland Athletics produce a successful team despite having a small payroll.

We know what Beane can do with a small payroll.

Furthermore, the Mariners were one of the least likely places for him to go because they have the second smallest payroll in the majors.

This happens because reduced exports to, say, Japan mean smaller payrolls and profits at home.