Yankees Top Money List Again

When it comes to money, the New York Yankees definitely are in a league of their own.

Forbes magazine said Sunday the Yankees are worth $548 million, making the two-time defending World Series champions the most valuable team in baseball for the third consecutive year.

The Yankees are worth more than six times as much as the least valuable franchise in the survey, the Montreal Expos. Second-highest among the 30 franchises are the Atlanta Braves at $388 million, Forbes said.

Completing the list of the top 10 most valuable teams are Cleveland ($364 million), Baltimore ($347 million), the Dodgers ($325 million), the New York Mets ($314 million), Colorado ($305 million), Texas ($294 million), Seattle ($290 million) and Boston ($284 million).

The least valuable franchises are Montreal ($89 million), Minnesota ($91 million), Kansas City ($122 million), Florida ($125 million), Oakland ($134 million) and Philadelphia ($150 million).

The Yankees have baseball’s highest payroll at $92.5 million, more than the value of either the Expos or the Twins. They made $17.5 million in operating income, the magazine said, on revenue of $195.6 million.

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The St. Louis Cardinals activated right-hander Matt Morris for the first time this season, one of several moves aimed at stabilizing the club’s shaky pitching.

Morris injured his right elbow during spring training last season. He missed the entire 1999 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 1999 to replace a torn ligament.

Right-hander Alan Benes, brother of Cardinal starter Andy Benes, also rejoined the club. He had spent most of the season at triple-A Memphis. Left-hander Mike Matthews also was recalled from Memphis.

To make room on the roster, the Cardinals designated relievers Mike Mohler and Darren Holmes for assignment and optioned reliever Jose Rodriguez to Memphis.