The word quetzal was originally used for just the resplendent quetzal, the long-tailed quetzal of southern Mexico and Central America, which is the national bird and the name of the currency of Guatemala.
The Royals have a franchise-record $131.5 million opening-day payroll after re-signing Alex Gordon and signing free-agent starter Ian Kennedy. Gordon, who received a four-year, $72 million contract, is their highest-paid player this year at $12 million. 2016 MLB SALARIES: Every player, every payroll. The Royals have only two players on their opening-day roster who will earn less than $1 million, but the wealth is spread out throughout their roster, which the Royals believe is a key to their success as a small-market team. Thereâs no debate the formula is working.
Not surprisingly, the Yankees are the leaders when it comes to crowning earnings champs. Thirty four times since 1874 the Yankees have had the highest paid player in MLB on their roster, more than the next two franchises combined. And the franchise didnât even exist until 1901! Two players account for 21 of those 34 salary leaders.