in a typical year, the US has about 100 people that report over $50mil in yearly wages/income.

That's not bonus, or huge stock cash outs. That's wages. So David Price, one of the best FA arms available in the last decade, with no draft compensation attached, will not even be in the top-100 wage earners in 2016 (or ever).

John W. Henry, principal owner of the Red Sox, has a net worth of $1.58 billion. If my perturbed calculator is right, he could pay Price's $217M salary out personally, over 7 times, assuming his net worth never increases again.

The Red Sox made $370M this season in revenue. Even if you assume $230M for players, flights, and expenses, and then another $50M (gross overestimate) for all publicity, administration, staff, costs of merchandise, etc, then they still make a huge $90M profit. 2016 looks scarier, with Kimbrel/Price joining an already hefty payroll. I wonder if they paid luxury tax in 2015, or if they avoided it by dealing Victorino?

You can't fault Price (or his agents) for trying to make the most out of his arm while he is in his prime and healthy. He has to live for 30-40 years after he retires, you know. Not every pitcher can become a coach, and they don't make a ton when they do it. Price isn't taking the money away from teachers or firemen - he's taking it from an owner that will likely only profit more from his presence. So if the choice was, have the $31mil/year go to John Henry's pile, or give it to Price, yeah I am OK with it going to Price.

There's a larger society-wide question about sports athletes, should they make what they do - but as long as its' free market capitalism, them's the rules. At least athletes often come from the poor and working class - they aren't "old money" families that have been millionaires for generations most likely, so the wealth is being spread around!

Thank goodness you quoted the whole thing. People might not have known exactly what response you were referring to.