Brian Sabean
Giants' GM Brian Sabean says California taxes are a real drag. (USATSI)

MO' MONEY, MO PROBLEMS

Ernie Banks: His estate has been valued at $16,000, which... surprises some family members, who thought it was more. (ESPN)

Sabean bemoans tax 'brakes': The state of California's income tax rate — 13.3 percent for those who make at least $1 million a year — are the highest in the country among places where Major League Baseball is played, and they put a drag on what teams such as the San Francisco Giants can do regarding payroll, general manager Brian Sabean says. He was asked in the context of the Giants not jumping at Cuba's Yoan Moncada, who cost the Boston Red Sox $63 million, in salaries and penalties.

"To entice a free agent to come to San Francisco, we're almost in an overpay situation, so why get involved in all those battles where you're not going to be able to go up the totem pole money-wise?" Sabean said.

When asked to elaborate on why the Giants have to overpay, Sabean said, "You've got the state of California taxes. (San Francisco) is a long way from where some of these guys live in the offseason. It's not a hitters' ballpark, so you can scratch that side of the fence. It takes the right pitcher to consider wanting to come there for a number of different reasons, some of them I just mentioned, even if it's a pitchers' ballpark in a pitchers' division."

Asked if the high California income tax has been a problem for a while, Sabean said, "To a certain extent. Things now are getting more and more about the signing bonus, more and more about your take-home. Exponentially, when you get involved in some of those numbers, it makes a sizable difference to some."

For example, the states of Texas and Florida have no income taxes. Much different story in California. (San Francisco Chronicle)

CONCERNS

Andre Ethier: He still wants to play every day, preferably with the Los Angeles Dodgers but possibly somewhere else, if he can't start there. Even though the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp in December, they still have too many expensive outfielders. Carl Crawford appears to be the leader in left field, Yasiel Puig is set in right, and rookie Joc Pederson is the best defensive option in center. Ethier has slipped defensively and knows he must play a corner spot. (L.A. Times)

INJURIES

Mets: Slugger Lucas Duda sustained a mild side-muscle strain and is "forbidden" from swinging a bat for a few days at most. (ESPN New York)

Padres: Some worry about James Shields being susceptible to injuries because of the innings he has compiled (about 1,900 since 2006), but GM A.J. Preller says the odds are with Shields staying healthy. (ESPN's Jerry Crasnick)

DETAILS

Tigers: Joba Chamberlain has a $1 million bonus in his contract with the Detroit Tigers if he wins the Cy Young Award. As our Jon Heyman notes, it's a bit of a long shot right now:

MISCELANY

Unlucky strike: The New York Mets have scrapped organized team bowling nights, which had been a "staple" of spring training life, because "too many fans" were showing up and asking for autographs. (NY Post)

This takes balls Jesse Spector wonders what would happen if Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto, who has been criticized for excessive patience at the plate, did nothing but draw walks. (Sporting News)

If you can't beat 'em, bunt 'em: Aware of how defenses play him, Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas vows to bunt more when opponents use a shift. (MLB.com)

Twins: Are working on implementing new signs under new manager Paul Molitor. (MLB.com)

[Editor's note: An early version of this post incorrectly said California's top income tax rate was 10.5 percent. If only. Eye on Sports wink to @SportsTaxMan.]