Dec 25, 2008 7:38 AM EST

The payroll of the Red Sox will likely be significantly smaller on Opening Day than it was at the same time last season, perhaps by as much as $20 million.

Should Boston see that much of a reduction in their spending, it would mark a level not seen since 2003.

In 2008, the Red Sox paid $133.4 million to players on their Opening Day roster, fourth highest in the league.

Via Yahoo!