1.   After three years, the salaries of talented young players often jump dramatically, and after six they are usually snapped up by the richer teams.

2.   For owners, the salary cap was intended as a way to even out the costs and prevent the richer teams from buying up the best players.

3.   Simultaneously, the richer teams have upped high-stakes games in the back room for those serious about making the World Series.

4.   Younger stars try to maneuver their way onto richer teams that will be able to pay cap-busting salaries.

5.   That is believed to mean that richer teams pay off poorer teams to ensure they win matches.

6.   The new regulations forced everyone to redesign their cars, which should narrow the gap that has separated richer teams from all others.