I agree with Page2 to stick with rules as posted. While someone may lose 1 or 2 higher paid player due to Free Agency, remember that the AL may take on some high salaried guys, as well, that may be available. There's also those low AB, IP guys (think unleashed) that have a killer card for at least one year, that can help fill out a "decimated" roster.
Incidentally, below are the estimated real-life 2011 Payrolls for the AL and NL (according to Baseball Reference.com)...7 triple digit payrolls in the AL, 6 in the NL
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Tm Est
TBR $50.0
NYY $200.8
BOS $161.3
TOR $66.9
BAL $79.5
MIN $113.2
CHW $125.2
DET $108.2
CLE $53.4
KCR $55.8
TEX $91.7
OAK $77.7
LAA $132.4
SEA $106.5
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Tm Est
PHI $164.6
ATL $89.6
FLA $67.2
NYM $138.3
WSN $75.9
CIN $75.9
STL $109.4
MIL $71.8
HOU $88.0
CHC $134.3
PIT $51.7
SFG $121.9
SDP $44.0
COL $90.1
LAD $103.4
ARI $72.5