The phenomenon, also called 'sunk costs,' is a key part of game's economics. Examples: Toronto's paying $5 million of Vernon Wells' Angels salary, while Angels pay $11 million to Gary Matthews Jr., who's out of baseball.The phenomenon, also called 'sunk costs,' is a key part of game's economics. Examples: Toronto's paying $5 million of Vernon Wells' Angels salary, while Angels pay $11 million to Gary Matthews Jr., who's out of baseball.