Money can't buy everything... can it?

After finishing eight games out first in the AL East last season with a lackluster 89-73 record, not to mention missing the postseason for the first time since 1996, the Yankees plan to build from the farm system was scrapped immediately.

This offseason so far, at least the month of December, saw the Yankees go back to what the Yankees do best... buy their chance at the World Series.

In their upcoming 2009 season opener at Baltimore, the Yankees will have the highest-paid third baseman (Alex Rodriguez, $28M in 2008), shortstop (Derek Jeter, $21.6M in 2008), first baseman (Mark Teixeira, $180M/8years), catcher (Jorge Posada, $13.1M in 2008), pitcher (C.C. Sabathia, $180M/8yrs.) and closer (Mariano Rivera, $15M in 2008).

Is it safe to say that the current recession doesn't affect the Yankees... yes.

Do we feel bad... no.

Is it fair that the Yankees can spend this kind of money and other teams can't?

Now that's debateable.

The Yankees $423.5 million Christmas shopping spree is unheard of in sports today, and only made capable by the Yankees. Nobody comes close to the Yankees when it comes to money. The second highest payroll was $137 million by the Mets, and the lowest in the league was $22 million by the Florida Marlins (who finished with just five wins less than the Yankees).

"As long as we follow the rules, which we do, provide hundreds of millions of dollars [in luxury taxes], as we have over the past several years to other teams, and spearhead enormous revenue to the commissioner's office, networks and other entities, people should allow us to run our business the way we think is the most appropriate," said Yankees team president Randy Levine who, along with the Yankees organization, do not apologize for their way of business.

However, the Yankees "way of business" this decade have not resulted in World Series titles... just simple disappointment.

After beating the Mets in 2000 to win their third consecutive World Series, the Yankees have been to it just twice this decade, losing to both the Diamondbacks in 2001 and the Marlins in 2003.

After the big signing of Alex Rodriguez for just over $250 million in the offseason before the '04 campaign, the Yankees haven't come close to the World Series, losing to the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS in 2006, the L.A. Angels in 2005, and missing the postseason completely last season.

And then there's the "Boston Massacre" where the Yanks led the ALCS 3-1 over the Red Sox and allowed Boston to win three straight to win the series, and eventually win the World Series over St. Louis. (But we'll stay away from that for now...)


Money doesn't buy everything. After all, the Phillies only had the 13th highest payroll ($95.5 million) in the majors last year, while the Yankees had the highest ($207.1 million).

The Yankees MVP Alex Rodriguez made $28 million last season while World Series MVP Cole Hamels made $500,000.

Lets ponder that one.