[glowbelly]

yankess payroll: 180,322,403 (2003)
red sox payroll: 104,873,607 (2003)

difference: 75,448,796

which is more than the total payroll for 14 major league teams (again, in 2003).

i don't see how anyone can see this as fair, or as the two teams being on the same level financially.

boston was willing to TRADE to get a-rod, but would have had to lower his salary and therefore the trade was blocked. new york bought him, plain and simple.

so, go red sox. break the curse, along with the idea that a team can't come back from being 3 games behind.