Interesting MLB Statistic:

12 teams (Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, Tigers, Angels, Phillies, Astros, Dodgers, Marines, Braves, White Sox), all started 2009 season with payrolls greater than $96 million dollars

2 of those top 3 teamns where in National League Markets (Mets & Cubs). Yet at the start of the season no team was within at least $65 million dollars of the Evil Empire.