Because the more money the Yankees spend, the more money every other team in baseball receives (without actually having to spend their own money). When it comes down to it, the Yankees WANT championships, their owners EXPECT championships. They have the largest fan base in the WORLD (of any team, in any sport), therefore, they make the most money. If other teams owners cared as much and spent their money as wisely (instead of 100+ million for Barry Zito), then maybe teams would be more competitive. I just hate the Yankee bashers (when referring to their payroll). It makes you sound like a newbie to the sport. It's the way it's always been, it's the way it always will be, it's part of the sport. The Yankees are the Evil Empire. Every other team is trying to beat them. It's good for baseball.