Money can’t buy happiness, but championships …

Much has been made about this year’s World Series champions, the New York Yankees, and their astronomical payroll. Many critics point to the estimated $208 million the Yankees spent in player salaries in 2009, and claim the “Bronx Bombers” simply “bought” the World Series championship. While it’s true that the Yankees far outspent any of their opponents this past season, it’s hard to argue with the results: they are baseball’s best in 2009.

With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at World Series champions over the past 10 years and analyze whether big bucks can buy World Series success.

The Yankees have spent big dollars throughout the decade, and it’s paid off with playoff appearances in nine of the past 10 seasons, and four World Series appearances, but you’ll never believe how much they actually spent to get there. With the likes of A-Rod, Jeter and CC, the Yankees were able to bring the World Series championship back to the Bronx for the first time since 2000. The Red Sox have matched the Yanks as far as titles, and have kept up with New York in spending as best they could. It took a group of “idiots” and the greatest series comeback in postseason history to reverse the Curse of the Bambino in 2004.

In Pictures: Buying a World Series

Meanwhile, the Phillies have quietly put together a team that will be considered a contender in the years to come. Their 2008 title was well deserved, and Chase Utley(notes) reminded anyone who wasn’t sure that the Phillies were “World Bleeping Champions!” The Angels and Cardinals have been two of the most consistent teams in the past decade, and spent just over half of the Yankees’ payroll during that period. That said however, both teams have had their fair share of playoff disappointment, all things considered.

The Diamondbacks battled the Yankees in an unforgettable 7-game series just weeks following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and walked off as winners in Game 7 against the greatest postseason closer of all-time. The White Sox followed up an improbable Boston World Series win with an inspired run of their own, led by fiery manager Ozzie Guillen who’s never been one to mince words. Finally there are the Marlins, who in their only trip to the postseason this decade rode some incredible pitching, clutch hitting and Steve Bartman (sorry, Cubs fans) to a stunning upset win over the big-spending New York Yankees.

Read on for a more in-depth look at each team, and to find out just how much it costs to win the World Series.

New York Yankees

Taking a closer look at this year’s Yankees, it’s obvious that the Yankee brass was intent on building an immediate winner. With the doors opening on New Yankee Stadium following a disappointing non-playoff finish in 2008 (the final year for Old Yankee Stadium), the Yankees brought in big-name free agents C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett to bolster their chances. With the addition of these players to an already impressive roster, which includes the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees reclaimed their spot as the AL East champions, winning 103 games and dominating the Twins, Angels and Phillies on their way to their record 27th World Series championship. Breaking down the season by salary, the Yankees’ opening day payroll was $201 million, meaning the Bronx Bombers paid approximately $1.5 million per victory this season.

The Yankees also began the new millennium as World Series champions, winning the title over the New York Mets in 2000. That season, the Yanks won 87 games, and had a combined payroll of $113.3 million, roughly $1.3 million per win. Taking the Yankees’ payrolls for the past 10 years, the Yanks have spent approximately $1.5 billion – easily the most in baseball. That equates to $750 million per championship. Keep in mind, however, that the Yankees have missed the playoffs only once during this period. New York demands a winner, and the Yankees fit the bill.

The list:

1. New York Yankees – $1.5 billion spent over decade, two championships won: Slideshow
2. Boston Red Sox – $960 million, two championships: Slideshow
3. Philadelphia Phillies – $706 million, one championship: Slideshow
4. Los Angeles Angels – $844 million, one championship: Slideshow
5. St. Louis Cardinals – $843 million, one championship: Slideshow
• See more World Series winners

In Pictures: Buying a World Series