A few World Series thoughts:

• In the five seasons since the Yankees last appeared in the World Series they have spent a total of almost $986 million on payroll, or almost $197 million a year. In comparison, the five World Series winners during that time frame (2004 and 2007 Red Sox, 2005 White Sox, 2006 Cardinals and 2008 Phillies) spent less than $533 million, or a bit more than half what the Yankees spent. The biggest difference was in 2005, when New York's $208 million payroll was $133 million more than what the White Sox spent. The smallest happened in 2007, when the Yankees spent a scant $47 million more than the Red Sox (or roughly the combined 2009 salaries of C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira). I guess money really doesn't buy happiness.
• How must it feel to be a Cleveland Indians fan and realize that the starting pitchers of game 1 of the World Series both pitched for your team less than 18 months ago?
• Pedro Martinez pitches tomorrow night in Yankee Stadium. I cannot wait.
• My prediction: Phillies in 7. I think it's going to be a classic series.