Game 3: Even the Red Sox are getting a bargain

Much has been made about how the most successful teams in the playoffs after one round were small-market, small-budget teams.

So much for that, as it looks as if the Boston Red Sox and their $143 million payroll are well on their way to winning their second World Series in four years. They lead the World Series 3-0 over the Colorado Rockies after a 10-5 victory on Saturday night in Denver.

Sure, the big money is still winning. But the big-money team isn't being carried by the richest guys. While the big-money stars (Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett) are doing just fine, the Red Sox wouldn't be in this position without their young players. To close out this playoff run, it's only fitting that the Red Sox will turn to second-year starter Jon Lester ($384,000 salary in 2007) to try to close out the championship on Sunday.

Jacoby Ellsbury, who played in just 33 games in the regular season, had four hits in the leadoff spot on Saturday for the Red Sox. He's making less than the major-league minimum ($380,000) as he wasn't called up until after midseason. Rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia (making the minimum $380,000) had a big two-run double and has been great against the Rockies. First baseman Kevin Youkilis ($424,500) hit .500 against the Indians in the ALCS. Jonathan Papelbon ($425,500) has saved the last two games and hasn't yielded a run in the playoffs. Left-hander Hideki Okajima ($1,225,000) was spectacular in Game 2 and got out of trouble in Game 3.

Together, they all make significantly less than pitcher Julian Tavarez ($3,350,000), who hasn't even been on the active roster in the postseason. Think those previous guys are due for some raises in 2008? They all certainly will be locked up long term, perhaps as soon as this offseason. (Check out Boston's 2007 payroll here.)