In 2008, the Yankees led the baseball world with a payroll of $209 million and 11 teams had a payroll of $100 million or more. The World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies were #13 of 30 teams on the list and they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays who were next to last in payroll at $44 million. While you can certainly try to spend your way to success, that doesn't always work. It is more important than ever to get maximum impact from every dollar you spend. Sports teams are trying to do more with less, and make their money go further. So should you.

As the baseball season gets underway, here are the top 5 small market baseball teams and some tricks you can learn from them.

1.�  Tampa Bay Rays ($60 million in 2009, vs. $44 million in 2008): The runner-up in 2008, they return with another strong ball club that was built on scouting great talent and making shrewd decisions. The front office is led by former Wall Streeters who can spot great value. Plus, since they were the worst team in baseball for so long, they stockpiled lots of top draft choices that landed them talents such as BJ Upton and David Price. While the Yankees are spending over $200 million, and the Red Sox are closing in on $150 million, the Rays will be competing down to the wire on $60 million.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks ($74 million in 2009 vs. $66 million in 2008): The Diamondbacks have gone young and stuck with it. They have retained their home grown stars and avoided paying for high priced talent. Sometimes growing from within is the best policy, and the Diamondbacks, like the Rays, have a great nucleus. They benefit from playing in a less competitive division which had the weakest division winner (LA Dodgers) in 2008.

To see more of the top five baseball picks, visit Sparxoo.com.