Here's a MLB payroll breakdown since 2001, ranking the champions payroll and the top 3:
2001
Champs: Arizona $81.2 million, 8th
Top 3:
Yankees, $109.8 million
Red Sox, $109.5 million
Dodgers, $109 million
2002
Champ: Angels $61.7 million, 15th
Top 3:
Yankees, $125.9 million
Red Sox, $108.3 million
Rangers, $105.7 million
2003
Champ: Marlins $48.7 million, 25th
Top 3:
Yankees, $152.7 million
Mets, $117.1 million
Braves, $106.2 million
2004
Champ: Red Sox $127.3 million, 2nd
Top 3:
Yankees, $184.2 million
Red Sox
Angels, $100.5 million
2005
Champs: White Sox $75.2 million, 13th
Top 3:
Yankees, $208.3 million
Red Sox, $123.5 million
Mets, $101.3 million
2006
Champs: Cardinals $88.9 million, 11th
Top 3:
Yankees, $194.7 million
Red Sox, $120 million
Angels, $103.4 million
2007
Champs: Red Sox $143 million, 2nd
Top 3:
Yankees, $189.6 million
Red Sox
Mets, $115.2 million
2008
Champs: Phillies $98.3 million, 12th
Top 3:
Yankees, $209 million
Mets, $137.8 million
Tigers, $ 137.7 million