Why is it that you see teams willing to give Boston a break when in comes to the cash part of big baseball deals?

In January 2005, to Get Randy Johnson for 1 year at $16M and a chance to negotiate an extension, the Yankees had to give up Javier Vazquez (who had 3 years and $34.5M left on his contract), Brad Halsey (cheap young lefty) and Dioneer Navaro (cheap young cathcer) AND $9 million. Basically Arizona got Vazquez 3 years at $8.5M plus to good prospects and the Yankees got Randy for $25M for 2005 and $16M for 2006 and $16M for 2007.

To get rid of Randy Johnson for 2007, the Yankees had to pay $2M.

Meanwhile, if the Helton rumor is to be believed, Boston would get Helton for 2007-2011 (5 years) for approximately $49.8M (net) and Colorado would get Tavarez (for 1 year $3.1M) and Lowell (1 year $9M) and maybe some young pitching talent.  PLUS Colorado is out $40M!, meaning if they don’t get some pitching back, Colorado is essentially paying $52.1M for ONE YEAR of Tavarez and Lowell.  How does this happen?   

Granted, the Yankees got a great offset on A-Rod from Texas, but at least Texas got Soriano 3 years before he would be eligible for Free Agency (and a SS prospect) in return. Â