Money Matters

There's come confusing information regarding how much salary the Cubs are going to save from trading Sammy Sosa. But it's not as surprising as what Sosa's agreed to do.

The Cubs will reportedly send the Orioles $12.5 million to offset some of Sammy's 2005 salary of $17 million. Additionally, Sosa's contract calls for a $3.5 million severance payment when his contract ends and a $4.5 million buyout if his 2006 option is not picked up.

Here's the whopper.

Sosa has agreed to waive the clause of his contract that causes the 2006 option year, at $18 million, to automatically vest in the event of a trade. He gave up $13.5 million to leave Chicago. As it stands right now, Sosa is a free agent at the end of 2005.

What is unclear is what who pays for the two buyouts. Phil Rogers reports that the Cubs are paying $12.5 million and the Orioles are paying $12.5 million. That would free the Cubs from $12.5 million in expenses. Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs will only save $7 million. While the gap is fairly large, here's what you need to know.

The Cubs have plenty of money, even within their budget, to afford any of Jeromy Burnitz, Magglio Ordonez and Aubrey Huff. Hell. They can afford any two of the three.

Jim Hendry, if he wants Sloth beatification, needs to finish this deal and get one ore two more outfielders. He can now afford it.