Arbitrage

Five Cubs are headed towards arbitration. The concern here is not that these players will actually get to hearings, nor is the concern that they will get "too much money." (Aside: this page hopes the players get the most they can possibly get instead of letting the Trib pocket the cash) No, the real concern is that management will use the raises these players receive as an excuse to avoid spending more money later.

To sum up the demands:
- Carlos Zambrano has asked for $7.2 million while the Cubs have countered with $6 million.
- Mark Prior has asked for $4 million while the Cubs have countered with $3.3 million.
- Juan Pierre has asked for $6.5 million while the Cubs have countered with $5 million.
- Jerry Hairston has asked for $2.6 million while the Cubs have countered with $1.95 million.
- Will Ohman has asked for $775,000 while the Cubs have countered with $500,000.

In short, the Cubs are looking at close to $19 million for these five players. That would bring the 2006 payroll to close to $100 million. Just as we estimated.

Doesn't that mean that the Cubs are out of money until July? I guess patience is subject to a self-imposed salary cap.