The Lobbying Starts

If only it weren't so predictable. Over in the Sun Times, one John Jackson has a bit on intrigue on the 2007 season:

With so many spots in next season's starting rotation up for grabs and only so much money available to spend on free-agent starters, Wade Miller showed he might be a viable option from within.

Yes. The Cubs are already crying poor through the press.

This is a team that has lowered payroll each of the past two years. They are set to lower payroll even further in 2007 with the exits of Greg Maddux and his $9 million, Kerry Wood and his $12 million, the contract expirations of Juan Pierre and his $5.8 million and Aramis Ramirez and his $11 million, the Cubs have $38 million to play with JUST TO KEEP PAYROLL FLAT.

Now, we all know that the Cubs are more likely to cut payroll for the third consecutive year than to increase it. Why? Because there's no reason to improve the product if the fans don't insist via dollar votes.

But that they are going through the press already to tell us this is insulting. It's even more revolting when you consider that the Cubs are doing so not just before the season ends, but before season ticket renewals are sent out.