Cubs' Debt Crushes Payroll

The misconception with the Cubs is that new owner Tom Ricketts has money growing on trees.

He doesn’t, of course, and is instead saddled with a huge amount of debt that limits the payroll for the 2010 season.

Beyond 2010 it’s likely Ricketts increases the club’s payroll given a frugal budget this season along with the renovations coming to Wrigley Field in the near future.

In the meantime, however, it’s imperative Ricketts lives within his means, lessening his debt for a more comfortable future.

It’s a lesson so many Americans have yet to learn, which in many ways explains our nation’s poor economy, as well.

For certain, Ricketts’ approach puts the Cubs’ upcoming season at risk. The free agent pieces needed to nicely round out the roster, guys like Xavier Nady, Jermaine Dye and Ben Sheets, all come with a price tag presumably too high for Ricketts’ budget.

It’s a choice between win now and lose later or vice versa. And while I have no doubt Ricketts wants to win now, he’s also committed for the long term.

It’s going to make for a frustrating offseason, and possibly a very frustrating season, too.

But the future of the Cubs, if we’re talking about winning ballgames, depends on tight pockets now for deep ones later.