My prediction: We sign Robert for a total of $65 mil. Yours?

[Johnconrad]

Same [expletive]. Different day.

Payroll was 53% of revenue in 2006 - now 43% of revenue in 2017

[cardsfansince82]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

That means that to have matched the White Sox reported offer, it would have cost the Cardinals $52 million to $54 million.

Weren't the Sox in the same boat?

Everything I've seen seems to indicate the White Sox aren't facing the same 100% penalty as the Cardinals. Maybe they still had some cap space remaining before the penalty kicked in?

[Magneto2.0]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

This is all on the owners now. Mo's response sounds like he didn't feel after watching the kid that he's a once in a generation talent though. Not sure if that's just lip service because they failed again or how he really feels.

[Famous Mortimer]

So the Cardinals weren't the highest bidders, and the excuse was once again money. If only the Cardinals were profitable, and could use some of that profit to generate even more revenue for the team. If only.

[dmarx114]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

That means that to have matched the White Sox reported offer, it would have cost the Cardinals $52 million to $54 million.

Weren't the Sox in the same boat?

Everything I've seen seems to indicate the White Sox aren't facing the same 100% penalty as the Cardinals. Maybe they still had some cap space remaining before the penalty kicked in?

This would explain a lot. If that's the case, that's a huge advatange.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

That means that to have matched the White Sox reported offer, it would have cost the Cardinals $52 million to $54 million.

Weren't the Sox in the same boat?

Everything I've seen seems to indicate the White Sox aren't facing the same 100% penalty as the Cardinals. Maybe they still had some cap space remaining before the penalty kicked in?

This would explain a lot. If that's the case, that's a huge advatange.

It amounts to a couple million.

[dmarx114]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

That means that to have matched the White Sox reported offer, it would have cost the Cardinals $52 million to $54 million.

Weren't the Sox in the same boat?

Everything I've seen seems to indicate the White Sox aren't facing the same 100% penalty as the Cardinals. Maybe they still had some cap space remaining before the penalty kicked in?

This would explain a lot. If that's the case, that's a huge advatange.

It amounts to a couple million.

I guess I am confused. How are we doing the math?

[MrCrowesGarden]

The Cardinals' bonus offer was among the most lucrative, but it was not believed to be the highest. A source indicated to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez

http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article ... d=tw_share

That means that to have matched the White Sox reported offer, it would have cost the Cardinals $52 million to $54 million.

Weren't the Sox in the same boat?

Everything I've seen seems to indicate the White Sox aren't facing the same 100% penalty as the Cardinals. Maybe they still had some cap space remaining before the penalty kicked in?

This would explain a lot. If that's the case, that's a huge advatange.

It amounts to a couple million.

I guess I am confused. How are we doing the math?

They still have to pay a tax, but it's not dollar for dollar. The Chicago Tribune says it would be "nearly double." Based on other estimates I've seen, I believe the Sox were subject to a 75-80% tax.

It sounds like the Cardinals cheapened out.

[MinorLeagueGuy]

What are the comparisons to Luis and Jorge Soler when he was signed? I remember hearing that Solar was once in a lifetime bat, and while he was a serviceable player for the Cubs , it wasn't enough to keep him. Although they did turn him into Wade Davis.. Smh, i got nothing.

[salukifan2]

I can't believe we didn't sign either Gurriel Jr or Robert.

Team won't commit to a rebuild or to winning now. Looking forward to being an aimlesss wandering 80-85 win team for years to come.