This is INSANE!

St. Louis Cardinals

A group led by Bill DeWitt Jr. bought the Cardinals for $150M in 1995.
Forbes magazine valued the club at $460M in April, 2007.

• Opening Day payrolls for 25-man roster
  (salaries plus pro-rated signing bonuses):
  • 2007: $90,286,823 *
    
  • 2006: $88,891,371
  • 2005: $92,106,833
  • 2004: $83,228,333
  • 2003: $83,786,666
  • 2002: $74,660,875
  • 2001: $78,538,333
  • 2000: $63,900,000

Chicago Cubs

The Tribune Company bought the Cubs for $20.5M in 1981. Forbes magazine valued the club at $592M in April, 2007.

• Opening Day payrolls for 25-man roster
  (salaries plus pro-rated signing bonuses):
  • 2007: $ 99,670,332 *
    
  • 2006: $ 94,424,499
  • 2005: $ 87,032,933
  • 2004: $ 90,560,000
  • 2003: $ 79,868,333
  • 2002: $ 75,690,833
  • 2001: $ 64,715,833
  • 2000: $ 62,100,000

Chicago White Sox

A group led by Jerry Reinsdorf bought the White Sox for $20M in 1981.
Forbes magazine valued the club at $381M in April, 2007.

• Opening Day payrolls for 25-man roster
  (salaries plus pro-rated signing bonuses):
  • 2007: $108,671,833 *
    
  • 2006: $102,750,667
  • 2005: $ 75,178,000
    
  • 2004: $ 65,212,500
    
  • 2003: $ 51,010,000
    
  • 2002: $ 57,052,833
    
  • 2001: $ 65,628,667
    
  • 2000: $ 31,200,000