Now that the 2007 season has come to an abrupt and painful end, speculation has begun on what the Cubs will do next season. The club certainly spent a lot of money to bring in new players for this past season, and in many cases that spending paid off (Lilly, Soriano). I'm not saying that spending money isn't important; but I don't think it is the only way to achieve success. Take a look at the four playoff teams in the National League this season and their payroll:

Chicago Cubs- $99.6 mil
Philadelphia Phillies- $89.4 mil
Colorado Rockies- $54.4 mil
Arizona Diamondbacks- $52 mil

Obviously, just spending money does not automatically equate to success. Carlos Marmol is probably one of the lowest paid players on the team, but I doubt we would have made it to the playoffs without him. Why have teams like Arizona and Colorado been able to advance, while higher priced teams like the Cubs and Phillies have not? What is the missing ingredient? Is it better scouting, better development at the minor league level? What can the Cubs add next year that doesn't necessarily cost a lot of money, but will help us be more successful?