Perhaps the money spent on Marquis could have been better used on a closer. Ryan Dempster (three years, $15.5 million, signed before last season) is the weakest link of the Cubs’ strong bullpen. Dempster successfully converted 28 of 31 save situations, the third-best save percentage in the NL. But in September Dempster had a 9.82 ERA, and his 2-7 record belies the trouble he’s had finishing games. A save is still a save if you give up one or two runs when you have a three-run lead — the sort of saves Dempster has made lately. Marmol, one out of two in save situations this year, could be called on if Dempster falters.

Any pressure on the Cubs to make sure they finally win a World Series before their drought reaches the century mark next year might come not so much from their storied history of curses as it does the fact the team’s payroll will rise significantly over the next few years. Many of the free-agent contracts outlined start with a relatively low first-year salary, which then might double by the time the contract reaches its final year.

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In the next few years, particularly depending on who buys the team from current Tribune Co. owner Samuel Zell, the Cubs won’t have the financial flexibility to make major moves. That’s especially true if the likes of Theriot, Marmol and Hill seek much bigger money very soon. Certainly, there are still deals for the likes of first baseman Derrek Lee (five years, $65 million, signed before last season) and center fielder Jacque Jones (three years, $16 million, signed before last season) that also still have a ways to go.

So right now, the Cubs’ spending spree looks like a wise investment. Without a deep playoff run — let’s face it, without a World Series — the risk is that the Cubs in 2007 end up looking like another team that tried to buy a championship, and failed.