The Cubs have not been very good at evaluating talent and developing talent. Evaluating is probably more critical than developing, but that's important too. It's like the pitch lab, they're trying to squeeze out every ounce of talent so a guy can be a usable bullpen arm. Well done!, but what's the point? Couple that with hardly ever wanting to pay for "the guy" in free agency, and when they do they get burned.
The Cardinals excel at evaluating and developing talent. And they are even better at knowing which guys to castoff and which to keep when they do make it. They are better at evaluating ML talent in free agency, and they aren't afraid to pay.
I think Tommy Boy has his own Tommy Boy in Jed. They are of one mind and I don't think it bodes well for Cubs fans but bodes well for both Tommys.