Pick one. Just don't follow the strive for mediocrity and sooner or later you'll catch lighting approach of the MacPhail era. I'd set a flexible payroll budget. Flexible in the sense that you spend AFTER developing young players when you've got a foundation and a real shot at winning the thing. The Cubs could spend $70 mil, $90 mil., and $120 mil. over the next three years and win the thing, and spend less than the $100 mil., $105 mil., $110 mil. they're likely to spend. The Marlins, Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, and Mets have all bumped payrolls during contending periods and reduced payroll during rebuilding periods. CFP I wouldn't say "pick one". Infact you do BOTH!! IE you smartly use both assets. An example would be Playing Theroit at SS, Pie in CF. And get rid of jones and sign or trade for a big bopper at RF and 2B. You smartly use your money. But an increase in payroll is never a bad thing. If you use the money wisely, you'll win. I'd like a raised payroll. It can never hurt.