Probably is the key word there. You, nor I know what could have been done and how much money could have/have not been spent. It isn't our money, if the Trib wants to spend it then let them. Actually I am certain it could have been done. The Cubs got an EqA of roughly .208 from their SSs last season in 486 outs. Julio Lugo's career EqA is .265. The difference between those two over 486 outs is roughly 41 runs. The actual should be higher because for the most part Lugo's been a better hitter the last couple of seasons. The Cubs got an EqA of roughly .250 from their CFers last season in 526 outs. Alfonso Soriano's career EqA is .287. The difference between those two over 526 outs is roughly 30 runs. Julio Lugo could be had for what, 32 million max? Soriano was had for what, 100 million more. You can say shove EqA in your ass all you want. You can do this with any stat and find a similar outcome.