Since 2003, when Hendry became GM... Cubs * 2009: $134,809,000 * 2008: $118,345,833 * 2007: $ 99,670,332 * 2006: $ 94,424,499 * 2005: $ 87,032,933 * 2004: $ 90,560,000 * 2003: $ 79,868,333 Cardinals * 2009: $ 88,528,409 * 2008: $ 99,624,449 * 2007: $ 90,286,823 * 2006: $ 88,891,371 * 2005: $ 92,106,833 * 2004: $ 83,228,333 * 2003: $ 83,786,666 Brewers * 2009: $ 80,182,502 * 2008: $ 80,937,499 * 2007: $ 70,986,500 * 2006: $ 57,568,333 * 2005: $ 39,934,833 * 2004: $ 27,528,500 * 2003: $ 40,627,000 Astros * 2009: $102,996,414 * 2008: $ 88,930,414 * 2007: $ 87,759,000 * 2006: $ 92,551,503 * 2005: $ 76,779,000 * 2004: $ 75,397,000 * 2003: $ 71,040,000 Up until the past two years, the disparities haven't been that wide.