Cubs should only pay for performance

As a lifelong Cubs fan, I was disappointed to see the Cubs were unable to make many changes this year due to salaries. The paychecks being handed out by major league teams are out of hand. Baseball players are making too much money.

I think every player's salary should be based on their performance on and off the field.

These players are making millions of dollars regardless of how well they do.

What is keeping them motivated? They are always guaranteed millions. In 2007, Alfonso Soriano was paid $10 million and held a .299 batting average. Not bad. However, he was paid $17 million in the 2009 season and only batted .241. So, for seven million dollars he dropped .058 off his average. Yup, that makes sense.

What about Bobby Scales? This first year second baseman played 51 games, but held a batting average of .242. That's pretty good coming from a rookie, yet he didn't even have a contract. Where is his cut? Scales works as a substitute teacher during the off-season to supplement his income. I just can't see how that's fair. All major league baseball players should receive monthly checks based on their performance.

The Cubs organization has wasted millions of dollars on athletes who can't get the job done. It's time to give them some incentive to play hard every day and win. Plus, they play for the love of the game, not the money ... right?

Lauren Wozniak

Elk Grove Village