Key Offseason Events:
November 12, 2006 - Cubs dramatically overpay Aramis Ramirez to remain with them, resigning him to a 5 year, 73 million dollar deal after he opted out of his original contract.
November 15, 2006 - Phillies significantly upgrade their offense by signing Wes Helms to a 2 year, 5.5 million dollar deal to play 3B. One of the great value signings of the entire offseason.
November 20, 2006 - Cubs go completely nuts in giving free agent Alfonso Soriano an 8 year, 136 million dollar contract. Soriano adds to the tradition of Cubs hitters who don't know what a walk is.
November 27, 2006 - Phillies sign veteran starter Adam Eaton to a 3 year, 24 million dollar deal.
December 6, 2006 - The Cubs continue their mind-boggling, misguided spending spree, signing mediocre pitcher Ted Lilly to a 4 year, 40 million dollar contract (This event is particularly significant because it pushed Bret's hysteria over the edge and led to this bet being made) On the same day, the Phillies dramatically improve their rotation by acquiring Freddy Garcia from the White Sox in exchange for 2 minor leaguers.
December 19th, 2006 - The Cubs take the unconventional step of actively harming their starting rotation by adding Jason Marquis to it, signing him to a 3 year, 21 million dollar deal.
December 21st, 2006 - Phillies add solid veteran catcher in Rob Barajas, signing him to an inexpensive 1 year deal.
January 21st, 2007 - The Phillies demonstrate the proper method for spending lots of money, locking All-Star second baseman Chase Utley up to a 7 year, 85 million dollar deal, which will keep the young star in Philadelphia through his prime, not several years past like the Soriano deal.
January 24th, 2007 - The Cubs get older and more brittle, signing Cliff Floyd to a 1 year, 3 million dollar deal. Due to it's short length and relatively small dollar value, this will likely be the best free agent deal the Cubs signed this offseason.