Ofman reports Cubs could have had Furcal

[ThePenguin11]

Did any of you hear him a few hours after breaking the story? Apparently this information was not meant for public knowledge and he messed up. He apologized to Paul Kinzer and his boss.

 

That's a pretty big no-no. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Score have another reporter soon...

 

Apologies if this was already said.

 

No, I'm not sure what you mean. Are you saying that Ofman apologized later about telling this story? If so, that wouldn't surprise me. Remember, Kinzer and Hendry (and the Cubs) have an ongoing relationship to consider. Kinzer is also Aramis' agent so it's not a good idea to have a story out there that tries to make the organization look badly.

 

Also, even if the story is false, it would behoove Hendry to ignore it (rather than dispute its merits) because its a lose-lose proposition. Kinzer and JH need to maintain a positive working relationship. He certainly couldn't blast him the way Schurholtz (sp?) did.

 

The story that George Ofman reported was also on WGN Radio(Kaplan) last night. So much for it being false and made up, if Kaplan reports it too. Big difference between reporting a false story and reporting private negotiations. The agents and Hendry are both big boys and would never be so petty to allow this story to get in their way.

 

The Cubs aren't immune to trying to float stories out there themselves. Remember the Sammy tape of him leaving early? Did anyone ever actually see that tape? If so, please speak up. Wonder if the Cubs were just calling Sammy's bluff?

 

Poor Oldcubsfan, Bruce got scooped again on a Chicago Cubs story. For someone who listens to Bristol Radio, you sure follow The Score alot. That's okay, I understand they have more than 70,000 listeners signed up to listen over the web. You have plenty of company.

 

Quite a few mea culpa(s) are in order to George Ofman for some earlier comments in posts. Too bad it will never happen. Some Score-haters only like to point out the times that they get scooped. Nobody wants to acknowledge the times they get it right, and they've had their share. As to the detail of confidentiality, the interviewee has to make it clear when something is off the record. They'll never make that mistake again. George did what any reporter would do in his position - Report the story the way you heard it. I think it's important to note that he didn't name any names - and he probably could have.

[UK1679666180]

Secret or not this is a concern to me. It tells me that our GM does not have free reign. He is being micro-managed by his boss.

 

When financial issues are concerned, most GMs do not have "free reign".

 

Boston ownership squashed the ARod deal due to finances. NYY ownership micromanages far more than Andy and the Trib. Florida ownership gets involved heavily with payroll matters, and have won 2 WS. Reinsdorf plays a huge role in every major acquisition. Arizona's ownership practically held the GM's hand for years.

 

I can't believe how overblown people are making this possibly made up or exaggerated story.

 

Schuerholz might be the only GM I can think of who gets a budget and can do as he pleases with no ownership meddling. Hendry hasn't proven he deserves an ounce of the freedom of the best GM in baseball.

 

The A-Rod deal was b/c of the overall budget being exceeded not the individual player salary.

 

I don't see how using George and his negative impacts as far as meddling with the team is a positive example.

 

They should set the budget and not dictate the parameters within the budget. I have no problems if they are in conjunction, but if it becomes a one or another, then I hope the GM has the final say. It doesn't occur like that as the case of Furcal (if true), but it should.

 

No one above Hendry was in contact with the Cubs MLB scouts as far as their reports. If Hendry rec'd glowing reports about Furcal as well as his own personal opinion, it saddens me that he would overruled by someone not nearly as close to the situtaion as Hendry.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Quite a few mea culpa(s) are in order to George Ofman for some earlier comments in posts. Too bad it will never happen. Some Score-haters only like to point out the times that they get scooped. Nobody wants to acknowledge the times they get it right, and they've had their share. As to the detail of confidentiality, the interviewee has to make it clear when something is off the record. They'll never make that mistake again. George did what any reporter would do in his position - Report the story the way you heard it. I think it's important to note that he didn't name any names - and he probably could have.

 

I do not mean this with any disrespect, backhandedness, sarcasm, or anything other than a sincere desire to know the answer. Do you work for The Score or have friends or relatives who do? I have never come across someone who is more pro-Score than you. Like I said, no disrespect, just curiosity.

[hawkeyecub]

Quite a few mea culpa(s) are in order to George Ofman for some earlier comments in posts. Too bad it will never happen. Some Score-haters only like to point out the times that they get scooped. Nobody wants to acknowledge the times they get it right, and they've had their share. As to the detail of confidentiality, the interviewee has to make it clear when something is off the record. They'll never make that mistake again. George did what any reporter would do in his position - Report the story the way you heard it. I think it's important to note that he didn't name any names - and he probably could have.

 

I do not mean this with any disrespect, backhandedness, sarcasm, or anything other than a sincere desire to know the answer. Do you work for The Score or have friends or relatives who do? I have never come across someone who is more pro-Score than you. Like I said, no disrespect, just curiosity.

 

Not even CubbieRich?

[Blueheart05]

Did any of you hear him a few hours after breaking the story? Apparently this information was not meant for public knowledge and he messed up. He apologized to Paul Kinzer and his boss.

 

That's a pretty big no-no. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Score have another reporter soon...

 

Apologies if this was already said.

 

No, I'm not sure what you mean. Are you saying that Ofman apologized later about telling this story? If so, that wouldn't surprise me. Remember, Kinzer and Hendry (and the Cubs) have an ongoing relationship to consider. Kinzer is also Aramis' agent so it's not a good idea to have a story out there that tries to make the organization look badly.

 

Also, even if the story is false, it would behoove Hendry to ignore it (rather than dispute its merits) because its a lose-lose proposition. Kinzer and JH need to maintain a positive working relationship. He certainly couldn't blast him the way Schurholtz (sp?) did.

 

The story that George Ofman reported was also on WGN Radio(Kaplan) last night. So much for it being false and made up, if Kaplan reports it too. Big difference between reporting a false story and reporting private negotiations. The agents and Hendry are both big boys and would never be so petty to allow this story to get in their way.

 

The Cubs aren't immune to trying to float stories out there themselves. Remember the Sammy tape of him leaving early? Did anyone ever actually see that tape? If so, please speak up. Wonder if the Cubs were just calling Sammy's bluff?

 

Poor Oldcubsfan, Bruce got scooped again on a Chicago Cubs story. For someone who listens to Bristol Radio, you sure follow The Score alot. That's okay, I understand they have more than 70,000 listeners signed up to listen over the web. You have plenty of company.

 

Frankly, I don't think negotiations are fodder for public consumption. What happens in the board room should stay there. Whomever it was that told Ofman the story, obviously, didn't consider the possible ramifications. The situation with Sosa was different altogether because it was a severed relationship. Kinzer and the Cubs have an ongoing relationship.

[goonys evil twin]

No one above Hendry was in contact with the Cubs MLB scouts as far as their reports. If Hendry rec'd glowing reports about Furcal as well as his own personal opinion, it saddens me that he would overruled by someone not nearly as close to the situtaion as Hendry.

 

A, you don't know that.

 

B, then you might want to become a Braves fan because they are probably the only organization that works the way you apparantly think all teams should.

[XZero771679666304]

Quite a few mea culpa(s) are in order to George Ofman for some earlier comments in posts. Too bad it will never happen. Some Score-haters only like to point out the times that they get scooped. Nobody wants to acknowledge the times they get it right, and they've had their share. As to the detail of confidentiality, the interviewee has to make it clear when something is off the record. They'll never make that mistake again. George did what any reporter would do in his position - Report the story the way you heard it. I think it's important to note that he didn't name any names - and he probably could have.

 

I do not mean this with any disrespect, backhandedness, sarcasm, or anything other than a sincere desire to know the answer. Do you work for The Score or have friends or relatives who do? I have never come across someone who is more pro-Score than you. Like I said, no disrespect, just curiosity.

 

Not even CubbieRich?

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

[YearofDaCubs]

One thing is for certain. I do not see the Cubs going after the top free agents when considering the price and years they will be asking. I think that is a problem.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Whomever it was that told Ofman the story, obviously, didn't consider the possible ramifications.

 

Exactly! Even if George did what some claim he did, who cares? If you have confidential information regarding this or that and you want nobody else to find out, DO NOT CONFIDE IN A REPORTER OR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA!

[ThePenguin11]

Quite a few mea culpa(s) are in order to George Ofman for some earlier comments in posts. Too bad it will never happen. Some Score-haters only like to point out the times that they get scooped. Nobody wants to acknowledge the times they get it right, and they've had their share. As to the detail of confidentiality, the interviewee has to make it clear when something is off the record. They'll never make that mistake again. George did what any reporter would do in his position - Report the story the way you heard it. I think it's important to note that he didn't name any names - and he probably could have.

 

I do not mean this with any disrespect, backhandedness, sarcasm, or anything other than a sincere desire to know the answer. Do you work for The Score or have friends or relatives who do? I have never come across someone who is more pro-Score than you. Like I said, no disrespect, just curiosity.

 

I'm a big fan of both stations and dislike the way people sit here and throw mud at one or both of them. I'm in broadcasting and understand a whole heck of a lot about how it works. People make a lot of blanket statements about the radio stations here and make it seem like there are any better stations across the country. The Score and ESPN 1000 are two of the best across the country. Just because some people think it's better somewhere else - doesn't necessarily make it so.

 

A lot of the Score has been scooped in the past is because WGN and WMVP are flagships and haven't been as privy to the leaked information. The newspapers get information because they are typically the easiest on the players and the organizations. (Except for the columnists who get nothing)

[UK1679666180]

No one above Hendry was in contact with the Cubs MLB scouts as far as their reports. If Hendry rec'd glowing reports about Furcal as well as his own personal opinion, it saddens me that he would overruled by someone not nearly as close to the situtaion as Hendry.

 

A, you don't know that.

 

B, then you might want to become a Braves fan because they are probably the only organization that works the way you apparantly think all teams should.

 

That's called an assumption, I think it is a fair assumption that Hendry is solely involved with gathering all the reports from his scouts surrounding various players they are after, is Fitzsimmons calling around?

 

Why should I root for the Braves? Should I root for Oakland as well? You don't think Shapiro or Jocketty have decisions cancelled by ownership?

 

Oddly enough, they're (Oak/ATL) much more effective models of operation as well.

 

Ideally, management needs to take a back seat, I don't have to root for another team to voice my complaints if I feel someone is potentially crossing the line.

 

So no, I'll root for the Cubs and be vocal.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

[CubbieRich]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

 

Don't work for The Score, but I think it's great that people in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, China must listen to it more than I do. They can tell us what is said every minute of the day. 8) 8) 8) 8) Even I can't do that.

 

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

I'm just a Cubs fan in the western suburbs, who only wants 3 things in 2006. The Cubs win the World Series, Badger gets a $100K+ job and Kerry Wood wins 25 games and makes me eat my words. I feel confident about 2 of them.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

Most people in Iowa dislike Steve Alford more than they dislike The Score. Furthermore, if you have been fooled into believing this was all about Steve Alford, you need to learn the rest of the story.

[hawkeyecub]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

 

Don't work for The Score, but I think it's great that people in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, China must listen to it more than I do. They can tell us what is said every minute of the day. 8) 8) 8) 8) Even I can't do that.

 

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

I'm just a Cubs fan in the western suburbs, who only wants 3 things in 2006. The Cubs win the World Series, Badger gets a $100K+ job and Kerry Wood wins 25 games and makes me eat my words. I feel confident about 2 of them.

 

LOL it's too much.

Kerry Wood has to win 25 games next season to make you eat your words? That's outrageous. No pitcher in baseball has won 25 games since 1990.

But yeah you better hold him to that high standard. If he went 23-4 with a 2.10 ERA that simply wouldn't be enough.

[BigbadB]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

 

Don't work for The Score, but I think it's great that people in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, China must listen to it more than I do. They can tell us what is said every minute of the day. 8) 8) 8) 8) Even I can't do that.

 

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

I'm just a Cubs fan in the western suburbs, who only wants 3 things in 2006. The Cubs win the World Series, Badger gets a $100K+ job and Kerry Wood wins 25 games and makes me eat my words. I feel confident about 2 of them.

 

LOL it's too much.

Kerry Wood has to win 25 games next season to make you eat your words? That's outrageous. No pitcher in baseball has won 25 games since 1990.

But yeah you better hold him to that high standard. If he went 23-4 with a 2.10 ERA that simply wouldn't be enough.

 

Wood will need a much better offense than he has now for that to happen.

[hawkeyecub]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

 

Don't work for The Score, but I think it's great that people in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, China must listen to it more than I do. They can tell us what is said every minute of the day. 8) 8) 8) 8) Even I can't do that.

 

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

Yeah they really exposed him by calling him a "penishead" repeatedly. Plus it's not like Alford is a popular figure in Iowa, so that's not the reason. Great try though.

Maybe they don't like it because the lineup includes Murphy, North, B&B and erronerous/clueless reporting from George Ofman? Nah, couldn't be it.

 

Listen, when at least half of your posts have been defending, praising and bragging about the The Score to the point that the majority of posters here think you MUST work for them, nevermind...

[Blueheart05]

 

I think Cubbie Rich must work for the SCORE.

 

Ya think?

 

Don't work for The Score, but I think it's great that people in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, China must listen to it more than I do. They can tell us what is said every minute of the day. 8) 8) 8) 8) Even I can't do that.

 

I can understand why people in Iowa don't like The Score after B & B took on self-righteous Steve Alford and his raping basketball player. Many Iowa fans were mad at having this clown exposed. They have an agenda.

 

I'm just a Cubs fan in the western suburbs, who only wants 3 things in 2006. The Cubs win the World Series, Badger gets a $100K+ job and Kerry Wood wins 25 games and makes me eat my words. I feel confident about 2 of them.

 

I can't speak for other people but I live in Chicago and listen to The Score because I like sports radio. Normally, it is on all day in the background. Having said that, my view of the station has changed for the worse (and it has nothing to do with what has been written on messageboards).

 

The Score is a very uncomfortable place for Cubs fans. The overwhelming majority of the hosts are biased White Sox fans who love sticking it to the Cubs and their fans. Mike North's most common insult is to say something is "Cubs like." The only two Cubs fans are Mike Murphy and Doug Buffone (Murph is always disgruntled and Douggy is uninformed). Things certainly will not improve now that they are the flagship station of the Sox. :roll:

 

I know from my own listening that they "report" information that isn't true and greatly exaggerate stories. I listen because it's entertainment (that doesn't mean it doesn't make me angry from time to time).

[YearofDaCubs]

I listen to both radio stations and see myself listening to ESPN more and more. I dont like the Mike North show because I hate hearing about politics. Sure, he he talks about sports and what-not but not enough. Boers and Bernstein really irritate me at times when they talk down to the people that call in. I do listen to Score at night time though and enjoy it more then. I like the stuff they do about the Bears. Overall, I probably listen to ESPN more in the morning and the Score at night, but I go back and tune it to the topic that interests me the most. It's sports talk radio you wont find a station that is perfect so I take it for what it is.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I listen to both radio stations and see myself listening to ESPN more and more. I dont like the Mike North show because I hate hearing about politics. Sure, he he talks about sports and what-not but not enough. Boers and Bernstein really irritate me at times when they talk down to the people that call in. I do listen to Score at night time though and enjoy it more then. I like the stuff they do about the Bears. Overall, I probably listen to ESPN more in the morning and the Score at night, but I go back and tune it to the topic that interests me the most. It's sports talk radio you wont find a station that is perfect so I take it for what it is.

 

Same here. B&B have irritated me for the last time with "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" and their constant belittling of callers. I still cannot understand how Murph is employed in talk radio, he throws out some of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. Buffone gives me the heebie-jeebies.

[CubbieRich]

Stick with your boy-Stevie.

[ManCrushOnNomar]

Whomever it was that told Ofman the story, obviously, didn't consider the possible ramifications.

 

Exactly! Even if George did what some claim he did, who cares? If you have confidential information regarding this or that and you want nobody else to find out, DO NOT CONFIDE IN A REPORTER OR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA!

There's no claims, George came forward and admitted what happened and apologized for it.

 

Besides, the media gets all kinds of information that is told in confidence. Hendry met with the media every day of the Winter Meetings behind closed doors to explain what was going on so they knew, but not to report it. This confidence is held because as soon as one media member slips some information they're cut off from their sources and labeled loose-lipped.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Stick with your boy-Stevie.

 

Who am I, Bob Bowlsby? Stick with your Score.

[hawkeyecub]

Stick with your boy-Stevie.

 

LOL, what? Good Lord that doesn't even make any sense. Who here said "Stevie" was their boy? That's really relevant to the discussion also, isn't it?

Both of the Iowa people in this thread acknwoledged that Alford is not popular in Iowa. In fact he's one of the most polarizing figures in Iowa sports in quite some time. But I'm sure all you know about him is what B&B preach on their show. Whatever they say must be true, they're on THE SCORE!

Can you actually debate something like this intelligently or is it just "The Score is great, ESPN is awful, The Score is the best station out there, ESPN sucks, Ofman gets all the scoops, Levine gets none."

 

I'm still waiting for a response to your ridiculous Kerry Wood claim. He has to win 25 games next year to prove you wrong? Those are some pretty high standards considering that no one in baseball has one 25 games in over 15 seasons.