Zell to Purchase Tribune Co., Sell Cubs

[NCCubFan]

FYI:

 

Gammons reiterated on Mike & Mike this morning that MLB will not accept any bid put together by Cuban, and that Reinsdorf has much influence in that regard. Also noted that Collangelo would have no such problem, but that he (Gammons) doesn't know where Jerry would get the money.

This has anti-trust suit written all over it. I'm not sure if it is worth it to Cuban though.

I'm not sure that Cuban would have a case (I don't know that anyone really has a legal right to buy a major league baseball team), but I think Zell might have a case from the seller's side. If MLB rejects the original owner and he has to sell to someone else at a lower price he should be able to hold MLB liable for the difference.

[10man]

Look at Sosa. After the combination of the corked bat, the clubhouse demonor, the feeling of the fans turning on him, the Cubs parting ways with him, the distractions took their toll on his play. Roll that out to a team that is consistantly having infighting and distractions and it can effect a team.

 

i think it probably had more to do with being hit in the head by an errant fastball.

 

or it could have something to do with him just getting old.

 

This season will definatly test that theory. He could very well be aweful as some people surmise. Or he could rebound and do well as he's mentally fresh, ready to play, and happy to be playing baseball again. We'll see what happens there. BTW I did take him in the last round of my fantasy draft on the off chance that he does rebound. If not, it's no big loss.

 

How will this season test anything relative to your point about Sosa succumbing to distractions in 2004?

 

Most of those distractions are gone, or are old news. He seems upbeat, happy, and of positive mind. If he bounces back and has a good season it means that it wasn't nearly as much a physical thing as mental.

 

Not necessarily. You're making assumptions left and right. There's not a causal relationship that you can point to.

 

As I said earlier my entire argument is based on opinion and speculation. If you're looking for me to "convert" you to my opinion :) that is neither my intent or desire. I simply have a point of view that people under distraction do not perform their job to the best of their ability and in sports, can be beaten by teams who are focused on the task at hand. Not that talent is 100% irrelevent, but focus can be just a big of a factor IMHO.

If all you need is physical evidence that distractions can hamper a talented team, you don't have to look very far. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your 2004 Chicago Cubs!

[moorecg]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

[USSoccer]

I have a hard time believing that Reinsdorf would try and block Cuban from buying a crosstown rival.

 

From a purely business standpoint, Cuban owning the Cubs would be a great thing for MLB as a whole. Reinsdorf would benefit from that.

 

From a marketing standpoint, it could easily set up a situation that creates a very real crosstown rivalry that both teams could exploit for profit. Cuban's Cubs vs Jerry's Sox.

 

When push comes to shove, if Cuban has the money (which he does), I can't see Reinsdorf blocking him just because he doesn't like him.

[RynoRules]

I have a hard time believing that Reinsdorf would try and block Cuban from buying a crosstown rival.

 

From a purely business standpoint, Cuban owning the Cubs would be a great thing for MLB as a whole. Reinsdorf would benefit from that.

 

From a marketing standpoint, it could easily set up a situation that creates a very real crosstown rivalry that both teams could exploit for profit. Cuban's Cubs vs Jerry's Sox.

 

When push comes to shove, if Cuban has the money (which he does), I can't see Reinsdorf blocking him just because he doesn't like him.

 

I agree with what you are saying, but experience tells me that otherwise intelligent business people often cut off their noses to spit ethier faces, and purely for personal reasons.

 

He who sets out for revenge should first dig two graves.

[USSoccer]

I have a hard time believing that Reinsdorf would try and block Cuban from buying a crosstown rival.

 

From a purely business standpoint, Cuban owning the Cubs would be a great thing for MLB as a whole. Reinsdorf would benefit from that.

 

From a marketing standpoint, it could easily set up a situation that creates a very real crosstown rivalry that both teams could exploit for profit. Cuban's Cubs vs Jerry's Sox.

 

When push comes to shove, if Cuban has the money (which he does), I can't see Reinsdorf blocking him just because he doesn't like him.

 

I agree with what you are saying, but experience tells me that otherwise intelligent business people often cut off their noses to spit ethier faces, and purely for personal reasons.

 

He who sets out for revenge should first dig two graves.

 

Well, yeah, that's the other side of this. I'm assuming Reinsdorf would think rationally about the situation.

 

The other thing is that being a baseball owner is a little different that being a basketball owner. It's not like Cuban can be in the dugout like he's on the bench for Mavs games. Reinsdorf would be wise to keep these things in mind, because at the end of the day, Mark Cuban has been good for the NBA.

 

All that being said, I'd rather the Wolves owner buy the Cubs.

Edited April 6, 2007 by USSoccer

[10man]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

I think because Zell has already stated openly that he doesn't want anything to do with the Cubs. He is only buying the Media interests of the Trib. Because of this, it appears that the Trib will then sell the Cubs before Zell acquires the Trib assets.

[soapy]

If all you need is physical evidence that distractions can hamper a talented team, you don't have to look very far. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your 2004 Chicago Cubs!

So Hawkins was blowing saves because he was distracted? That must be what injured Nomar as well. I'll be damned.

 

It's still all speculation, not evidence. The arguement might have more validity if players were saying they couldn't perform as they usually did because of said distractions. That's not the case.

[CubColtPacer]

If all you need is physical evidence that distractions can hamper a talented team, you don't have to look very far. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your 2004 Chicago Cubs!

So Hawkins was blowing saves because he was distracted? That must be what injured Nomar as well. I'll be damned.

 

It's still all speculation, not evidence. The arguement might have more validity if players were saying they couldn't perform as they usually did because of said distractions. That's not the case.

 

Players do say from time to time though that they didn't play the way they usually could because of distractions. I'm not sure if anybody from the 04 Cubs did, but players do say that from time to time-Nevin even said that about the 06 Cubs.

[RedIvyCub]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

 

Because the Tribune is selling the Cubs prior to the finalization of the Zell purchase of Tribune Company. Since Zell cannot have ownership interest in two clubs (he has ownership in the Sox), this deal has to be taken care of prior to the finalization of the Tribune buyout which is why they said new ownership should be in place prior to 08 spring training.

 

None of the structuring has changed. The Cubs are still under the Broadcasting umbrella.

 

Be honest with yourselves...this team is going to be sold to a Chicagoan and someone with deep Chicago ties...not Mark Cuban (it has more to do with his NBA behavior and not just Jerry) nor Jerry Colangelo as he's broke. Don't kid yourselves, I am sure they have someone all lined up so this can be a seamless transaction that the owners and Bud will approve quickly...and that includes Wrigley Field. I don't see owners' approval without the inclusion of the park.

[soapy]

If all you need is physical evidence that distractions can hamper a talented team, you don't have to look very far. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your 2004 Chicago Cubs!

So Hawkins was blowing saves because he was distracted? That must be what injured Nomar as well. I'll be damned.

 

It's still all speculation, not evidence. The arguement might have more validity if players were saying they couldn't perform as they usually did because of said distractions. That's not the case.

 

Players do say from time to time though that they didn't play the way they usually could because of distractions. I'm not sure if anybody from the 04 Cubs did, but players do say that from time to time-Nevin even said that about the 06 Cubs.

 

I remember Nevin saying something about the clubhouse (walking on eggshells or something maybe?) but I don't really remember him saying it was hurting the team's play. I'd have to go back and look to refresh my memory.

 

Having said that, the 2006 Cubs could have been BFF and it wouldn't have mattered. I think we're looking for an example of a team that is talented enough to be successful but does not have that success because of off field distractions. I don't think that's an accurate analysis of the 2006 Cubs.

[YearofDaCubs]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

 

Because the Tribune is selling the Cubs prior to the finalization of the Zell purchase of Tribune Company. Since Zell cannot have ownership interest in two clubs (he has ownership in the Sox), this deal has to be taken care of prior to the finalization of the Tribune buyout which is why they said new ownership should be in place prior to 08 spring training.

 

None of the structuring has changed. The Cubs are still under the Broadcasting umbrella.

 

Be honest with yourselves...this team is going to be sold to a Chicagoan and someone with deep Chicago ties...not Mark Cuban (it has more to do with his NBA behavior and not just Jerry) nor Jerry Colangelo as he's broke. Don't kid yourselves, I am sure they have someone all lined up so this can be a seamless transaction that the owners and Bud will approve quickly...and that includes Wrigley Field. I don't see owners' approval without the inclusion of the park.

I hope you're right. Watching the Cubs play outside of Wrigley just wouldn't be the same to me.

[CubFanPhilly]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

I think because Zell has already stated openly that he doesn't want anything to do with the Cubs. He is only buying the Media interests of the Trib. Because of this, it appears that the Trib will then sell the Cubs before Zell acquires the Trib assets.

 

Zell isn't buying a single share of the Tribune. It's been sold to the employees. Zell is financing a small piece of the transaction and becoming CEO with a right to buy 40 percent of the Company if things go well.

[RedIvyCub]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

 

Because the Tribune is selling the Cubs prior to the finalization of the Zell purchase of Tribune Company. Since Zell cannot have ownership interest in two clubs (he has ownership in the Sox), this deal has to be taken care of prior to the finalization of the Tribune buyout which is why they said new ownership should be in place prior to 08 spring training.

 

None of the structuring has changed. The Cubs are still under the Broadcasting umbrella.

 

Be honest with yourselves...this team is going to be sold to a Chicagoan and someone with deep Chicago ties...not Mark Cuban (it has more to do with his NBA behavior and not just Jerry) nor Jerry Colangelo as he's broke. Don't kid yourselves, I am sure they have someone all lined up so this can be a seamless transaction that the owners and Bud will approve quickly...and that includes Wrigley Field. I don't see owners' approval without the inclusion of the park.

I hope you're right. Watching the Cubs play outside of Wrigley just wouldn't be the same to me.

 

If the Park and the club have different owners, it certainly doesn't mean the Cubs move. It means they pay rent to the owner of Wrigley Field. Still say Bud doesn't let that happen.

[RedIvyCub]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

I think because Zell has already stated openly that he doesn't want anything to do with the Cubs. He is only buying the Media interests of the Trib. Because of this, it appears that the Trib will then sell the Cubs before Zell acquires the Trib assets.

 

Zell isn't buying a single share of the Tribune. It's been sold to the employees. Zell is financing a small piece of the transaction and becoming CEO with a right to buy 40 percent of the Company if things go well.

 

Exactly...you have it exactly correct. Plus the Cubs deal will be in place before the Tribune deal is completed thus avoiding the dual ownership interest issue completely.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This article does a decent job explaining what Zell's transaction with Tribune looks like.

[sherwood921]

legally speaking...why didn't MLB have to approve the sale to Zell? And if its because the "tribune" still owns it, I'd think there might be some "interesting" corporate structure that could be organized in which the Trib spins off the Cubs in to a wholly owned Sub (likely is already), creates a holding company who's only asset is the Cubs, and then sells the holding company to the third party (i.e. Cuban).

 

Because the Tribune is selling the Cubs prior to the finalization of the Zell purchase of Tribune Company. Since Zell cannot have ownership interest in two clubs (he has ownership in the Sox), this deal has to be taken care of prior to the finalization of the Tribune buyout which is why they said new ownership should be in place prior to 08 spring training.

 

None of the structuring has changed. The Cubs are still under the Broadcasting umbrella.

 

Be honest with yourselves...this team is going to be sold to a Chicagoan and someone with deep Chicago ties...not Mark Cuban (it has more to do with his NBA behavior and not just Jerry) nor Jerry Colangelo as he's broke. Don't kid yourselves, I am sure they have someone all lined up so this can be a seamless transaction that the owners and Bud will approve quickly...and that includes Wrigley Field. I don't see owners' approval without the inclusion of the park.

 

I would be willing to bet you a pretty penny that if Colangelo doesn't buy them it's not cuz he couldn't get the money together.