Cuban submits application to buy Cubs

[Ding Dong Johnson]

i don't know why cuban would announce his maximum bid so soon.

 

I'm not buying it

[Roast]

i don't know why cuban would announce his maximum bid so soon.

 

Unless it's just an insane amount.

 

 

Also, I think Cuban and Zambrano would be BFF's.

[Soul]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

I don't think that will be such a huge number by the time the bidding is done. It is likely IMO that the bidding will reach close to 1 billion just because of the number of buyers involved and the passion that some of them will have to really want to buy the Cubs (Cuban won't be the only one who won't look it as completely a business decision).

 

Yeah...if $850 million is his cap...I don't know if he'd even be the top bidder...which would make it much easier for MLB to say "we gave him a shot!"

 

Yeah I've heard as high as $1billion. $850mil doesn't seem all that much. The Forbes value of the ballclub is pretty much meaningless when determining how much it will sell for.

[badgercub]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

I don't think that will be such a huge number by the time the bidding is done. It is likely IMO that the bidding will reach close to 1 billion just because of the number of buyers involved and the passion that some of them will have to really want to buy the Cubs (Cuban won't be the only one who won't look it as completely a business decision).

 

Yeah...if $850 million is his cap...I don't know if he'd even be the top bidder...which would make it much easier for MLB to say "we gave him a shot!"

 

Yeah I've heard as high as $1billion. $850mil doesn't seem all that much. The Forbes value of the ballclub is pretty much meaningless when determining how much it will sell for.

 

The Forbes number is for just the ballclub I believe, and does not include Wrigely Field, which in all likelihood would be sold along with the Cubs in a package deal.

[FergieJ31]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

It's ridiculous to think that Cuban would even drop a hint as to what his actual top bid might be. If he wanted to play that poker game, he'd drop a highball bid to scare off other potential bidders. But he'd have to make the leak a lot more authentic than telling FOX Sports Radio.

 

Anyone else think that Cuban's chances for a successful MLB owners vote would go up much if he partnered with a more conservative, Selig-palatable co-owner? I'm talking about perceptions here ... ideally this co-owner would, in reality, be a hands-off, glorified investor.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

It's ridiculous to think that Cuban would even drop a hint as to what his actual top bid might be. If he wanted to play that poker game, he'd drop a highball bid to scare off other potential bidders. But he'd have to make the leak a lot more authentic than telling FOX Sports Radio.

 

Anyone else think that Cuban's chances for a successful MLB owners vote would go up much if he partnered with a more conservative, Selig-palatable co-owner? I'm talking about perceptions here ... ideally this co-owner would, in reality, be a hands-off, glorified investor.

 

Wasn't the guy Wagner going to be his minority owner? Does he fit that bill?

[FergieJ31]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

It's ridiculous to think that Cuban would even drop a hint as to what his actual top bid might be. If he wanted to play that poker game, he'd drop a highball bid to scare off other potential bidders. But he'd have to make the leak a lot more authentic than telling FOX Sports Radio.

 

Anyone else think that Cuban's chances for a successful MLB owners vote would go up much if he partnered with a more conservative, Selig-palatable co-owner? I'm talking about perceptions here ... ideally this co-owner would, in reality, be a hands-off, glorified investor.

 

Wasn't the guy Wagner going to be his minority owner? Does he fit that bill?

 

Todd Wagner certainly keeps a lower profile than Cuban; hopefully that counts for something. But from Selig's point of view, might he be viewed as a Cuban crony? I don't know ...

 

Another thought that's probably been discussed ad nauseum, but if Cuban's bid to buy the Cubs is successful, does that automatically mean he sells the Mavs? Talk about selling high ... I'm not an NBA fan but I'd imagine the Mavs are at or near an all-time high in value right now.

[Omar]

Is that $850 mil just for the Cubs or Wrigley Field, too?

[Banedon]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

It's ridiculous to think that Cuban would even drop a hint as to what his actual top bid might be. If he wanted to play that poker game, he'd drop a highball bid to scare off other potential bidders. But he'd have to make the leak a lot more authentic than telling FOX Sports Radio.

 

Anyone else think that Cuban's chances for a successful MLB owners vote would go up much if he partnered with a more conservative, Selig-palatable co-owner? I'm talking about perceptions here ... ideally this co-owner would, in reality, be a hands-off, glorified investor.

 

Wasn't the guy Wagner going to be his minority owner? Does he fit that bill?

 

Todd Wagner certainly keeps a lower profile than Cuban; hopefully that counts for something. But from Selig's point of view, might he be viewed as a Cuban crony? I don't know ...

 

Another thought that's probably been discussed ad nauseum, but if Cuban's bid to buy the Cubs is successful, does that automatically mean he sells the Mavs? Talk about selling high ... I'm not an NBA fan but I'd imagine the Mavs are at or near an all-time high in value right now.

 

I don't think Cuban has any intention of selling the Mavs.

[Soul]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

I don't think that will be such a huge number by the time the bidding is done. It is likely IMO that the bidding will reach close to 1 billion just because of the number of buyers involved and the passion that some of them will have to really want to buy the Cubs (Cuban won't be the only one who won't look it as completely a business decision).

 

Yeah...if $850 million is his cap...I don't know if he'd even be the top bidder...which would make it much easier for MLB to say "we gave him a shot!"

 

Yeah I've heard as high as $1billion. $850mil doesn't seem all that much. The Forbes value of the ballclub is pretty much meaningless when determining how much it will sell for.

 

The Forbes number is for just the ballclub I believe, and does not include Wrigely Field, which in all likelihood would be sold along with the Cubs in a package deal.

 

That's a good point if you're right. I don't know the components of the Forbes valuation. It's pretty much a given the Cubs will sell for far more than that figure.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

It's ridiculous to think that Cuban would even drop a hint as to what his actual top bid might be. If he wanted to play that poker game, he'd drop a highball bid to scare off other potential bidders. But he'd have to make the leak a lot more authentic than telling FOX Sports Radio.

 

Anyone else think that Cuban's chances for a successful MLB owners vote would go up much if he partnered with a more conservative, Selig-palatable co-owner? I'm talking about perceptions here ... ideally this co-owner would, in reality, be a hands-off, glorified investor.

 

Wasn't the guy Wagner going to be his minority owner? Does he fit that bill?

 

Todd Wagner certainly keeps a lower profile than Cuban; hopefully that counts for something. But from Selig's point of view, might he be viewed as a Cuban crony? I don't know ...

 

Another thought that's probably been discussed ad nauseum, but if Cuban's bid to buy the Cubs is successful, does that automatically mean he sells the Mavs? Talk about selling high ... I'm not an NBA fan but I'd imagine the Mavs are at or near an all-time high in value right now.

 

I linked to this article earlier in the thread, but in regards to the Mavericks...

 

I e-mailed Mark with this very list of concerns, on behalf of Mavs Nation, no less lovable, just a lot less losery since he and Nellie and Avery were in charge.

 

"No plans to sell the Mavs," was his response.

[JGalt73]

I don’t think there’s much chance that MLB would ever let Cuban into their clubhouse, but it’s his type of ownership—desiring championships rather than short-term black ink—that would do more for baseball than any revenue-sharing scheme. MLB’s problem isn’t money, it’s ownership groups that are far too short-sighted and risk-averse to do the job of running a team well. I’m rooting for him to win in the Cubs bidding, and if that fails, to keep trying to buy MLB teams until he gets one. I’m certain he’d run a successful franchise both on and off the field.

[ctcf]

I don’t think there’s much chance that MLB would ever let Cuban into their clubhouse, but it’s his type of ownership—desiring championships rather than short-term black ink—that would do more for baseball than any revenue-sharing scheme. MLB’s problem isn’t money, it’s ownership groups that are far too short-sighted and risk-averse to do the job of running a team well. I’m rooting for him to win in the Cubs bidding, and if that fails, to keep trying to buy MLB teams until he gets one. I’m certain he’d run a successful franchise both on and off the field.

 

:(

[RedIvyCub]

They already regret allowing Jeffrey Loria into the fold.

 

Why would they regret that? He's done everything they've wanted from him, the stadium extortion attempt, the torching of the Expos franchise, the refusal to spend any money anywhere. He's the biggest prick in baseball, of course they love him.

 

Trust me...they don't love him. His behavior is an embarassment to MLB.

[RedIvyCub]

because the trib is a public company, don't they have a legal obligation to sell to the highest bidder?

 

Tribune will go private before the sale is completed. Therefore that takes care of this little problem.

[RedIvyCub]

I really like that the players are vocal in support of Cuban. Hopefully, that will get the attention of MLB.

 

I still think Cuban's best shot is to get someone respected in baseball circles to become part of his group.

 

Colangelo+Cuban???

 

Colangelo is not respected in baseball circles. He nearly bankrupted the Dbacks and was ousted because he made so many cash calls to investors that they held majority. This is why the debt service rule is being my closely enforced in MLB. Colangelo bought an WS Championship on the backs of 29 other ballclubs.

[RedIvyCub]

I don't know if anyone else has heard this, but FOX Sports Radio has been reporting that Cuban "is willing to spend up to $850 million to purchase the Cubs."

 

For a frachise that appraised at $590 million, I think the Trib would have a hard time saying no to such a HUGE number. I would also think there would be some leaning done on other MLB owners to approve Cuban based on such a HUGE number.

 

Thoughts?

 

I don't think that will be such a huge number by the time the bidding is done. It is likely IMO that the bidding will reach close to 1 billion just because of the number of buyers involved and the passion that some of them will have to really want to buy the Cubs (Cuban won't be the only one who won't look it as completely a business decision).

 

Yeah...if $850 million is his cap...I don't know if he'd even be the top bidder...which would make it much easier for MLB to say "we gave him a shot!"

 

Yeah I've heard as high as $1billion. $850mil doesn't seem all that much. The Forbes value of the ballclub is pretty much meaningless when determining how much it will sell for.

 

The Forbes number is for just the ballclub I believe, and does not include Wrigely Field, which in all likelihood would be sold along with the Cubs in a package deal.

 

Probably also does not include the 25% interest in CSNC which goes along with the club.

[satxcubfan]

I wonder if Steve Stone and his investment group are still interested in buying a club. Cuban, mixed with Stone's group could be more palatable to the MLB cronies......? Stoney is basically a Chicago guy [and a Cub guy]... which is what Bud is wanting... just a thought.

[CubFanPhilly]

because the trib is a public company, don't they have a legal obligation to sell to the highest bidder?

 

Tribune will go private before the sale is completed. Therefore that takes care of this little problem.

 

Actually it doesn't take care of the problem. The Trib will be owned by a Trust on behalf of Tribune employees. The Trustee (an independent institution) has a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of the Trust (i.e., the employees).

 

If Cuban submits a significantly better bid, MLB will be in a tough position - particularly if the details leak. Considering many of those employees are members of the press, I wouldn't want to be the Trustee or Selig if MLB disqualifies the highest bid.

[CyHawk_Cub]

because the trib is a public company, don't they have a legal obligation to sell to the highest bidder?

 

Tribune will go private before the sale is completed. Therefore that takes care of this little problem.

 

Actually it doesn't take care of the problem. The Trib will be owned by a Trust on behalf of Tribune employees. The Trustee (an independent institution) has a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of the Trust (i.e., the employees).

 

If Cuban submits a significantly better bid, MLB will be in a tough position - particularly if the details leak. Considering many of those employees are members of the press, I wouldn't want to be the Trustee or Selig if MLB disqualifies the highest bid.

 

LOL... I feel you--the power of the pen....

[Soriano12]

Is that $850 mil just for the Cubs or Wrigley Field, too?

 

Cubs, Wrigley, and Ronnie Woo Woo.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Is that $850 mil just for the Cubs or Wrigley Field, too?

 

Cubs, Wrigley, and Ronnie Woo Woo.

 

You really can't put a price on a "woo" from Ronnie Woo Woo Wickers.

[TruffleShuffle]

Is that $850 mil just for the Cubs or Wrigley Field, too?

 

Cubs, Wrigley, and Ronnie Woo Woo.

 

You really can't put a price on a "woo" from Ronnie Woo Woo Wickers.

 

If you take Woo Woo out, the price goes up by $25M.

[10man]

So maybe Cuban should nab Ernie Banks to be his official Spokesman/Partner. That would certainly put more prestige on his bid.

[CubinNY]

They already regret Trust me...they don't love him. His behavior is an embarassment to MLB.

Where are you getting this information from?

 

They let him buy the Expos to fold them and then gave him and John Henry a sweatheart deal to exchange the Red Sox for the Marlins, with MLB (the other 29 clubs) holding the bag for folding the Expos.

 

Jeff Loria is like the Bud Selig's Grimm Reaper.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, baseball survives because it is a great game. It survives in spite of the owners. The idiot in Tampa built is stadium in St. Petersburg and then aleinated his entire fan base. Selig got the City to foot the bill for the Brewers and then mismanaged them into serious trouble. I could go on and on. Loria fits in well with the crowd.