Cubs sale delayed? / Trib may own Cubs on Opening Day

[JWCUB]

Sam Zell is a complete joke. Albeit a rich joke. Talking about maybe changing the name of Wrigley Field. All to get more money in his old pockets. Greedy SOB. :twisted: Just sell the team already, and you can run your little Tribune Co. Let Cuban take the Cubs to the promise land.

[CubinNY]

Mariotti keeps saying that Cuban has no chance whatsoever.

 

I actually like this game that Mariotti is playing. Mariotti, for better or for worse, is an incredibly popular sports columnist. I have my doubts about how effective his game may be, but there's a decent chance that Canning could be passed over despite being the favorite among Selig and his ilk if Cuban's bid is larger and proves to have the financial wherewithal to support the team after the sale. The stakes are really high for Selig if they select Canning in this case, because if he fails to build success on the North Side, there is going to be significant backlash and people are really going to begin calling into question as to how the MLB is selecting its owners.

 

A slim chance, but I think that possibility is in play. Cuban is an overwhelming favorite amongst Cub fans to buy the team, and being as concerned about PR and profitability as Selig is, he might want to avoid the trouble if Cuban's bid is equal to or greater than Canning's.

 

All speculation on my part, it's quite possible that Canning could be better suited to financially steward our franchise, but if he's not and gets the team anyway, it could get pretty interesting, especially around here.

 

Does anyone know what the remaining steps are to selling the team? I assume that since the three finalists are now able to look at the books that all that is left is a submission of the bids and evidence of the bidder's financial ability to support the team long-term. Anyone know for sure?

I don't know what steps are next. But history tells us that baseball owners sell to other baseball owners. Loria and Henry were both minority owners before they were able to buy teams outright. Henry held a large minority stake in the Yankees for years before they let him have the Marlins and Loria owned 35% of the Expos.

 

Since Canning already has a stake in the WS I'd say the chances of him being the next owner of the Cubs are overwhelming. Cuban has a Chinaman's chance of owning the Cubs, which is to say not much of one.

[NCCubFan]

Since Canning already has a stake in the WS I'd say the chances of him being the next owner of the Cubs are overwhelming.

Zell has a stake in the Sox. I don't think Canning does too, although I'm not positive about that.

[RedIvyCub]

The Trib[/url]"]

Tribune Co. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Dennis FitzSimons announced his resignation today, as the media company finalizes its $8.2 billion deal to go private under Chicago billionaire Sam Zell, who is expected to take over as CEO.

 

That deal, expected to close on Thursday, will pass control of the media conglomerate to Zell, who, under a prior arrangement, will then become Tribune's board chairman.

 

A source at Tribune said Zell will also become chief executive. A spokesman at Tribune would not confirm that. A spokeswoman for Zell could not be reached.

 

Most likely not everyone has been cleared to review the books. Cannot view the books until the application has been reviewed and approved.

[RedIvyCub]

Ok, so technically Zell will own the Cubs tomorrow when this is completed? How does that work since he still has an ownership stake in the Brewers?

Actually it's the White Sox he owns a piece of.

 

Oops...you're right. Point still stands...

 

It's allowed because he is going to sell the club. I think there was a similar overlap with Henry and the Red Sox transaction. Same would happen with Canning and his 11 percent of the Brewers. Once he would be approved, then he would divest of his interest in the Brewers.

[RedIvyCub]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

[RedIvyCub]

Since Canning already has a stake in the WS I'd say the chances of him being the next owner of the Cubs are overwhelming.

Zell has a stake in the Sox. I don't think Canning does too, although I'm not positive about that.

 

Let's straighten this part out. Canning has an 11% ownership interest in the Brewers. Zell has a 7% ownership interest in the White Sox.

[CubinNY]

Since Canning already has a stake in the WS I'd say the chances of him being the next owner of the Cubs are overwhelming.

Zell has a stake in the Sox. I don't think Canning does too, although I'm not positive about that.

 

Let's straighten this part out. Canning has an 11% ownership interest in the Brewers. Zell has a 7% ownership interest in the White Sox.

Thanks, the Brewers then. Well, I'd say the odds of him owning the Cubs went from overwhelming to pert'near

[Garwilly]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

[98navigator]

Cubs.com is reporting that the Cubs will be sold before opening day!

 

"Up until now, we've delayed -- although they're ready -- sending out the books on the Cubs until we had a better understanding of where this stands," Zell said. "I think the goal would be to complete the transaction before the beginning of the baseball season."

[Yanksfan1523]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

:lol:

[David]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

It was a joke.

[Banedon]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

It was a joke from the Brian Roberts thread. The O's insiders were about as wrong as wrong could be. Hence the joke about them believing Cuban was about to buy the Cubs.

[C.C.]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

How did I miss this? Classic!!!!!!

[Wheelimus]

Get ready to be sick guys...

 

Zell will consider selling Wrigley Field naming rights

 

Yep, I guess AT&T Field DOES have the same ring to it....

 

](*,)

[RedIvyCub]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

And my reply is hilarious because???? Sorry, that is the process.

[RedIvyCub]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

How did I miss this? Classic!!!!!!

 

Again, care to explain why this is "classic"? Yeah, I am a little offended. Sorry but I don't spend my time reading every baseball tidbit and every thread on this board. I read what interests me and there was nothing to indicate to me that this person was not being serious.

[ZMovieman]

Get ready to be sick guys...

 

Zell will consider selling Wrigley Field naming rights

 

Yep, I guess AT&T Field DOES have the same ring to it....

 

](*,)

 

While I am adamantly opposed to a name change (obviously), a part of me wonders how realistic it is for Zell to sell the naming rights? One can get villainized pretty quick for it. It's not like with Comiskey, where it wasn't the original park. Also, wouldn't selling Wrigley off as another name potentially lower some of its market value A) in general and B) to a prospective buyer?

[Banedon]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

How did I miss this? Classic!!!!!!

 

Again, care to explain why this is "classic"? Yeah, I am a little offended. Sorry but I don't spend my time reading every baseball tidbit and every thread on this board. I read what interests me and there was nothing to indicate to me that this person was not being serious.

 

You're absolutely right. I'm sure we can drop this now. Right guys?

[RedIvyCub]

Get ready to be sick guys...

 

Zell will consider selling Wrigley Field naming rights

 

Yep, I guess AT&T Field DOES have the same ring to it....

 

](*,)

 

While I am adamantly opposed to a name change (obviously), a part of me wonders how realistic it is for Zell to sell the naming rights? One can get villainized pretty quick for it. It's not like with Comiskey, where it wasn't the original park. Also, wouldn't selling Wrigley off as another name potentially lower some of its market value A) in general and B) to a prospective buyer?

 

Potential Wrigley purchase by state holds up Cubs sale

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri_wrigley_1221dec21,0,4672721.story

[Banedon]

Get ready to be sick guys...

 

Zell will consider selling Wrigley Field naming rights

 

Yep, I guess AT&T Field DOES have the same ring to it....

 

](*,)

 

While I am adamantly opposed to a name change (obviously), a part of me wonders how realistic it is for Zell to sell the naming rights? One can get villainized pretty quick for it. It's not like with Comiskey, where it wasn't the original park. Also, wouldn't selling Wrigley off as another name potentially lower some of its market value A) in general and B) to a prospective buyer?

 

Potential Wrigley purchase by state holds up Cubs sale

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri_wrigley_1221dec21,0,4672721.story

 

I'm EXTREMELY skeptical this goes anywhere.

[The Voice of Reason]

Sam Zell is a complete joke. Albeit a rich joke. Talking about maybe changing the name of Wrigley Field. All to get more money in his old pockets. Greedy SOB. :twisted: Just sell the team already, and you can run your little Tribune Co. Let Cuban take the Cubs to the promise land.

 

 

Why not just charge the Wrigley Company a naming rights free? Keep the name the same but get some revenue out of it.

[CUBZ99]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

How did I miss this? Classic!!!!!!

 

Again, care to explain why this is "classic"? Yeah, I am a little offended. Sorry but I don't spend my time reading every baseball tidbit and every thread on this board. I read what interests me and there was nothing to indicate to me that this person was not being serious.

 

 

The reply to your post was probably in poor taste, but the original poster was making an inside joke regarding the O's. There would have been no way for you to tell that he was joking, unless you had followed the Roberts-gate scandal (regarding the outed Oriole Hangout insider). The poster kept saying "Roberts to the Cubs is IMMINENT" etc. etc. It came down to the point where he was stringing everybody along, and his "inside source" was setting him up with bad info to expose him.

 

Do you see this deal happening before opening Day? And if it does do you think the Cubs and MLB will give Cuban a fair shot? or was Canning and Co. the chosen owner all along?

[Garwilly]

Word from the O's insiders is that Cuban is set to buy the Cubs within the next two days.

 

Not a chance. If they are now just getting to review the clubs financial records, it cannot happen in two days and most of baseball is out for the holidays. First Zell would need to select who he wants to sell to and I think he has bigger fish to fry revamping the executive level of Tribune. Then it needs to be approved by the ownership committee. THEN, it goes to the owners who would have to meet and approve the deal. That doesn't happen in two days.

 

Who the heck is O's Insider anyhow? Sounds like a blog which means don't believe it.

 

 

This reply is absolutely hilarious. I love it.

 

How did I miss this? Classic!!!!!!

 

Again, care to explain why this is "classic"? Yeah, I am a little offended. Sorry but I don't spend my time reading every baseball tidbit and every thread on this board. I read what interests me and there was nothing to indicate to me that this person was not being serious.

 

 

The reply to your post was probably in poor taste, but the original poster was making an inside joke regarding the O's. There would have been no way for you to tell that he was joking, unless you had followed the Roberts-gate scandal (regarding the outed Oriole Hangout insider). The poster kept saying "Roberts to the Cubs is IMMINENT" etc. etc. It came down to the point where he was stringing everybody along, and his "inside source" was setting him up with bad info to expose him.

 

Do you see this deal happening before opening Day? And if it does do you think the Cubs and MLB will give Cuban a fair shot? or was Canning and Co. the chosen owner all along?

 

I stand by my initial reply. His follow up "offended" post was even funnier.

[Lefty]

Get ready to be sick guys...

 

Zell will consider selling Wrigley Field naming rights

 

Yep, I guess AT&T Field DOES have the same ring to it....

 

](*,)

 

 

Do you really care what the place is called?