Changes All Around for Cubs

[David]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/2098282,CST-SPT-cub12.article

 

''This is a zero-sum game,'' team president Crane Kenney said Thursday. ''The [Rickettses] have said we are not putting a penny in our pockets. All of the profits, every dollar, will be invested in either the facilities or the team. Every time we stage a concert or hockey game or a football game or bring in a new marketing partner or grow the revenue of the business, it directly influences the product on the field.

 

''Ideally, with every effort we make, we are directly improving our chances of winning.''

 

 

Some stuff we pretty much already knew...

More concrete are the plans for Wrigley Field, its surroundings and for the team on the field. Among them:

 

• A $100 million multipurpose baseball-use, office, retail, hotel and restaurant structure adjacent to Wrigley providing not only new training needs for the players but an anticipated lucrative new revenue stream. The potential six-story structure, which already is drawing partner interest from at least three hotel chains and businesses, would include a top-story stadium club and outdoor seating and would be connected by walkways to the park. Work could begin by the end of this season, with a targeted opening in 2014 to coincide with the team's 100th anniversary in the park.

 

• At least $100 million in renovations in the coming years to Wrigley Field itself. Some have started, including upgrades to washroom facilities and moving the team weight-training room from a small area in the clubhouse to the larger umpires room, with the umpires moved to a new area.

 

 

Some stuff we didn't...

 

The payroll, now at $140 million, will remain among the top five in baseball. Kenney also said general manager Jim Hendry will have money available at the July trade deadline should he need it.

[dew1679666265]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

[ctcf]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

 

this

[BeerHere]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

Seconded

[C.C.]

Damn, that hotel thingy would be pretty bad-ass.

 

How cool would it be if they added a balcony view of the game from your hotel room. Kinda like Toronto has.

[Old Style]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

Seconded

Thirdeded

[Ding Dong Johnson]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

that just sounds wrong

[dew1679666265]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

that just sounds wrong

 

Would you feel better if I put his first name in there too?

[UMFan83]

Damn, that hotel thingy would be pretty bad-ass.

 

How cool would it be if they added a balcony view of the game from your hotel room. Kinda like Toronto has.

 

That doesn't really appeal to me

[jersey cubs fan]

Damn, that hotel thingy would be pretty bad-ass.

 

How cool would it be if they added a balcony view of the game from your hotel room. Kinda like Toronto has.

 

That doesn't really appeal to me

 

I don't see how it could happen, given the layout.

[erik316wttn]

The more I hear, the more I like Ricketts.

Seconded

Thirdeded

 

Fourthed, assuming he cans Hendry if the on-field product completely blows this year.

[MWV]

Tom Ricketts

 

[Guancous]

Damn, that hotel thingy would be pretty bad-ass.

 

How cool would it be if they added a balcony view of the game from your hotel room. Kinda like Toronto has.

 

As long as it's the honeymoon suite like Toronto had.

[Northside Blues]

Hmm something tells menthat the Indians would be entertaining offers for Grady Sizemore in July.

[Splendid Splinter]

Hmm something tells menthat the Indians would be entertaining offers for Grady Sizemore in July.

 

AND????? Trade him for Marlon Byrd/prospects? Don't really have an opening in the OF unless someone gets a season ending injury...

[David]

Or of Marlon Byrd or Soriano or Fukudome just suck... pretty good chance that at least one of those happens.

 

 

Not that I think we're getting Sizemore.