Offseason Rumors

[UMFan83]

It's a long offseason. News should be released this way more often, makes things at least a little more interesting.

 

Were you not around enough during the Brian Roberts/Jake Peavy sagas?

[UMFan83]

You in town yet, Brett?

 

Arriving tonight. Speaking purely as a fan, I'm not expecting some earth-shattering announcement at the Convention. I still enjoy the panel discussions, though - at least when folks ask meaningful questions.

 

Nice. Looking forward to the blogging/Tweeting from the convention. Seriously... thanks for what you do.

 

Your site has become one of that rotation of 5 or 6 that I re-open like 20x a day.

 

Agreed. Best Cubs blog on the internet by far.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

It's a long offseason. News should be released this way more often, makes things at least a little more interesting.

 

Were you not around enough during the Brian Roberts/Jake Peavy sagas?

 

Yeah, and that's more fun at least than a boring offseason where nothing happens.

[Brett]

You in town yet, Brett?

 

Arriving tonight. Speaking purely as a fan, I'm not expecting some earth-shattering announcement at the Convention. I still enjoy the panel discussions, though - at least when folks ask meaningful questions.

 

Nice. Looking forward to the blogging/Tweeting from the convention. Seriously... thanks for what you do.

 

Your site has become one of that rotation of 5 or 6 that I re-open like 20x a day.

 

Agreed. Best Cubs blog on the internet by far.

 

Well thanks, gents. NSBB will also hold a special place in my heart ...

[davell]

As someone who's "internet known" Brett for over a decade now, is anyone else here that came from SOI?(SonsofIvy)

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

[Guest]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

 

All the chatter lately (mostly from the Mooney piece) has been about a bridge deal with Fox locally (WFLD 32) for the WGN games, and then going RSN with Fox after the CSN deal is up.

 

Fox is making a big push to expand Fox Sports.

[Clem Fandango]

For argument's sake let's say this whole speculation about FOX and WGN and the Cubs being involved is indeed the news and it does indeed happen.

 

Exactly how much money would be in it for the Cubs, and how soon would they be able to get it? I haven't followed the TV deal stuff too closely to assume as much off the top of my head.

[A New Era]

well they should be able to budget it in right away, which would make a huge Tanaka deal even easier to absorb.

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

 

All the chatter lately (mostly from the Mooney piece) has been about a bridge deal with Fox locally (WFLD 32) for the WGN games, and then going RSN with Fox after the CSN deal is up.

 

Fox is making a big push to expand Fox Sports.

Right I understand all that. To be clear, when I say RSN related, it's with the understanding that there is a bridge until 2019. Still, feels like there could be something else entirely if I wanna read into his blog post too much.

Edited January 16, 2014 by WrigleyField 22

[Hairyducked Idiot]

For argument's sake let's say this whole speculation about FOX and WGN and the Cubs being involved is indeed the news and it does indeed happen.

 

Exactly how much money would be in it for the Cubs, and how soon would they be able to get it? I haven't followed the TV deal stuff too closely to assume as much off the top of my head.

 

For argument's sake, let's say the rumor put a very specific number on it, and it was right in line with what you'd expect from a market bigger than Philadelphia and smaller than LA.

[Guest]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

 

All the chatter lately (mostly from the Mooney piece) has been about a bridge deal with Fox locally (WFLD 32) for the WGN games, and then going RSN with Fox after the CSN deal is up.

 

Fox is making a big push to expand Fox Sports.

Right I understand all that. To be clear, when I say RSN related, it's with the understanding that there is a bridge until 2019. Still, feels like there could be something else entirely if I wanna read into his blog post too much.

 

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

[WrigleyField 22]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

 

All the chatter lately (mostly from the Mooney piece) has been about a bridge deal with Fox locally (WFLD 32) for the WGN games, and then going RSN with Fox after the CSN deal is up.

 

Fox is making a big push to expand Fox Sports.

Right I understand all that. To be clear, when I say RSN related, it's with the understanding that there is a bridge until 2019. Still, feels like there could be something else entirely if I wanna read into his blog post too much.

 

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

Probably not, but what about 10-15? I'm not putting more that Derrick Rose lottery chances on any speculation, just trying to think outside of the obvious lines that are being drawn between concurrent rumors.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

 

Which is why my preference is for them to just come to an agreement for the "WGN games" and let Fox and Comcast/NBC plus potential wild cards battle it out for the whole enchilada when the time is right.

[Guest]

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

 

Which is why my preference is for them to just come to an agreement for the "WGN games" and let Fox and Comcast/NBC plus potential wild cards battle it out for the whole enchilada when the time is right.

 

 

It's a gamble they could take and one I can easily see the case you're making for, but I have no problem with them locking it in right now if the money is right.

 

It might also mean getting more for the WGN games in the meanwhile, before the other new revenue streams are going.

[mul21]

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

 

Which is why my preference is for them to just come to an agreement for the "WGN games" and let Fox and Comcast/NBC plus potential wild cards battle it out for the whole enchilada when the time is right.

 

 

It's a gamble they could take and one I can easily see the case you're making for, but I have no problem with them locking it in right now if the money is right.

 

It might also mean getting more for the WGN games in the meanwhile, before the other new revenue streams are going.

 

This is exactly my thought process. If they can sign a longer term deal, say 10 years, that guarantees Fox the rights after the Comcast deal expires, it might be worth more to Fox in the near term to get the long term guarantee. That's a big deal in my eyes since there seem to be so many restrictions on how much they can spend out of what account right now. Getting a little less down the road isn't as big of a deal because in theory you'll have completed renovations, have less spending restrictions due to the Zell deal, have a better team with increased ticket/concession revenues, and have the renovation ad revenue in place as well.

 

Cash now is a huge deal to progressing as quickly as possible and the longer term dollars are going to be there if they have the capital to make the necessary investments now.

[ConstableRabbit]

Maybe I'm reading too much into the first few lines of Brett's post but I don't think this is going to be cable RSN if it's related to Cubs broadcasting. Just focusing on the technology dies quickly bit, it seems the whole Mega-Cable contracts are already viewed as hitting a bubble and certainly by 2019, and the Cubs can't get out if the CSN commitment.

 

So if not a RSN like FOX... What?

 

All the chatter lately (mostly from the Mooney piece) has been about a bridge deal with Fox locally (WFLD 32) for the WGN games, and then going RSN with Fox after the CSN deal is up.

 

Fox is making a big push to expand Fox Sports.

Right I understand all that. To be clear, when I say RSN related, it's with the understanding that there is a bridge until 2019. Still, feels like there could be something else entirely if I wanna read into his blog post too much.

 

I don't think the way we watch sports/baseball is going to change all that much in the next 5-6 years.

Probably not, but what about 10-15? I'm not putting more that Derrick Rose lottery chances on any speculation, just trying to think outside of the obvious lines that are being drawn between concurrent rumors.

The entire world (outside the US) watched the 2012 Olympics live on YouTube. Massive disruption is coming sooner rather than later.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

MLB has been more or less the industry standard for monetizing the internet. I think they'll be fine.

[ConstableRabbit]

MLB has been more or less the industry standard for monetizing the internet. I think they'll be fine.

They have a great online video product, except for the fact that no young people use it.

[WrigleyField 22]

I figured the MLB had an enforced monopoly on the internet, but do they? I mean like besides whatever business hurdles exist, is a team disallowed from selling internet media rights?

[ConstableRabbit]

I figured the MLB had an enforced monopoly on the internet, but do they? I mean like besides whatever business hurdles exist, is a team disallowed from selling internet media rights?

What do you mean by this?

[imb]

i just don't get why people tell everyone that they know something if they know they aren't going to tell. if you're afraid to say what it is, then just don't mention it.

 

I can't speak for others, but usually when I know something I can't get into specifics on, I don't say anything at all. In this case, I think within the context of a 1200 word article, what I wrote in that line was both appropriate and useful.

 

i was talking about abty more than you.

 

I think he wanted to be all reporter-y and break a story and then got cold feet.

 

my twitter rep would be ruined id get no more RTs

[SouthSideRyan]

I figured the MLB had an enforced monopoly on the internet, but do they? I mean like besides whatever business hurdles exist, is a team disallowed from selling internet media rights?

 

It's collectively bargained as a whole. Think of it the same as the national TV deal. There are no internet media rights for the Cubs to sell.

[Warpticon]

Guys can we all just let Kyle have his moment to shine?

 

So I just spent like two hours playing

on Rocksmith and almost immediately saw this post. It's a sign.

 

@TyYoungfelt 1m

...both are as knowledgable as it gets, both, IMO are the best at what they do- really pulling for them to break the story- would be a coo

 

Apparently he passed it on to these guys.

[jersey cubs fan]

I figured the MLB had an enforced monopoly on the internet, but do they? I mean like besides whatever business hurdles exist, is a team disallowed from selling internet media rights?

 

It's collectively bargained as a whole. Think of it the same as the national TV deal. There are no internet media rights for the Cubs to sell.

 

Could they start their own online porn site?