Possible Cubs Buyer

[Wilson A2000]

Was anyone listening the the SCORE today with Murph where he had on a local Chicago businessman who wanted to buy the Cubs in '81 and actually outbid the Tribune Co. and is interested this time around too if the Tribune Co wishes to sell? What was the jist of the interview?

[USSoccer]

Was anyone listening the the SCORE today with Murph where he had on a local Chicago businessman who wanted to buy the Cubs in '81 and actually outbid the Tribune Co. and is interested this time around too if the Tribune Co wishes to sell? What was the jist of the interview?

 

It was more of an opportunity for Jim Annixter to be a self promoter and for Murphy and he to take cheap shots at the Tribune Co.

[Bgbird68]

Was anyone listening the the SCORE today with Murph where he had on a local Chicago businessman who wanted to buy the Cubs in '81 and actually outbid the Tribune Co. and is interested this time around too if the Tribune Co wishes to sell? What was the jist of the interview?

 

It was more of an opportunity for Jim Annixter to be a self promoter and for Murphy and he to take cheap shots at the Tribune Co.

 

I agree with the Murph part, but I liked what I heard from Annixter. He said that losing should not be an option and the World Series would be the only measure for success. As much as people hate to hear this, he brought up Steinbrenner's name. He said George has a ton of pride in the Yankees and if he doesn't win the title, the year was a failure. Also said the entire organization needs to be changed from the top down. He brought up the Braves as an example of who he would like the Cubs to be run like. He also said that if Corey was in a different organization, like the Braves, he would probably be an entirely different player. Annixter also said he has the group together (lifelong Cub fans) and the money ready if the deal ever comes up. He's a very passionate guy and wants to win.

[10man]

If this guy actually outbid the Trib in '81 then there mustve been some other intangible reason for them not to sell the Cubs to him. I wonder what it was...

[cubs121]

if any one does buy the cubs...

will this mean that the payroll goes down???

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

if any one does buy the cubs...

will this mean that the payroll goes down???

 

i guess it would depend on who buys them. if they have the money to buy the cubs, i don't know why they wouldn't have the money for the 100M payroll. the cubs make a profit all by themselves (with a 100M payroll), so i don't see why it isn't financially possible. it just depends on how much profit the owner wants to make.

[Bgbird68]

If this guy actually outbid the Trib in '81 then there mustve been some other intangible reason for them not to sell the Cubs to him. I wonder what it was...

 

He said that the Wrigleys' sent him a letter saying that they would not sell to a group of investors "like the White Sox did for Reinsdorf". He said to take that for whatever it means. He also said the group would be more than willing to negotiate in regards to the broadcast rights.

 

I wish everyone on here could have heard this interview. The guy is very passionate about the Cubs and seemed like he really wants to bring a title to the North Side.

[Peoriaman]

talk is cheap.

[The Voice of Reason]

My high placed source at the Tribune Company* has told me that their has been no discussions (that he is aware of) regarding the Tribune Company selling the Cubs. Although the Trib may sell off other pieces of their conglomerate, he cited the Cubs PR value, tax consequences (on a gain of $600 million), and desire to keep the Cubs broadcast rights as reasons the Trib wouldn't sell.

 

On an even more depressing note, he indicated that he foresaw little, if any, increases to the Cubs payroll because "it's one of the highest in the league and besides every games is a sellout."

 

 

*Just a neighbor who works at the Trib. It just sounds so cool when everyone else references their "sources."

[nilodnayr]

I'll see what I can find out, I'm friends with Annixter's son, well more of friends with his roommate, who happens to be George Ofman's nephew, but I'll see if he knows anything.