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Cool walks

So how much are they asking for a Sox or a Cubs spot this year? As soon as I find it I'll post the info for 2007. Have you found this or were you just making an assumption? No, I am awaiting a return email. No assumptions on my part. I've already proven part one--the ratings dictate the cost. Got to love your persistence. Keep an eye on the thread if you truly want to know the answer. :roll: The only thing the Crain's article establishes is the unremarkable proposition that ratings ultimately correlate to advertising dollars. I've never contended otherwise. The Crain's article does not prove that advertising dollars directly correlate only to the ratings for the previous season. That's the issue. I don't see how this information is ambiguous: That quote, and the subsequent information that followed in the article, implies that the ratings would force the Cubs to lessen their asking price.

The jury is still out on Sheets' longterm health. He got injured in the second half of his rookie year (shut down with shoulder tendinitis) then proceeded to have a very successful 3 year run without injuries. However, he only made 22 starts in 2005 and 17 starts in 2006. It's fair to say the jury is out. I just think that shoulder problems can have lingering effects.

So how much are they asking for a Sox or a Cubs spot this year? As soon as I find it I'll post the info for 2007. Have you found this or were you just making an assumption? No, I am awaiting a return email. No assumptions on my part. I've already proven part one--the ratings dictate the cost. Got to love your persistence. Keep an eye on the thread if you truly want to know the answer. :roll:

I don't really buy that. The fact is that MLB as a whole does much better when the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers play well and into post season. The next owner of the Cubs is someone who will be financially responsible, but make sure they are competitive every single season. Cuban might give David Stern some headaches every now and then, but I can promise you David Stern can not imagine and NBA in which he has not been an owner for the past 7+ seasons. He might not want to say it, but he needs Cuban as an owner. Cuban is a big Pirates fan, but I know his interest in the Cubs is very high. If he buys the Cubs, it is with the intention of becoming a legend as the owner who lead them to a World Series crown. If the Cubs do win the World Series this season I could see his interest in buying the team drop some simply because that glory will be gone. Maybe I'm reading into it but these comments by Selig don't look encouraging. Scott Merkin / Cubs.com Sounds like standard PR practice to me. Does really say anything to encourage or discourage anyone. It could be that I'm reading into it because of the other things that have been written about Cuban not having a chance to become an owner of an MLB franchise. It's probably a standard response from Selig but he could have used the opportunity to say he'd welcome a passionate owner like Cuban--or something to that effect.

I just heard Piniella's post game comments on the radio. He let Zambrano have it--referring specifically to Z throwing "almost 50% balls to strikes." He also came right out and said he was bad without sugar coating it like Baker would have.

I don't really buy that. The fact is that MLB as a whole does much better when the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers play well and into post season. The next owner of the Cubs is someone who will be financially responsible, but make sure they are competitive every single season. Cuban might give David Stern some headaches every now and then, but I can promise you David Stern can not imagine and NBA in which he has not been an owner for the past 7+ seasons. He might not want to say it, but he needs Cuban as an owner. Cuban is a big Pirates fan, but I know his interest in the Cubs is very high. If he buys the Cubs, it is with the intention of becoming a legend as the owner who lead them to a World Series crown. If the Cubs do win the World Series this season I could see his interest in buying the team drop some simply because that glory will be gone. Maybe I'm reading into it but these comments by Selig don't look encouraging. Scott Merkin / Cubs.com

I more than agree that he is good---great even-- but so is Kerry Wood (not quite the same control however) but he hasn't shown that he can stay healthy longterm. That's why I'm not getting excited... Besides, I'm not interested in a divisional foe doing well (even if he is good). :wink:

That's true. We have to see how things develop this week. The sale was imminent because the Trib had a self imposed deadline of 3/31 to report a plan to its shareholders... There should be some word on the status of this deal in a few days. Not resigning Zambrano takes away from the team's on-field value. Of course, some could argue successfully that a longterm contract also detracts from the bottom line. I guess it depends on what the potential new owner(s) is looking for; pure profit or a turn key competitive team.

I'll wait and see if he can stay healthy before making up my mind.

Don't know if this was raised in this thread. I personally would like to see Don Levin buy the Cubs, then build a nice new retro stadium and move the Cubs out of Wrigley Field sticking Zell with a piece of property that he can't develop. Zell is a real estate guy. My first guess is that he'd be looking to get a longterm lease from the new owner. In other news, some are speculating that the Cubs price would start at $800M and could exceed a billion dollars. Crain's

Mike Downey / Tribune Mark Gonzales / Tribune Q&A on future of Cubs

I wonder if this had something to do with their performance: Link

LOL, oh well. I hope Ted and the offense are good in the next game.

[positive spin] The Cubs have won the last few Opening Days and that didn't help them. I guess this means we'll win it all this year![/positive spin] :wink:

There's always tomorrow.. :) The only hits he will be taking tomorrow won't be on a baseball field. zing! :lol:

HAHA Hamilton robbed. No Cinderella first hit at the Cubs expense today

murton and z. Yeah, forgot about Murton... He should also talk to Cesar for swinging at the first pitch with the bases loaded!

Z

DLee singles

What's up with Matt?

Cotts, hold them right here!

OMG, I hate Freel :x

There's still time to come back...

:evil: walks in a run what is it about Opening Day for Carlos?