Mariotti Article

[Drew]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this article today, but I think its worth discussing. I don't care too much for Mariotti, I think he goes out of his way to not come off as a "homer." However, I do agree with his points in this particular article.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/516175,CST-SPT-jay19.article

If the Trib had been running the organization like this during its entire reign, I honestly believe we would have a World Series championship by now, maybe even several. This recent spending has locked up three potential year in, year out All-Star bats in Ramirez, Lee, and Soriano and another one in Big Z on the mound. Lily has even proven to be an excellent second man in the rotation. I think he could be the number one pitcher on many teams. Guys like Theriot and Fontenot are the kind of players everyone loves to have on their team. Hanging on to Jones has proved to a good move (or non-move) and the bullpen has been able to hold leads. The pieces are in place.

I think its also worth noting that with all these contracts on the books, that the new owner would have to be prepared to spend in the future.

[SkullKey]

" ..... the new owner would have to be prepared to spend in the future. ..... "

The new owner should also (if he / she / they play their cards right) be prepared to rake in the cash. The Cubs / Wrigley really is a still untapped gold mine. The Cubs could be at least the second most valuable franchise in the world.

That's not insignificant.

[Drew]

Very true. Even when the team is in last place, they're still a cash cow. With the millions of loyal fans combined with the sacred ballpark that is Wrigley, who wouldn't want to own this team?

My friend is a Reds fan, and went to the Cubs/Reds game down in Cinci when Soriano hit those two home runs. He was livid because of how many Cubs fans were there, not because they were rude or anything, but just because it made the game feel like a home game for the Cubs. I told him that we (Cubs fans) are everywhere, and he should just get used to it.

[SkullKey]

" ..... He was livid because of how many Cubs fans were there, not because they were rude or anything, but just because it made the game feel like a home game for the Cubs. I told him that we (Cubs fans) are everywhere, and he should just get used to it. ..... "


Good for you !

Reminds me of the 2003 play-offs in Atlanta. The "tomahawk-chop" crowd was VERY annoyed and highly distressed that Cubs fans actually out-numbered them in their own ball-park. Boo hoo - cry a little tear for me ! They said such things should not be and probably told their Mommies.

They also lost.

The Mariotti article was quite good (or reasonably so for a Chicago media essay) I thought. He can be intelligent and interesting (and occasionally insightful) when he breaks free from the corporate leash.


I have developed a true respect for John McDonough:

" ..... ''We said we were going to do everything we can to win, and I think we've demonstrated that we will,'' McDonough said. ''Our goal, as it should be for any organization, is to win the World Series. What that time frame is, nobody knows, but I think saying 'World Series' might have jolted people.'' [A little "hedging" John ?]

Jolted? It collectively concussed us, I believe. ''That's why we come here every day. That's what drives everybody in this organization and in this city,'' he said. ''We have to reward these tens of millions of people, our fan base that comes to see this great product and comes to this ballpark and gives their allegiance to this franchise. And we're doing everything we can to reward them.''

It's about time. ..... "

It is indeed about time - it is in fact long over-due. And I truely take McDonough at his word - he has done much to back it up thus far.

I truely believe the "next year" we have all so patiently and passionately waited for is 2007 !

[Drew]

McDonough seems much more in tune with the frustrations of the fans than MacPhail ever was. He also seems to acknowledge that much of the turn around and potential World Series run starts with the front office being able to put a capable product on the field.

[ryno4ever]

I noticed that about McDonough on the Home Opener when I was there. He was outside Wrigley walking around and talking with the fans. He has sat in the bleachers. McFail, oops, McPhail, I can't say I ever saw any sort of fan interaction with him. He hid behind Hendry.

[Bockstock]

If the Trib had been running the organization like this during its entire reign, I honestly believe we would have a World Series championship by now, maybe even several. .


I don't think it's the money, I think it's the personal decisions and organizational emphasis. Moneyball it's not, but since mid-2006, the Cubs seem to think differently than they had 2004-05.

Since 2001-02 when the Trib decided to open it's pocketbooks, the Cubs have been either #1 or #2 payroll in the division every year, and top 10 in the MLB every year, yet only finished higher than third place once (2003), and only 500 or better in half those seasons.

[HOLYCOW!25]

My friend is a Reds fan, and went to the Cubs/Reds game down in Cinci when Soriano hit those two home runs. He was livid because of how many Cubs fans were there, not because they were rude or anything, but just because it made the game feel like a home game for the Cubs. I told him that we (Cubs fans) are everywhere, and he should just get used to it.

Dude, that's exactly how the Rockies games were that I went too. I honestly think there was about an even number of Cubs and Rockies fans for the first game. And when Jacque Jones hit a homer in the second game, most of the people in the right field bleachers got up and cheered him.