I don’t read a ton of articles by Toni Ginnetti, so I can’t say whether she was just having a bad day or if this is the result of Tom Ricketts being particularly oily, but I had a hard time reading her interview with Tom today.
Tom Ricketts smiles at the question: Would winning the World Series help the Cubs accelerate their dream of transforming Wrigley Field into a modern stadium that retains its old-world charm?
There are two realistic answers to this question: 1) “Well, winning the World Series would be great for revenue generation since interest and demand for the team would be at an all-time high, and would probably accelerate timetables of our long-term plans.” 2) “Wrigley Field will never be a modern stadium, have you ever been there?”
I wonder which answer Tom will choose?
‘‘I’m convinced everything takes time,’’ the chairman said.
Wait… what? A reporter lofted you a softball question that allows you to entertain the notion that a World Series for the Cubs is somehow plausible and your answer is basically, “Don’t hold your breath”? Man, I bet Toni is really going to nail him with a stinging follow-up after that mis-step.
After all, it took his family three years to complete the record $845 million purchase of the Cubs from Tribune Co. in October 2009, with the deal closing as the economy plunged.
Toni must have gone to the Yellon School of Journalism with a major in Follow-ups and minor in Wrong Facts. Somehow, the time from when Zell bought the Tribune and announced the team would be sold on April 2, 2007 to October 2009 counts as three years. But even letting that slide on the basis that she was simply rounding up, the follow-up is a semi-rationalization of the bullshit answer you were just fed to a fairly simple question?
Amenities such as an electronic video board are things to consider down the road.
Well, I guess we really are just moving on to other things.
‘‘It’s not part of what we’re thinking about now,’’ Ricketts said. ‘‘There’s no space for it. Over time, who knows?’’
We’re not thinking about it, but we are because we know there’s no room for it, which somehow could change down the road, but who knows how or why because we’re not thinking about it.
But a year and a half into their ownership, the Rickettses have anchored their principles, from making the team less dependent on free agency, to player development, to beginning the long-term task of creating a Wrigley Field for the future.
Again, no follow-up to the bizarre response to the oddly out-of-place video board question. Al would have at least asked Ricketts who owns the Cubs three times by now. Instead, Toni seems content to lead Tom into his own factually baseless rhetoric.
‘‘We’ve always talked about three goals: win a championship, preserve Wrigley Field and be a great neighbor,’’ Ricketts said.
They’ll win that championship when they get around to it, but first they need to get some tax money to preserve Wrigley and build up its revenue creating capabilities that will steal business away from their new bestest friends in the neighborhood.
Even if it’s unclear how the Cubs will pay for the longer-term changes, which could hinge on some kind of public financing help, the progress is measurable as the Rickettses begin their second season:
Did I miss something and Toni is now writing for Vine Line?
◆ A modernized spring-training facility in Mesa, Ariz., was secured in November when voters approved funding help for the project. The new facility is targeted for completion by 2014, perhaps sooner.
‘‘Other teams had newer and better facilities [built with help from Arizona specialty taxes denied to the Cubs], and it was definitely a front-burner concern to close that discrepancy,’’ Ricketts said.
The Cubs also have begun renovation on their training facility in the Dominican Republic, where future Latin American players will begin their careers.
‘‘That’s organizational consistency for our facilities,’’ Ricketts said.
I like the parenthetical statement unnecessarily added in there that highlights how unfair it is that Arizona had previously not provided tax dollars to the Cubs. Seriously, when did Toni Ginnetti start working for the Cubs? And does the Sun-Times know about it?
◆ Revitalizing Wrigley Field continues. Improvements to the locker-room facilities, which began last season, have continued with an expansion of the training room. It now includes X-ray equipment to help quickly diagnose some injuries.
Fans this year will see remodeled Sheffield Grill and Captain Morgan Club eateries, while the Batter’s Eye area in center field will have windows instead of fixed glass ‘‘so people can feel the game,’’ Ricketts said. New menus will feature items from local vendors, such as Vienna hot dogs and D’Agostino’s pizza, and gluten-free choices, among other special-diet fare.
She forgot to mention the troughs. Maybe she doesn’t work for the Cubs afterall. Maybe she could find out why the Cubs are remodeling areas of the ballpark that have all been put in or remodeled in the last five years? What’s next? An overhaul of the PNC Club?
In the background is the continuing replacement of aging brick and mortar.
OK, then, we’ll just move on. Toni’s got shit to do, apparently.
‘‘Steel and concrete are ongoing things,’’ Ricketts said.
Kind of like the drought of championships, eh, Tom?
◆ The Cubs have aspired to be more cordial to surrounding businesses, rooftop owners and residents.
‘‘There were a lot of years when there wasn’t great communication with the team,’’ Ricketts said. ‘‘We’ve reached out to everyone.’’
The Cubs invested in one of the rooftop clubs last season when it was in danger of financial failure.
‘‘We have a small investment in it, and it gives us an insight into their business,’’ Ricketts said. ‘‘The rooftops are our partners, and we like them.’’
The Cubs share 17 percent of all the rooftop revenues under a deal struck in 2004 that ended a feud with then-owner Tribune Co.
So the Cubs aren’t being total dicks to the neighboring rooftops now that they have a piece of that revenue? That’s very benevolent of them. What great people the Rickettseses are. I don’t even care if the Cubs ever win a damn thing again since I know such wonderful people with good Christian values are raking in all that cash from us fans.
The Cubs also have requested the 2014 All Star Game to coincide with the park’s 100th anniversary.
And a pony.
‘‘It would mean $150 million in revenue [for the city],’’ Ricketts said. ‘‘The commissioner [Bud Selig] is open-minded about it — if we can get some of the [ballpark] improvements done.’’
You hear that, Rahm? The city ain’t getting jack squat unless Tom can find the money to add his Cubs Alley and other bullshit to the ballpark, and it better happen tootsweet because the clock is ticking.
Still on the drawing board is the long-discussed ‘‘triangle building’’ next to Wrigley that would include offices, restaurants and other amenities. But its future depends on uncertain financing.
‘‘It’s part of and can’t be separated from what we have to do to preserve the ballpark,’’ Ricketts said.
But what about all those restaurants and businesses that the Triangle Building would compete with for Cubs fan dollars? They’re your friends now right? Why would you try and hurt them like that? Never mind. That’s not important to ask.
Implicit in his comments is the dilemma of seeking public revenue in a climate of strained government funds. The idea drew a chilly reception last fall when it was first raised, and Ricketts defers discussing it for now. Yet it could be the most challenging question facing the ownership family, even as it keeps checking off its to-do list.
Their checklist, as Tom mentioned and Toni accepted without question was:
- Win a championship – So far they’ve taken an 83 win team, turned it into a 75 win team and has now built a team that projections estimate to win somewhere between 73 and 76 wins. I think we can say this is not even close to being checked off.
- Preserve Wrigley Field – They are at least openly trying to achieve this goal, though we’re not quite sure why since it will take around half a billion dollars to achieve on top of the $845 million they already paid. But whatever, its not checked off.
- Be a great neighbor – They’re trying to consolidate the revenue driven in the neighborhood to their own property, but they’re being nice about it. I’ll give them half a check.
So the Cubs have achieved less than one of their three stated goals, one of which seems to contradict another. Any thing else to ask, Toni? No? We’re just going to leave it at that?
I guess we’re just going to leave it at that.
Comments
I like this site more and more.
Koenig, Raymond R.Quote Reply
It’s nice to see that someone has brought up the neighbor issue. It’s seemed clear to me they’re being nice neighbors for the sole purpose of increasing revenue.
Being someone from Chicago, I’ll admit that I don’t care about this. I want the Cubs to make as much as they can in as many ways as they can so it doesn’t bother me. However, I don’t know any businesses in the area and won’t be affected by their loss of income as some Chicagoans may be.
Excellent article, 424.
mb21Quote Reply
Nicely done, Tim. I will say this: despite what Tommy Boy says, it’s clear to my mind that Wrigley and the 2014 ASG are the real No. 1 priority. Then comes revenue, then comes WS. I’m becoming more and more convinced that Tommy Boy cares far more for beautifying Wrigley than anything else. Fielding a winner is not a short-term goal for him, at all.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Is it like a misting station?
My Son Needs A HaircutQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s nice to see that someone has brought up the neighbor issue. It’s seemed clear to me they’re being nice neighbors for the sole purpose of increasing revenue.
Being someone from Chicago, I’ll admit that I don’t care about this. I want the Cubs to make as much as they can in as many ways as they can so it doesn’t bother me. However, I don’t know any businesses in the area and won’t be affected by their loss of income as some Chicagoans may be.
Excellent article, 424.[/quote]
Thanks. I just thought it was weird that a journalist would take his answers at face value and move on? Especially since these are all things we have heard before from Tom.
Maybe Tom is just really good at dodging questions and sticking to his talking points, and this was the best Toni could come up with from his answers, I don’t know. But the piece seemed oddly disjointed and inexplicably flattering for a supposed objective viewpoint.
Aisle424Quote Reply
So my internet was out all yesterday, but I wanted to mention another thing about wOBA – it’d be interesting to figure out the linear weights of infield singles vs outfield singles. Someone like Ichiro or Pierre gets a ton of IF hits, but these are less likely to to advance runners multiple bases, so maybe their wOBA is overstated.
Then again, the difference could be so minute that it’s not important.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Nicely done, Tim. I will say this: despite what Tommy Boy says, it’s clear to my mind that Wrigley and the 2014 ASG are the real No. 1 priority. Then comes revenue, then comes WS. I’m becoming more and more convinced that Tommy Boy cares far more for beautifying Wrigley than anything else. Fielding a winner is not a short-term goal for him, at all.[/quote]
Yeah, winning the World Series is just something he knows he has to say. His actions don’t back up his words at all.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Just a reminder that Bud Selig has really cleaned up the steroid problem in baseball:
Nothing odd there. Just a normal, reasonably-sized human skull.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]So my internet was out all yesterday, but I wanted to mention another thing about wOBA – it’d be interesting to figure out the linear weights of infield singles vs outfield singles. Someone like Ichiro or Pierre gets a ton of IF hits, but these are less likely to to advance runners multiple bases, so maybe their wOBA is overstated.
Then again, the difference could be so minute that it’s not important.[/quote]
I would imagine in most cases the difference is not statistically relevant and thus nobody bothers to break up singles into the infield and outfield variety (which would be pretty hard to do since “they all look like line drives in the boxscore”).
But it could skew some players wOBA like the ones you mentioned. That is something to consider when looking at speedy guys’ wOBA.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Thanks. I just thought it was weird that a journalist would take his answers at face value and move on? Especially since these are all things we have heard before from Tom.
Maybe Tom is just really good at dodging questions and sticking to his talking points, and this was the best Toni could come up with from his answers, I don’t know. But the piece seemed oddly disjointed and inexplicably flattering for a supposed objective viewpoint.[/quote]
Given that he allowed Al to interview him, I’m guessing Tommy Boy and his people handpick their interviewers, and they don’t pick the fruit at the top of the tree.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Tom Ricketts reminds me of a high schooler who borrowed some cash from his dad to buy a car. Except his dad makes him share it with his brother and sister, and he only wants it so he can get fucked at the prom next year.
GBTSQuote Reply
I’ve never seen a Toni Ginnetti article that wasn’t a puff piece.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Just a reminder that Bud Selig has really cleaned up the steroid problem in baseball:
Nothing odd there. Just a normal, reasonably-sized human skull.[/quote]But what shape are his nuts?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/30/springtime-storylines-does-this-cubs-team-have-what-it-takes-to-change-history/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I’ve never seen a Toni Ginnetti article that wasn’t a puff piece.[/quote]Yep. And I don’t think Tommy Boy’s people missed that, either.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/30/springtime-storylines-does-this-cubs-team-have-what-it-takes-to-change-history/[/quote](dying laughing) at the one comment on that story
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]But what shape are his nuts?[/quote]
MO seems to be more interested in male head.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]MO seems to be more interested in male head.[/quote]
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Nice work, Tim. You killed it.
The most bizarre quote I’ve ever read from an owner. It sounds like a spam comment or something that got translated five times on Google. Or something the aliens say about someone before they eat their brains. He likes them? Is that really something people say in interviews and then print in the grown-up papers?
AndCountingQuote Reply
In the douche-off between King Douche Al and Douchenozzle Laureate SWL, no one wins.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Nicely done with the fail post, MO. Threadworthy, even.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Nice work, Tim. You killed it.
The most bizarre quote I’ve ever read from an owner. It sounds like a spam comment or something that got translated five times on Google. Or something the aliens say about someone before they eat their brains. He likes them? Is that really something people say in interviews and then print in the grown-up papers?[/quote]I ran it through Babelfish and it came back as :
ALL YOUR REVENUES ARE BELONG TO ME.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
And oddly enough, Calcaterra, who I greatly enjoy reading (despite his relative brevity), has picked the Cubs to win the division: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/30/and-now-the-hardballtalk-staff-predictions/
They must be getting the good shit over at HardballTalk.
MishQuote Reply
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/3/29/2079193/2011-baseball-draft-college-pitchers-a-through-j
Jed Bradley is the most likely Cub pick on this list, imo.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Nicely done with the fail post, MO. Threadworthy, even.[/quote]
I should have been more succinct:
[quote name=Manni Stats]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/30/springtime-storylines-does-this-cubs-team-have-what-it-takes-to-change-history/[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]And oddly enough, Calcaterra, who I greatly enjoy reading (despite his relative brevity), has picked the Cubs to win the division: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/30/and-now-the-hardballtalk-staff-predictions/
They must be getting the good shit over at HardballTalk.[/quote]Mining for page hits. Also known as “Dayne Perry’s FOX Sports Career.”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/3/29/2079193/2011-baseball-draft-college-pitchers-a-through-j
Jed Bradley is the most likely Cub pick on this list, imo.[/quote]
Awesome, thanks. I’m glad you added “on this list,” as I’m sure they’d much rather draft a hipster player no one’s ever heard of.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Awesome, thanks. I’m glad you added “on this list,” as I’m sure they’d much rather draft a
hipster doofus no one’s ever heard of.[/quote].
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I also liked:
What the what?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Awesome, thanks. I’m glad you added “on this list,” as I’m sure they’d much rather draft a hipster player no one’s ever heard of.[/quote]
First-round picks are just too mainstream!
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Ongoing Things:
Gravity
The Recession
OJ’s search for the real killer
Steel
Concrete
AndCountingQuote Reply
It may have been said here already, but what’s strangest to me is how so many people (most?) have taken Tom’s word on the improving farm system at face value. Where is the evidence for this? By most measures I can find, the Cubs farm system is worse now than it was last year. That’s largely due to the ridiculous trade for Garza, but still. It’s also not like Ricketts is pouring money into minor league prospects or anything. They took a 3rd or 4th rounder this year in the 1st so they wouldn’t have to pay more than slot. Oddly enough they could have taken a guy ranked 15th or so and paid him slot, but they selected someone ranked around 200th. They didn’t spend nearly as much in the draft as you’d expect.
mb21Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Ongoing Things:
Gravity
The Recession
OJ’s search for the real killer
Steel
Concrete[/quote]That was my favorite part too, AC. Concrete and steel are ongoing. OK. So’s my hair. WTF?
mb21Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Just about everything he says is taken at face value for some reason. Maybe he is an actual evil genius with a mind control device.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]So my internet was out all yesterday, but I wanted to mention another thing about wOBA – it’d be interesting to figure out the linear weights of infield singles vs outfield singles. Someone like Ichiro or Pierre gets a ton of IF hits, but these are less likely to to advance runners multiple bases, so maybe their wOBA is overstated.
Then again, the difference could be so minute that it’s not important.[/quote]I hadn’t thought of that. That’s something someone should ask Tango about.
mb21Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hadn’t thought of that. That’s something someone should ask Tango about.[/quote]
Yeah someone should get right on that…
*twiddles thumbs*
MishQuote Reply
I propose we get a Hipster Ricketts meme to take off. Tweet it, FB it, let’s do this.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Tim did a nice job showing how the Cubs have declined recently and I thought I’d add on a little bit. Below are rough estimates of what the Cubs were projected to do going back as far as I’ve been doing this shit.
2004: 89-91
2005: 84-86
2006: 84-86
2007: 84-86
2008: 89-91
2009: 90-92
2010: 82-84
2011: 77-79
I’ve been meaning to look further into this and get actual numbers to provide, but I think the Cubs are the worst they’ve been in 10 years. The 2003 team wasn’t expected to be all that good. I think it was around 80-82 wins. The 2002 team was expected to be significantly better than it ended up being. They were coming off the 2001 season in which they were contenders until late, but I don’t remember for sure. I do remember that people expected the 2002 team to contend. I also remember the 2001 team caught everybody by surprise so that’s probably the last year the Cubs were as bad as they’re projected to be this year.
The Cubs only had a few good teams the past decade, but it was a significant improvement over where they were the previous decades. They had shown improvement. Now it’s gone.
mb21Quote Reply
I really don’t get why so many people take anyone’s words at face value – I’m not saying that I don’t trust anyone, but anyone who’s a team owner/business owner/politician is always going to say what puts the best appearance on the organization or himself, regardless of whether it’s grounded in truth.
I know some of have pointed to their international efforts as an increased interest in player development, but that’s the closest thing and EVEN that has been disputed on its efficacy. But with the Simpson pick and the Garza trade, I don’t see how anyone can say the focus has been on the farm. Throw in the the bullpen test for Cashner and giving Bert the Corner OF test, and this organization seems to be actively fucking the farm.
MishQuote Reply
I tweeted all those images with the @OVBlog account.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Just about everything he says is taken at face value for some reason. Maybe he is an actual evil genius with a mind control device.[/quote]When they first took control of the team, that was my approach. It’s becoming impossible to keep up that trust as his actions bear almost no resemblance to his statements.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I think what Tom means when he says he’s improving the farm system is that before long you won’t notice any difference between the Iowa Cubs and Chicago Cubs. He’s improving their farm system by making the big league team comparable to the Iowa Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I tweeted all those images with the @OVBlog account.[/quote](dying laughing) Hipster Ricketts!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://fuckyeahnouns.com/images/fagets
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]In the douche-off between King Douche Al and Douchenozzle Laureate SWL, no one wins.[/quote]
Who is the Executive Chairman of Douche? And how does Douche Champion SDSJM factor intro this?
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hadn’t thought of that. That’s something someone should ask Tango about.[/quote]
It also increases the number of double plays, which isn’t in wOBA.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/3/30/2080054/Matt-Murton-Hero
MishQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Who is the Executive Chairman of Douche? And how does Douche Champion SDSJM factor intro this?[/quote]Al is King, Exec. Chair, and Editor-In-Chief of Douche. SDSJM is The Champion of Douche, and SWL is Douche Laureate. Paul Sullivan a notorious douche, and David Kaplan is a douchetumor.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It also increases the number of double plays, which isn’t in wOBA.[/quote]Are you sure about that? Wouldn’t the guys like Mish mentioned be fast? If you’re not that fast and you’re regularly pounding balls into the ground, I don’t see much of a career.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Are you sure about that? Wouldn’t the guys like Mish mentioned be fast? If you’re not that fast and you’re regularly pounding balls into the ground, I don’t see much of a career.[/quote]
Matt Murton’s ears are burning.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Matt Murton’s ears are burning.[/quote]WAG
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Rahm Emanuel —–> not giving tax dollars to Cubs.
http://www.wbez.org/story/baseball/emanuel-says-he-told-ricketts-wrigley-financing-plan-non-starter-84461#
Aisle424Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Rahm Emanuel —–> not giving tax dollars to Cubs.
http://www.wbez.org/story/baseball/emanuel-says-he-told-ricketts-wrigley-financing-plan-non-starter-84461#[/quote]
Yeah, the Ricketts family should’ve quieted their tea-partying a little sooner. They won’t get shit from Emanuel.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Are you sure about that? Wouldn’t the guys like Mish mentioned be fast? If you’re not that fast and you’re regularly pounding balls into the ground, I don’t see much of a career.[/quote]Good point.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Rahm Emanuel —–> not giving tax dollars to Cubs.
http://www.wbez.org/story/baseball/emanuel-says-he-told-ricketts-wrigley-financing-plan-non-starter-84461#[/quote]If only Ricketts had a plan B.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
New memes, preview articles by Berselius, stat articles from MB that I can understand, and Tim and Adam skewering the owners and the media regularly….
Obstetricians View is pretty awesome!
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]If only Ricketts’s mom used Plan B.[/quote]
fify
MishQuote Reply
Wow, the hipster strategy certainly explains the new training camp in Finland. It also explains the inherent authenticity of the retro/vintage Vienna Beef contract. Tax subsidies, if you think about it for a second, is what every team gets. Not really all that cool.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
How has no one done “Latin America is too mainstream” or “Scouted Korea before it was cool” yet?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Close enough, GBTS.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Pierre has grounded into only 77 double plays in almost 7000 plate appearances. He’s been hit by a pitch 88 times.
Ichiro has grounded into 46 of them and been hit 47 times. Also around 7000 PA.
Derrek Lee, who also had pretty good speed when he was younger, has grounded into 185 of them in close to 7000 plate appearances. He’s been hit by a pitch 64 times.
Don’t know why I included HBP, but thought it was rather odd Pierre and Ichiro had been hit by a pitch more times than they GIDP.
Michael Bourn has grounded into only 11 in 2000 PA. By the way, when I searched for him on BRef I accidentally typed in Jason Bourne. (dying laughing)
Victorino 39 GIDP, 45 HBP in a little over 2700 PA.
Aramis Ramirez 158 GIDP in 5700 PA.
Yeah, I think we’d find that fast guys just don’t GIDP nearly as much as the other guys.
mb21Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Rahm Emanuel —–> not giving tax dollars to Cubs.
http://www.wbez.org/story/baseball/emanuel-says-he-told-ricketts-wrigley-financing-plan-non-starter-84461#[/quote]That’s good to hear.
mb21Quote Reply
Plan B? I’d like there to be a Plan A. Let’s start there.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s good to hear.[/quote]
You and I agree often.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Plan B? I’d like there to be a Plan A. Let’s start there.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
SK, does your family still perform?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwzBuN7jfjw
GBTSQuote Reply
Wow, nobody here can even see 90 wins? That seems like a pretty depressing view on things. I mean, Rammy came back after his DL stint and was basically Rammy again. If you get that, a full year (and hopefully improved) of Castro, a more healthy Soto and even a 2009 Pena, Marlon Byrd being… Byrd, and some production out of RF and 2B that should be plenty of offense for our pitching staff.
Sure, it’s very optimistic. But that’s the entire point of two days until Opening Day isn’t it?
DougQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]SK, does your family still perform?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwzBuN7jfjw%5B/quote%5DWe're big in Slobankia.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Doug]Wow, nobody here can even see 90 wins? That seems like a pretty depressing view on things. I mean, Rammy came back after his DL stint and was basically Rammy again. If you get that, a full year (and hopefully improved) of Castro, a more healthy Soto and even a 2009 Pena, Marlon Byrd being… Byrd, and some production out of RF and 2B that should be plenty of offense for our pitching staff.
Sure, it’s very optimistic. But that’s the entire point of two days until Opening Day isn’t it?[/quote]
I think 85 wins is an extremely optimistic projection. I have them pegged at 75-78 wins. Yes, there’s the ability that they can surpass if Aramis and Pena and Soriano have been as good as they have been in the past – but, at this point in their careers, they are all more likely to fall short of projections than exceed them, and it’s not like all of them come with a perfect bill of health in the last 2-3 years. Castro, Soto, and Colvin are the only real position players who have the ability to surpass expectations, but I am not especially high on Colvin with his .315 OBP, and we shall see if his power gains were real or not.
I hope I’m wrong, but it’s nothing else than that. The pitching is solid if unspectacular, but year-in year out, it’s hard to predict these things. I thought the Garza trade was awful in every way – I don’t think Garza is that good, I was high on some of those prospects, thought those same prospects could have maybe netted a better player, and on top of all that, I didn’t view Garza as a need, since we had several pitchers at his talent level. If they had traded that package for an impact bat, where there truly is an organizational need, then I’d be better with it.
Worst of all, as down as I am on the current roster, there appears to be no real plan here.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Doug]Wow, nobody here can even see 90 wins? That seems like a pretty depressing view on things. I mean, Rammy came back after his DL stint and was basically Rammy again. If you get that, a full year (and hopefully improved) of Castro, a more healthy Soto and even a 2009 Pena, Marlon Byrd being… Byrd, and some production out of RF and 2B that should be plenty of offense for our pitching staff.
Sure, it’s very optimistic. But that’s the entire point of two days until Opening Day isn’t it?[/quote]
I can see it, but that doesn’t mean that I can see a lot of other things happening too.
BerseliusQuote Reply
What Manni said.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I can see it, but that doesn’t mean that I can see a lot of other things happening too.[/quote]I can see Salma Hayek marrying me. Prove me wrong.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Whoever is doing the Facebook admin will have to create an album for all these great picks MO and whoever else are doing – they will make fine posts throughout the years as the Cubs bumble around.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Whoever is doing the Facebook admin will have to create an album for all these great picks MO and whoever else are doing – they will make fine posts throughout the years as the Cubs bumble around.[/quote]Looks like someone wants to be added to the OV staff. Perhaps a “Help Wanted: Facebook Janitor” ad will make the recruitment process a little fairer.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]I think 85 wins is an extremely optimistic projection. I have them pegged at 75-78 wins. Yes, there’s the ability that they can surpass if Aramis and Pena and Soriano have been as good as they have been in the past – but, at this point in their careers, they are all more likely to fall short of projections than exceed them, and it’s not like all of them come with a perfect bill of health in the last 2-3 years. Castro, Soto, and Colvin are the only real position players who have the ability to surpass expectations, but I am not especially high on Colvin with his .315 OBP, and we shall see if his power gains were real or not.
I hope I’m wrong, but it’s nothing else than that. The pitching is solid if unspectacular, but year-in year out, it’s hard to predict these things. I thought the Garza trade was awful in every way – I don’t think Garza is that good, I was high on some of those prospects, thought those same prospects could have maybe netted a better player, and on top of all that, I didn’t view Garza as a need, since we had several pitchers at his talent level. If they had traded that package for an impact bat, where there truly is an organizational need, then I’d be better with it.
Worst of all, as down as I am on the current roster, there appears to be no real plan here.[/quote]
[quote name=Berselius]I can see it, but that doesn’t mean that I can see a lot of other things happening too.[/quote]
Well, so can I. But that article that was quoted with all the fails said the Cubs barely have enough talent to win 90 games, with some luck. I would say that’s a perfectly reasonable conclusion.
Secondly, I agree the most likely scenario has them ending +/-4 from the .500 mark, more like – than +. But even still, we haven’t lost our first game yet, five more days until Garza fucks that one up for us.
Third, I agree wholeheartedly on hating the Garza trade, it will likely turn out to be the worst trade Hendry has ever made. I hate Garza. He’s not that good.
Fourth, the pitching is better than solid, unless solid means top 10 and not league average. I’d be extremely surprised if this pitching staff, as a whole, doesn’t end up somewhere right around the 8-10 mark in terms of FIP and tRA.
Fifth, and finally, I think the plan is there, it just may not be all that good. We’re going to play out the big contracts that we have the next couple years (Fukudome, Dempster, Zambrano, Byrd [his contract isn’t big but it is off the books very soon] and Ramirez) and slowly try to replace them from within if possible. (Carpenter, Jay Jackson, Coleman, Colvin, Brett Jackson, Vitters, Lake, etc.) Hopefully Soto has another great offensive year and proves last year was for real, because if he is a .900OPS bat, we can shift him to 1B and put (hopefully) Castillo behind the plate next season, solving both our 1B problem and still keeping a legitimately good talent at C. (I’m a bit higher on Castillo than most, so I’m super happy he’s going to be playing every day in AAA) It might not be an ideal plan, but I’m pretty sure that’s what it is.
DougQuote Reply
I like Marlon Byrd, though I don’t agree with where he’s probably going to be batting. But given his contract he should be easy for the Cubs to move to make room for Brett Jackson. Colvin is just biding his time until Kosuke heads back to Japan.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Doug]Wow, nobody here can even see 90 wins? That seems like a pretty depressing view on things. I mean, Rammy came back after his DL stint and was basically Rammy again. If you get that, a full year (and hopefully improved) of Castro, a more healthy Soto and even a 2009 Pena, Marlon Byrd being… Byrd, and some production out of RF and 2B that should be plenty of offense for our pitching staff.
Sure, it’s very optimistic. But that’s the entire point of two days until Opening Day isn’t it?[/quote]I can see it. There is enough talent that they could surprise, but it’s going to require a lot of things going right.
mb21Quote Reply
The Cubs have the 2nd or 3rd largest market share in the league. There’s no reason anyone outside the Yankees should be outspending them, in any area. If Ricketts’ plan is to play out the string until the big contracts are off the books, he’s more of a stooge and a cheapskate than even I imagine. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I can see it. There is enough talent that they could surprise, but it’s going to require a lot of things going right.[/quote]As well as a lot of things to go wrong for MIL and CIN, and maybe even a couple mroe thigns to go wrong for StL. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I agree with you on pitching and I actually think it will be top 4-5 in FIP in the NL. The problem is defense, baserunning and more importantly than either of those, offense. There’s little chance from what I can see that this team is even an average offense. From what I’ve looked over the last few months, I’m going to guess that 5% worse than average is pretty close to the best they can do. I think 10% worse than average is probably closer to what they’ll do if not a little lower.
I’m actually writing something that may explain to you why I feel this way. I’ll publish it later today.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]As well as a lot of things to go wrong for MIL and CIN, and maybe even a couple mroe thigns to go wrong for StL. (dying laughing)[/quote]I think STL is close enough to the Cubs now that they’re without Wainwright. But I also think the Astros are close enough to both teams that if they get a little lucky they could easily finish in 3rd or 4th place.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t know if Soto’s bat is good enough for 1st base, Doug. That is traditionally where you need to find the guy that puts up the ~1.000 OPS every year whereas I feel Soto is more an .850 to .900 OPS bat. That is nothing against Soto, but he has way more value as a catcher since he’s not Mike Piazza.
As much as I don;t want it to happen, one more good year out of Soto makes him a great trade chip. He’ll be declining by the time this team is contending again, so they might as well get the farm system some help.
I also think that is where so much of our angst about Koyie Hill is rooted. We’re not concerned about who backs up Soto as much as who is going to take over if the Cubs ever do the right thing and trade Soto.
Aisle424Quote Reply
WIN
http://mlsplits.drivelinebaseball.com/mlsplits
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The Cubs have the 2nd or 3rd largest market share in the league. There’s no reason anyone outside the Yankees should be outspending them, in any area. If Ricketts’ plan is to play out the string until the big contracts are off the books, he’s more of a stooge and a cheapskate than even I imagine. (dying laughing)[/quote]
They have been sold on being able to charge major market prices to field a middle-market team. That is their plan and pretty much always has been since before they owned the team. Papa Ricketts pretty much said so in that little talk he gave a class that ended up on You Tube.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think STL is close enough to the Cubs now that they’re without Wainwright. But I also think the Astros are close enough to both teams that if they get a little lucky they could easily finish in 3rd or 4th place.[/quote]
I still think you’re nuts on the Astros. I think it’s even odds that the Pirates have a better record than they do.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Whoever is doing the Facebook admin will have to create an album for all these great picks MO and whoever else are doing – they will make fine posts throughout the years as the Cubs bumble around.[/quote]
On it.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I don’t know if Soto’s bat is good enough for 1st base, Doug. That is traditionally where you need to find the guy that puts up the ~1.000 OPS every year whereas I feel Soto is more an .850 to .900 OPS bat. That is nothing against Soto, but he has way more value as a catcher since he’s not Mike Piazza.
As much as I don;t want it to happen, one more good year out of Soto makes him a great trade chip. He’ll be declining by the time this team is contending again, so they might as well get the farm system some help.
I also think that is where so much of our angst about Koyie Hill is rooted. We’re not concerned about who backs up Soto as much as who is going to take over if the Cubs ever do the right thing and trade Soto.[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]They have been sold on being able to charge major market prices to field a middle-market team. That is their plan and pretty much always has been since before they owned the team. Papa Ricketts pretty much said so in that little talk he gave a class that ended up on You Tube.[/quote]Sad, but true.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I agree with 424 here. I think Soto would be about average at 1st base as a hitter, which is nothing bad, but he’s top 5 among catchers if not top 2 or 3.
I also don’t think Castillo is very good. Even his best season last year, was 2% worse than the league average PCL hitter. I actually think he’ll struggle to be a back-up at the big league level.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I still think you’re nuts on the Astros. I think it’s even odds that the Pirates have a better record than they do.[/quote]My opinion is NOT wrong! (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
If I weren’t so lazy, I’d look into this idea and make a post out of it, but as it is, I’ll just throw it out there.
Plan B: sell Wrigley to the state. No, they don’t have the cash, so set up the same setup from Plan A but reverse the terms. Instead of using the static entertainment tax as payments on a loan from the state to the Cubs, let the Cubs keep revenue from an increased entertainment tax (and/or a fee based on the Cubs’ use of the park) as mortgage payments for the ballpark. After 30 years (or whatever) the stadium is paid off. Meanwhile, it’s incumbent upon the state to invest in any renovations and the Cubs are free to pursue other venues should they become dissatisfied with the arrangement.
It doesn’t put any immediate burden on the state, but it does acknowledge the fact that the government already has a ridiculous amount of control over what can be done to improve Wrigley and the fact that it is more a historical landmark than anything.
/braindump
AndCountingQuote Reply
For what it’s worth, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being optimistic this time of the year. I’m probably even going to be optimistic on Friday. Hopefully they’ll start off 19-2 and I can continue to be optimistic.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I agree with 424 here. I think Soto would be about average at 1st base as a hitter, which is nothing bad, but he’s top 5 among catchers if not top 2 or 3.
I also don’t think Castillo is very good. Even his best season last year, was 2% worse than the league average PCL hitter. I actually think he’ll struggle to be a back-up at the big league level.[/quote]
Replace Castillo’s name with Chirinos and I feel the same way.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]My opinion is NOT wrong! (dying laughing)[/quote]
Sorry. You’re a human being.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Ricketts has boxed himself in. If I’m him and I want money from the state to fix Wrigley, I’m never saying anything about how much myself or my family loves Wrigley Field. I may even hint early on that I’ll look elsewhere. Then I’d ask the state for money and if they say no I’d announce plans to move to another location.
Ricketts can’t do that. Nobody will take him serious if he does.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t think Chirinos will be that good either. I think he has a better chance of being a back-up than Castillo does, but probably not much.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]For what it’s worth, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being optimistic this time of the year[/quote]
Don’t tell me what’s right and what’s wrong.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Ricketts has boxed himself in. If I’m him and I want money from the state to fix Wrigley, I’m never saying anything about how much myself or my family loves Wrigley Field. I may even hint early on that I’ll look elsewhere. Then I’d ask the state for money and if they say no I’d announce plans to move to another location.
Ricketts can’t do that. Nobody will take him serious if he does.[/quote]
+1 Rec’d NAMBLA 1111!!!11
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]+1 Rec’d NAMBLA 1111!!!11[/quote]
I’m amazed that I’ve never typed nabla while propogating this meme (dying laughing)
/math joke
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Ricketts has boxed himself in. If I’m him and I want money from the state to fix Wrigley, I’m never saying anything about how much myself or my family loves Wrigley Field. I may even hint early on that I’ll look elsewhere. Then I’d ask the state for money and if they say no I’d announce plans to move to another location.
Ricketts can’t do that. Nobody will take him serious if he does.[/quote]That’s a tough stance to take if he views Wrigley as the top selling point to the fans. He’s got to pick one road to draw money from. If he banks on the state and hints at the idea that Wrigley is a dump, he’ll kill the fans’ optimism and draw the ire of Alzilla–nobody wants that. But seriously, it’s tough to sell the Wrigley experience as your main marketing scheme if you’re trashing it publicly in the next breath (or even speaking of it in less than glowing terms).
But you’re right, choosing to pander to the fans takes away any leverage he might have had with the state.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I’m curious, are there any other owners that talk about how much they love their ballparks? I’m pretty sure the Red Sox do, but as much as I’ve followed the Yankees I don’t remember the Steinbrenners doing it. I remember both of them talking about historic it is, but I never got the impression from them that there was no way they’d ever leave.
Ricketts has done just that. I think it was said by myself and others at the time he asked for the money, but it’s worth repeating. Why would the state give him money when there’s absolutely no threat of the Cubs leaving that ballpark? I’m willing to bet that every owner that has asked the state for money and gotten it has hinted at leaving. I know some have even hinted at relocating to a new city.
That’s how you get the money.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m curious, are there any other owners that talk about how much they love their ballparks? I’m pretty sure the Red Sox do, but as much as I’ve followed the Yankees I don’t remember the Steinbrenners doing it. I remember both of them talking about historic it is, but I never got the impression from them that there was no way they’d ever leave.
Ricketts has done just that. I think it was said by myself and others at the time he asked for the money, but it’s worth repeating. Why would the state give him money when there’s absolutely no threat of the Cubs leaving that ballpark? I’m willing to bet that every owner that has asked the state for money and gotten it has hinted at leaving. I know some have even hinted at relocating to a new city.
That’s how you get the money.[/quote]
I think a lot has to to with perception. Even with meddling owners like Steinbrenner people still viewed him as a capital B Businessman. I can’t think of any other owners that have as nakedly declared themselves as fans of their team as the Ricketts. I think that’s where the seriousness gap comes in.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Why would the state give him money when there’s absolutely no threat of the Cubs leaving that ballpark? I’m willing to bet that every owner that has asked the state for money and gotten it has hinted at leaving. I know some have even hinted at relocating to a new city.
That’s how you get the money.[/quote]
The proposal would be convincing in a positive rather than threatening sense if it proved that the state would benefit greatly from the improvements. The threat could be that the Cubs just keep things the way they are without funding, but the state will miss out on billions of dollars of surplus tax revenue and economic stimulation. If the improvements were a big enough carrot, they wouldn’t need to wield the stick of threatening to move.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]That’s a tough stance to take if he views Wrigley as the top selling point to the fans. He’s got to pick one road to draw money from. If he banks on the state and hints at the idea that Wrigley is a dump, he’ll kill the fans’ optimism and draw the ire of Alzilla–nobody wants that. But seriously, it’s tough to sell the Wrigley experience as your main marketing scheme if you’re trashing it publicly in the next breath (or even speaking of it in less than glowing terms).
But you’re right, choosing to pander to the fans takes away any leverage he might have had with the state.[/quote]
I don’t think he should have hinted that the place was a dump or anything like that. Sorry if that’s what I said. I think he should have just been quiet on the issue. He can always talk Wrigley up after he gets the money and the fans are going to love it just as much as then as they did when he did do it. Not saying anything about Wrigley seems the best way to have gone about this for the owners.
Talking about how much you love the place repeatedly and how the Cubs are going to be there for a million more years tells those in control of the money that there’s no reason to give him any.
One of the best restaurants in the country wanted some money from the city to build a smaller and cheaper restaurant nearby. The restaurant does a great business and is known worldwide. It creates revenue for the city it is in. Not nearly as much as the Cubs do, but still. The city initially balked at giving him the money so the chef looked into moving. He never had any intention of doing so, but he said enough to plant the seed that the restaurant may move. The city gave him the money shortly thereafter.
I remember thinking the guy was batshit insane when he asked for the money, but he played it beautifully. I still hate the idea of the government providing money to people like that, but if you want it, you have to make them think about how valuable that business is to the community. The only way you’re going to get politicians to think about that is if they think about the loss of revenue from that business leaving the community.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]The proposal would be convincing in a positive rather than threatening sense if it proved that the state would benefit greatly from the improvements. The threat could be that the Cubs just keep things the way they are without funding, but the state will miss out on billions of dollars of surplus tax revenue and economic stimulation. If the improvements were a big enough carrot, they wouldn’t need to wield the stick of threatening to move.[/quote]That’s true, AC, but I think it’s harder to convince people you can improve revenue. It’s easier to make them think you can take it away.
The other thing is that there are conflicting studies that show these subsidies to be a good investment as well as a bad investment. I think it’s impossible to convince a state in as much debt as Illinois that it’s a good investment.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think he should have hinted that the place was a dump or anything like that. Sorry if that’s what I said. I think he should have just been quiet on the issue. He can always talk Wrigley up after he gets the money and the fans are going to love it just as much as then as they did when he did do it. Not saying anything about Wrigley seems the best way to have gone about this for the owners.
Talking about how much you love the place repeatedly and how the Cubs are going to be there for a million more years tells those in control of the money that there’s no reason to give him any.
One of the best restaurants in the country wanted some money from the city to build a smaller and cheaper restaurant nearby. The restaurant does a great business and is known worldwide. It creates revenue for the city it is in. Not nearly as much as the Cubs do, but still. The city initially balked at giving him the money so the chef looked into moving. He never had any intention of doing so, but he said enough to plant the seed that the restaurant may move. The city gave him the money shortly thereafter.
I remember thinking the guy was batshit insane when he asked for the money, but he played it beautifully. I still hate the idea of the government providing money to people like that, but if you want it, you have to make them think about how valuable that business is to the community. The only way you’re going to get politicians to think about that is if they think about the loss of revenue from that business leaving the community.[/quote]Those are good points. He could have easily played it cool while neither pissing on nor creaming all over Wrigley.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Oh, if anyone can shoop me a sweet JPEG or GIF of Longoria with an AK-47, would be super thrilled.
MishQuote Reply
Hipster Album up:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=178049665575179&aid=44913
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing) those images are hilarious.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Oh, if anyone can shoop me a sweet JPEG or GIF of Longoria with an AK-47, would be super thrilled.[/quote]Here you go, Mish. I spent a ton of time on it.
GBTSQuote Reply
Come on, GBTS. If you won’t help Mish, I will.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
brand new from Obstetricians View: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/how-bad-is-koyie-hill.html
mb21Quote Reply
On the subject of my Soto to 1B suggestion, he absolutely does have the bat. The notion you need a 1.000ish OPS bat is nuts. The NL Central is an exception, not a rule. If his bat is really about as good as what he put up last year, that is, a .380wOBA than he is a top 10 1B bat, and pretty easily. Only five qualifying 1B last year put up a higher wOBA than Soto’s .385. One of them was Fielder’s .388.
We happen to live in a world where three of the five guys who outhit Soto at 1B are in our division, that doesn’t mean that every bat is like that. Most are definitely not.
Soto could very well hold up at 3B if he’s roughly the guy we saw last year.
DoogolasQuote Reply
Dempster is working it today.
DoogolasQuote Reply
You know, I don’t read blogs. But yours is really worth beeing read.
thomas sabo barbie charmsQuote Reply