A View From the Sears Tower's Ledge
Illinois Is Getting Fatter
Mayor Blames Violent Holiday Weekend On Booze, Heat
Kuma's Pats Itself On Back With Block Party
Chicagoan Involved In Mount Rushmore Ruckus
When Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee and Kosuke Fokodume receive their first paychecks of the 2008 seasons, there will be a signature on them. Whose it'll be, nobody knows. That's because current Cubs owner Sam Zell vows to close a deal on the sale of the Cubs by Opening Day.
The Zell Era officially kicked off inside the Tribune Tower this week, with the billionaire's purchase of the paper closing on Thursday and his taking the reins from outgoing Chairman and CEO Dennis FitzSimons.
Among Zell's first orders of business will be selling the Chicago Cubs, which is currently part of the Tribune Co.'s stable of assets. While many expected that the selection process to choose new ownership for the team could go well into next season, Zell has already announced that he intends to find a buyer for the ballclub quickly. Guess we can expect a frenetic winter as the likes of Mark Cuban, John Canning, Jim Anixter and others lobby Zell and Major League Baseball to prove that they're the best option to take over the team.
Yet to be decided is whether or not all of the Cubs' assets will be sold as a package, or whether their stake in ComCast SportsNet and Wrigley Field will be sold in separate deals. Zell again mentioned the possible sale of the friendly confines to the State, which we think is the stupidest idea ever. Does Blago think that if he buys it, maybe Hannah Montana will perform there?
Zell also brought up the super-popular idea of selling naming rights to Wrigley Field. Did we read things right that he might be planning to negotiate that deal before selling the ballpark? Because we're pretty sure that the new owners might take issue with buying Boeing Ballpark or Kraft Field, even if it does bring in additional revenue.
Of course, additional revenue would mean a higher sale price and dollars are what's most important for Zell. With the Trib currently carrying $13 billion in debt between operating deficits and purchase loans, he needs all the cash he can find. With the gum maker mum on plans to pony up to keep their name on the park, will we see a new name on the former Weegham Park soon?
add to digg
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
email this
add to facebook
add to del.icio.us
go, mark cuban, go!!!
Is nothing sacred anymore? Has life really come down to a series of corporate sponsorships, endorsements, and sterile business agreements?
Sam Zell may be a very shrewd (and successful) business man, however, he'll also be the one responsible for allowing Wrigley Field to be overrun with a new (and probably very corporate) name (see also the ballpark formerly known as Comiskey).
I know it's the way of the world now. I understand that the money from corporations keeps lots of things we enjoy functional and long-lasting, but I sure miss the days of going to a store, listening to a radio station, and yes, even going to a ballpark that's independently owned. What's that you say? The Tribune Co. is the current owner of Wrigley? Yes, I know, but at least credit the company with keeping the "natural" feel to the park. No doubt it could easily have already been consumed by the Vegas-style approach to a baseball field that we've seen time and again.
That's my two cents.
This message brought to you by Budweiser. Enjoy a cool, crisp, refreshing Budweiser today!
I agree with the Sun Times editorial that it is ridiculous for billionaire Zell and the multi-billion dollar Tribune Co. to float the idea of having taxpayers pay for the renovation of the stadium.
Do I REALLY have to keep reminding people that "Wrigley" Field is, in fact, also a corporate name?
You know, the chewing gum guy? In letters he admitted that it would be good publicity for him if he changed the name from "Weeghman Park" (A.K.A.- "Whales Park", and "Cubs Park") to something everyone could associate with him.
Just because it's been called something for 91 years doesn't make it any less corporate, just no one noticed until now and Wrigley was light years ahead of everyone else.
And with the cable rights, stadium ownership, and team ownership all going in several directions quickly, it looks like the Cubs' days of trying to keep up with the Yankees/Red Sox/Angels/Tigers payrolls might be numbered.
Enjoy another Century of Failure...
Yours Truly,
Spookhatespuppies
(Still Stuck in 2005)
There will never be a Kraft Field as it's doubtful there will be a Kraft Foods in five years.
As a relative of a long time KF employee, that company is toast!
All the employees know that the goal is to sell off all the brands to someone else.
Half the employees in Glenview are Indians brought in to train them so they can go back home & run the factories from there.
Imagine!
A Walmart adorned with lush, verdant ivy!
When can we sign up for condos at the Tower, Sam?