My theory. It is possible that North and WSCR already have come to terms on an agreement of some sorts, which will likely result in North making less money and moving to a two hour stint at some point in the midday. Either that has already happened, or both sides are close, which is why WSCR management, Mitch Rosen especially, is "backing" Mike.

In order to appear as one unit where everything is good, they are going to give a false impression, more than anything, to spite not only Teddy Greenstein, but all of us message board folks (yes, I do honestly think that North and Rosen are well aware of what is said here and in some ways, would love to spite us).

To go along with the whole "everything is good here at The Score and we love Mike," they are going to play along, as if they want him to return to mornings. If The Score didn't want Mike to come back or if they didn't think he'd come back for less money, I don't think they'd be supporting him the way they are now or play up on this false impression that they want him back for mornings. Rosen would be silent, and North would just complain about Greenstein's articles, while saying that WSCR is low-balling him.

What will end up happening, towards the final days of his contract, Mike is going to "conclude" that he has worked hard his entire life (again, my theory of what Mike will think and say), and he is ready to scale things back a bit. In addition, he will say that he wants to be a team player and allow others their chance to shine by letting them have mornings. He will make it look like that by going to middays, it was a voluntary move, and The Score will insist that it was Mike's choice all along.

Then, when the replacement for the morning drive brings in better numbers, Mike will insist that he is the reason they are doing well because he spent four years building that time spot and the new person is reaping the benefits of his "hard work."

I hope not. A few years ago I thought a move to a two-hour shift would have been a good idea. A few months ago I thought it was bad idea but one that would be shoved down our throats nonetheless. Now, after this latest escapade, I hope North is as far removed from the airwaves as possible (to the point he can't even buy a 500 milliwatt transmitter kit from Radio Shack).

Not a good idea if this is true.

Then North will become more angry. He'll just spend more time ripping magagement and telling everybody how he's been wronged. More time will be spent telling people how great he is. Cuz now he has the security of another long term contract. He'll give less of an effort - if that's possible - to make a good show. He really won't care at this point.

Hell, he'll be happy if he forces them to fire him cuz they'll have to pay him for 5 years.

the only thing wrong with your theory is that ratings don't lie.
Advertisers won't be billing top dollar if they renew Mike's contract, knowing that the ratings will likely slip further.
I think Mike might be glad to get out before the terrible people meter comes to the Windy City.

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"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014