It's that easy? Why is this the first Pirates winning season since 1992? And who are the hitters they can afford to sign who want to come here?

I didn't disagree. Just wanted to know their total income based on what you posted and that I speculated that they are choosing to reinvest that money in Wrigley and non MLB player's. Which I'm perfectly fine with.

I don't believe Ricketts is just reaping in the profits from the Cubs.

Your argument regarding the profit figure was unclear to me. You seemed to be indicating that they were making fat stacks, yo, and sticking it in their pocket. But, they are reinvesting what they have after debt-service into the organization, just not as much on the on-field product at the major league level at this time. My issue is with their inability to be able to do that since they are so highly-leveraged.

As JORR pointed out, their generational wealth isn't at their disposal. This is the kids getting to try their hobby out and keep busy.

Taking profit, and then reinvesting just means he has more money later. There is very little difference between what he is doing and if he took the profit and bought a movie theater chain.

It's like if I got a raise and then paid down more on my mortgage. I still got a raise even if it doesn't stay in my pocket. I get that money back later and then some.

I agree. I just think that plan will lead to the long term benefit of the Cubs which obviously makes the Ricketts' Pinkmany style of fat stacks.

No, it's like if you got a raise and used the money to add a hotel to your house and now you can rent your house out for more money and then you stick that money in your pocket or buy more hooded sweatshirts.

I understand that. I'm asking why your belief is different than what Theo says sometimes but in line with it at other times. Do you ever consider the possibility that you are engaging in wishful thinking? And if he wanted a two year guy, why sign him to a three year deal? I highly doubt he was sharing Ricketts' money with a good friend. That's how guys get fired themselves.

Which is why the Cubs approached international free agency like they did this past season. That was the blitzkreig at the sacrifice of their signing strength in the near future. They aren't aiming at 16-19 year old kids for the next several years like they did the past couple. I can guarantee you over the next year or so, most acquisitions will be aimed at nearly major league ready talent. The minor leagues are now stockpiled with prospects...think about how many fans have a reason to be excited about. If even a third of them become decent or better major league players for the Cubs...the 2015 Cubs are looking good. Can't you put up with a 74 win 2014 for the chance to compete for a chance at the playoffs yearly for following half decade plus?

If you're fine with 84 win seasons, that's cool. I'm not.

No its not.

There are fans who hate on the Cubs no doubt, but that is not an accurate picture of a "good portion of Sox fans" as you claim.

I would wager 50% of Sox fans Ive met in my life make it a point to hate the Cubs.

You know nothing of real rivalries then. You can mock a rival incessently while still wanting your team to win. See OSU/Michigan, Yankees/Red Sox, Packers/Bears.

I dont know why this is argued so vehemently. Its not like Sox fans deny it. There are many, many Sox fans that are proud of the Cub hate and will admit its a big part of being a Sox fan to them.

Of course there are fans that hate the Cubs. There are fans who hate the Yankees, or the Cowboys, or the Cardinals, or pretty much any popular team.

What is dumb is the thought that any significant portion of Sox fans would rather see the Cubs lose than the Sox win.

Your criteria for "hatred" seems pretty low though. I think it's pretty funny to give away a free drink if the Cubs give up a homer. However, I actually want the Cubs to win the World Series and think it would be really cool.

The Cubs fans would be a lot more obnoxious if they rooted for a team with the Championship pedigree of a team like the White Sox. Trust me.

I guess it depends on how you define good portion.

I would wager 50% of Sox fans Ive met in my life make it a point to hate the Cubs.


Ive probably met thousands

It's more fun to be a victim

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

Thousands?!

Yeah, I mean if the team losing makes you happy, Ill call that HATE for sports fan purposes

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

Bye.

I'm really not sure how you don't see immense organizational improvement already.

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

I'm really not sure how you don't see immense organizational improvement already.

It's more fun to be a victim

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

They have a farm system? I dont know that they have a farm system, the 'experts' are telling me that they one. The experts could be full of shit. All I can see is what is happening to the young players and prospects on the team and they all look to have taken steps back. I'm not talking about DeJesus or something, I'm talking about Rizzo, Castro and Shark. They were supposed to be a nucleus until they werent anymore. Now the nucleus is the young guys on the way up. What happens if they are just meh?

This thread is yet another example of north side obsession. Woof.

I want to fast-forward two years ... or bookmark this thread for the next two. Then see if you guys still think this was a terrible way to go about it.

There is not a damned thing wrong with people who are bull shitters.

I don't see how it fails. At worst, you'll miss the playoffs in 2015, and still have top talent to pick from in the minors, and enough room to add salary to fill any glaring holes from year to year. The team will be in a position to make minor changes from year to year...the rebuild will have given the organization that flexibility. No albatross contracts and no dearth of young talent.

There is not a damned thing wrong with people who are bull shitters.

There is not a damned thing wrong with people who are bull shitters.

Take out the 100% necessity of a World Series win.

“I was looking for a unique challenge and an opportunity that really resonated with me personally. And the Cubs not having won a World Series in 104 years now, that’s quite a special pursuit, and the opportunity of to be part of an organization that could change that history really appealed to me.”

It's more fun to be a victim

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

Im glad the farm system has/is being revamped and is being given some weight in the organization.

Too long the development aspect of the franchise has been on the backburner and/or just horrible.


Im still with the plan and still expecting an above .500 WC contending team in 2014, as I have since Theo was hired.