The Ricketts have rehabilitated themselves in the last few years by making smart moves, like hiring Theo Epstein as president of baseball ops and Joe Maddon as manager. But these are all moves they want to get almost anyone but them to pay for: They demanded $150 million in public subsidies in addition to a cut of amusement-tax revenue in perpetuity. They went to war against rooftop owners across from Wrigley for the ability to put up billboards to "fund renovations" that they could easily fund out-of-pocket instead, then floated a minority share ownership scheme because, hey, other suckers!

During the 2012 election, they funded a colossally stupid Jeremiah Wright attack ad complete with a casting call for a "Metrosexual Black Abe Lincoln." The ad was never completed. Maybe they'd have more spending cash if they didn't also fund Dinesh "Thank God I'm Not in Gen-Pop!" D'Souza's shithead book and even more incompetent documentary. Lastly, despite telegenic public tiffs with Hizzoner Rahm Emanuel that pit entrepreneurs against the predation of BIG GUBMINT, the family that made its money off securities and online brokerage are otherwise behind-the-scenes chummy with that union-busting creep who just got dinged for accepting illegal donations from pension managers.

The future holds the possibility to be great or terrible, and since it has not yet occurred it remains simultaneously both.

He's pretty bad so far

Why?

Other than hiring Epstein, I dont think he's done anything to benefit the team

I dont like him in general. I think his letters and addresses to the fans are insulting at best and creepy at worst.

I didnt think he would spend at all when he bought the team (because I was led to believe he was spending way too much of his net worth on the team. That might not be true, but that is what i read at the time) and so far he hasnt. And im not even looking for crazy spending (though id take top 5 over bottom 5). Just add on when something is there.

Some of the blame might go on Epstein with that part of it, but it all comes down to Ricketts

Interesting. So mostly that he isn't spending?

Interesting. So mostly that he isn't spending?

Why?

Crazy thought

What if Ricketts was frustrated by the Cubs letting him down so many times, so he said FUCK IT, Im gonna buy them, ruin them, make a ton of money in the process and it'll be my big middle finger back at the organization

That would be fucking crazy

It's more fun to be a victim

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

Guy buys business and in the process takes on initial debts of $580 million ... guy spends first 4.5 years doing what he can by cutting spending and finding/acquiring new revenue streams ... guy is obvious cheapskate now and into the future forever ... Frank sees a Cubs thread and has the usual level of willpower and insight ... got it.

Frank sees a Cubs thread and has the usual level of willpower and insight ... got it.

It's more fun to be a victim

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

*sigh* Fact- Cubs fans troll the Sox section just as much, no matter what IMU wants to believe.

Cant blame Ricketts. When the majority of your fanbase tells you they are fine with tiny payrolls and losing on purpose, why change anything?

The future holds the possibility to be great or terrible, and since it has not yet occurred it remains simultaneously both.

If he doesnt and its just a business to him, fuck him anyway

Um, Jeb Lund writes about sports a lot. He also writes about politics, Florida, and joke contests on twitter!

Its like someone showing up at a house I am building at the 6 month point and telling me it looks like shit.

It's only "just business" when he's stabbing the great and loyal Ricky "Raw Deal" Renteria in the back.

Did Rolling Stone show up and see no bleachers and decide, This place is terrible.

It's more fun to be a victim

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

If he would sign some 35 year old free agents on the downside of their careers, then I would believe they want to win.

It's more fun to be a victim

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