As posted on ChicagoBreakingNews.com earlier this morning:
The Ricketts family are officially the new owners of the Chicago Cubs.
The family closed a transaction Tuesday morning to take control of the team, Wrigley Field and other assets in a deal valued at $845 million.
The family will hold a news conference Friday at the ballpark.
Discuss, etc. Also see kaseyi's FanPost.
0 recs | 178 comments
1st ever
Bye bye to Sam Zell.
slocs55 - October 27, 2009
I know a lot of people didn't like him
but he let Hendry spend a lot of money. The fact that Hendry didn’t spend it wisely isn’t his fault.
The biggest problem to me with Zell (and the Trib) is that somebody needs to start taking a long-term view. For example, what are they going to do with Wrigley?
rlpete - October 27, 2009
I assume...
… renovations will commence within a year, maybe two at the latest, and the triangle building construction could start as soon as next spring.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Really?
Are there already plans drawn up for this building? Is there another post that you can link me to for details?
vonde6 - October 27, 2009
There have been plans in the works for this building...
… for several years. The only link I have is this one which shows some exterior views.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Why has this project been delayed so long?
I remember hearing something about the rising cost of construction supplies — but it seems the longer they wait, the more it’ll cost.
calicubfan - October 27, 2009
True.
The delay, I believe, is due to the pending sale… they didn’t want to start while the sale was up in the air. Now they can begin.
Al Yellon - October 28, 2009
Could be...
…but only after they get a naming rights deal in place which would help cover some of the nut here.
MPH73 - October 27, 2009
Or...
… the long-rumored ribbon board.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
That won't cut it...
…if you want the stadium revamped, because you are talking at least 400 mil to get that done.
A 20 year naming rights deal could net them 250-300 mil, and would make the possibility of revamping the facility feasible in the short term.
MPH73 - October 27, 2009
Naming rights
I really hope they do not re name Wrigley Field.
wccubfan - October 28, 2009
I read MPH's comment as refering to...
… naming rights for the Triangle building… but i could see how you could interpret it that way as well.
I hope not. There would be major outrage… i assume it would have to be “Wrigley Field at Monster Energy Drink Park” or something similar with the park being the larger campus including the field and the triangle building. Any attempt to rename the structure currently in place would result in mutiny.
AndrewJStone - October 28, 2009
Meh. If it means they win the World Series, I'll help change the signage
(I know, it’s landmarked . . . just illustrating the point.)
BTW – Go Hawks! Wisconsin really should have won that game, but I’d love to see a Big 10 team win the National Title. Especially one of the “unheralded” ones.
Shanghai Badger - October 28, 2009
Oh, lord.
Not the “I won’t go if it’s not named Wrigley Field” argument again.
What difference does it make what it’s called? When you’re inside, it’s the same place, the same team, baseball being played. No one will call it that, anyway, except team announcers who are required to do so.
They can sell naming rights for whatever they want. I’m all for it.
Al Yellon - October 28, 2009
Is the media required to do so?
or is it just professional courtesy…
ballhawk - October 28, 2009
I'd think...
… that at least for the team broadcasters, it would be required.
Al Yellon - October 29, 2009
I was thinking more along the lines of print & non-team tv media
ballhawk - October 29, 2009
could take the Prince approach
The Field formerly known as Wrigley
TDubb - October 29, 2009
I am purist as they come, but even I could care less if they rename it.
Once I found out that the Great American Ball Park was named after an insurance group I became jaded. I had previously thought it was named American as in the pastime- sort of along the lines of hot dogs and apple pie. A couple years ago we went there and I learned it was American alright, but as in advertising-what a blow. So no, I don’t care what we call it as long as it stays put and doesn’t move to the burbs.
katie casey - October 29, 2009
Along similar lines, do you know what most people forget?
Advertising used to be all over baseball stadiums – but people got upset when it came back in recent years.
Here are some examples of tradition:
West Side Grounds
Polo Grounds
Fenway Park
Ebbets Field
Shanghai Badger - October 29, 2009
Yeah
I’d still like to get rid of the Under Armour though.
katie casey - October 29, 2009
I don't like it, but
If it represents the difference between Rich Harden in late 2007 vs. Sean Gallagher, I can live with it.
Shanghai Badger - October 29, 2009
*2008
Shanghai Badger - October 29, 2009
Yawn on the Under Armour ad.
In what way does that hurt your experience of watching baseball at Wrigley? I’m there every day and I have almost forgotten that it’s even there.
I don’t want to see an ad blitz like Miller Park or Chase Field. But a little more advertising, tastefully done (which I think they have done up to now), if it brings in more money for player payroll, BRING IT ON.
Al Yellon - October 29, 2009
I reluctantly agree about the money.
I don’t like it though. I think it’s ugly.
If it wasn’t for the retired number flags, I’d like having an Eat More Foul Pole like Minute Maid-I suppose that belongs in that other thread.
katie casey - October 29, 2009
While I agree with you on the UA ad, I have to ask -
Can you even see it from where you sit?
Shanghai Badger - October 29, 2009
Sorry I missed this yesterday.
There are two of them. I can see the one in right field. But I just don’t care if it’s there.
Al Yellon - October 30, 2009
Oh, no worries
It was an old thread. And even older now.
I don’t care about them either, if they help the team generate more revenue that they use on salary or development. I think the reason that they are unpopular is because they don’t blend in with the wall – the green doors do with the ivy, but not the white ads.
Shanghai Badger - October 30, 2009
exactly-about the white
Keep in mind that I’m an artist and for me it’s really only a matter of aesthetics. I do agree that the money is sadly more important…in this case.
katie casey - October 30, 2009
Fingers crossed
For the Tru-link Building
Not some Bank or Insurance Company
BucknerKongCardenal - October 28, 2009
I agree,
Zell could have been worse. We were bound not to like him, he controlled something that is very valuable to all of us, and he really didn’t care much about it.
Just so glad to finally have one voice ultimately calling the shots. I know we have no idea how the Ricketts will be as owners, but I don’t think it could have turned out better for the Cubs in regards to a new owner. Getting an owner with seemingly deep pockets and a love for the Cubs, it should lead to great years ahead.
slocs55 - October 27, 2009
Zell...
…didn’t keep the Cubs from winning anything. He basically let the club run itself as it saw fit, and ok’d enough money for them to make moves.
MPH73 - October 27, 2009
The begining of a new era :)
jkobus - October 27, 2009
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
LOL - I was just gonna post this.
daver - October 27, 2009
IT'S HAPPENING!?!?!?!?!??!
lexmarklover - October 27, 2009
"The sun'll come out tomorrow. You can bet your bottom dollar, that tomorrow..."
Oh wait, I live in Michigan. Forget it…
Zeke - October 27, 2009
Don't know why, but this song just popped into my head watching Al's pulsating post...
“You know it’s alright somethin’s happening
Hold tight it might be lightning
Turn up the lights I feel like dancing
Can’t sleep at night my heart keeps missing a beat”…
-Peter Frampton
Zeke - October 27, 2009
Great call
Always have been a big Frampton fan. (Did you know he lives in Cincinnati, BTW?)
Not Bruce Froemming - October 27, 2009
Is he a Reds fan?
daver - October 27, 2009
Frampton's Camel!
Very underrated artist…
Zeke - October 27, 2009
Paul Sullivan: As Milton-focused as ever.
daver - October 27, 2009
That really is ridiculous.
Granted, that IS near the top of the list of things to do this offseason. But to make it the focus of a tweet? C’mon, Paul.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
I think
Paul’s loved one’s need to sit down and have an ANGER intervention with him.
CalCalender - October 27, 2009
if it's near the top of the list ...
why does it matter if it was “the focus of the tweet”? It’s true, isn’t it?
elgato - October 27, 2009
It is true...
…but Sullivan now has a well-established history of taking a far-too-personal and vindictive approach to the Milton Bradley issue. I find it irritating.
daver - October 27, 2009
I second that emotion
(cue the music)
vonde6 - October 27, 2009
so the issue is that he's rubbing it in?
elgato - October 27, 2009
My issue is
that he has a myopic obsession with those who have “wronged” him. A beat reporter should not let his personal issues get in the way of the story, and today’s story is the sale of the team. Period.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
we're just assuming that Milton wronged him
right?
elgato - October 27, 2009
Thusly, I used quotation marks.
I… whatever. Yeah. We’re assuming.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
Tweet away
Paul’s right. Milton Bradley’s contract will affect the direction the Cubs take all winter. Knowing Milton Bradley’s personality, how could he possibly continue to play for the Cubs in 2010.
The Cubs need to add a tool to their player evaluation criteria. Tool 6: Media and public relations. The Cubs attract too much fan and media attention to afford players with poor media skills. See LaTroy Hawkins. See Randy Johnson as a NY Yankee.
As for the tweet – remember, there really is nothing else for Paul to write/tweet about right now. So Milton is the easy target today.
RiskyBusiness - October 27, 2009
I have nothing to Tweet about either
but I’m not “running my mouth” on it about people I don’t like.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
Precisely.
And Sullivan is supposed to be a “professional.”
daver - October 27, 2009
Can't he tweet
About the delicious breakfast burrito that he had this morning?
vonde6 - October 27, 2009
Yummmm....
… burrito.
AndrewJStone - October 27, 2009
Unbelievable
[Name redacted] must’ve impregnated Sullivan’s wife and stolen all their money. I hate to admit it, but I’d like to hear the entire story behind the hatred.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
We can hold out hope that this appears on "The Smack"
or whatever they’re calling Page 2 of the sports section these days.
Bill Potter - October 27, 2009
It's a rather lame page.
Although, they did do a funny thing on Mark McGwire today which unfortunately, is not online. You have to buy the paper for that.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
I don't think I'll be buying one anytime soon.
Maybe next time I’m in Chicago. Though I’ll hold out hope for Paul’s tell-all book in which he finally reveals the source of his disgust for [Name Redacted].
Bill Potter - October 27, 2009
Milton
was mean and hurt Paul’s feelings. He also borrowed all of Sullivan’s action figures without asking and then broke them on purpose.
CalCalender - October 27, 2009
That bastard!
Gobots or Transformers?
PacificCub - October 27, 2009
Weebles...
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
Do they fall down?
PacificCub - October 27, 2009
Milton took the action figures out of the plastic cases!?!
The horror!
Bill Potter - October 27, 2009
I don't think he's married.
I think he’s just a bitter short man.
sue369 - October 27, 2009
If that really is the first order of business
we are off to a really bad start. Alternatively, if that is just a reporter suggesting what he thinks needs to happen, then… get over yourselves already.
DGU - October 27, 2009
well... for this off season
Bradley likely is the first order of business. Not saying that nothing else happens if Bradley sticks around for a few weeks or months, but so much hinges on Bradley, especially considering the financial constraints the Cubs are in right now.
dmlichte - October 27, 2009
Milton Bradley is Hendry's ongoing business.
Ricketts should have other foci.
DGU - October 27, 2009
Right.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Rec'd - if only for your use of the word "foci."
daver - October 27, 2009
shouldn't that be "phoci"?
just a little interthread humor there…
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
have you been cruising the interthreads again?
vonde6 - October 27, 2009
no, but Mr. Pacino might have been...
Cruising, 1980 film by William Friedkin, starring Al Pacino. Very controversial movie at the time, now has evolved to be somewhat of a cult classic. Not for the faint of heart. Not as disturbing as 8mm, but close.
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
that's fair
elgato - October 27, 2009
I, for one, welcome our new Ricketts overlords.
As for Mr. Zell, don’t let the door hit ya where the Lord split ya.
Now let’s get on to developing this whole “organizational philosophy” thing I keep hearing so much about.
Chris Dobbertean - October 27, 2009
When? Right now? Today?
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Let's call everyone in for bunting practice - stat!
daver - October 27, 2009
...and while you're at it, "DROP AND GIVE ME 20, (push-ups) MAGGOTS!"
And no, I don’t want 20 maggots.
Zeke - October 27, 2009
Sure...why not?
You’ve got to show them who’s boss after all!
Chris Dobbertean - October 27, 2009
Nice Kent Brockman reference!
Itchy - October 27, 2009
I'm all about Simpsons references.
Chris Dobbertean - October 27, 2009
"This is the dawning of the Age of the Ricketts/The Age of the Ricketts..."
Sorry, only one cup of coffee into the day.
Hopefully this marks the start of a brand new era of Cubs baseball. So far, I’ve liked everything that I’ve heard.
Tangled Up In Blue - October 27, 2009
That one is so bad, it's good.
Chris Dobbertean - October 27, 2009
Mr. Ricketts,
We’ll be good to you. But please be good to us.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
Do they
Clean house?
These financial guys are always very “profit” first when it comes to running a sports franchise. I wonder how spendthrifty the Ricketts will actually be.
backtocali - October 27, 2009
Excellent question.
I don’t have the numbers in front of me to back me up, but I believe when new owners take over a sporting franchise, they spend the first year or two to gain the public’s trust. If anybody has numbers and time, I’d appreciate it immensely.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
I know Mark Cuban did that with the Mavericks...
… even though that franchise was in a lot more trouble when he took over than the Cubs are now.
I’d expect status quo for the first year, at least.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Anything less than status quo
would be a terrible disappointment. But there are so many things which need doing, that I would think that they will need time (one or two years) before real changes occur and results seen. As good as the new owners may be, they are only human.
A wee bit of paitence is still required…
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
first thing Arte Moreno (Angels owner) did was lower beer prices...
well, maybe not the first thing, but it was pretty much the first visible action step he took. And it certainly got the fans’ attention – and gratitude…
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
There is no reason for this not to be announced Friday
It might sound stupid, but it works
nji232 - October 27, 2009
better beer
I know that I am a micro-brew sipping yuppie (or whatever a yuppie becomes when the young part no longer applies), but I would rather have better beer than lower beer prices.
Bring Goose Island into Wrigley! Line up the Leinenkugel! Git ’er done!
vonde6 - October 27, 2009
How about
better beer for cheaper prices?
Win-Win, right?
PacificCub - October 27, 2009
If they played in Munich, this would be a non-issue
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Yes, cheaper beer for the masses
and foo-foo micro brew for the fancy boy yuppies and yuppie wantabes!!
Itchy - October 27, 2009
Sounds fine to me.
$1 Old Style, and $15 for the Buffy McFancypants IPA.
N Oakley - October 27, 2009
ALASKAN AMBER!
cubs0505 - October 27, 2009
With Bud's WS media blackout on any team related announcements, it won't happen then.
I’m surprised Bud let Ricketts hold a press conference on the off day…
Zeke - October 27, 2009
That's probably the reason the NC is on Friday...
… instead of today or tomorrow.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Dollar beer night..
nuff said!
cubbiebear316 - October 27, 2009
My fantasy teams
always have “NRA Nickel Beer Night.” Everyone bringing a handgun to the game gets beer for a nickel. All the umpire calls go our way those nights.
Josh Timmers - October 27, 2009
Don't forget the "real" nickel beer night in 1974
when drunk Kansas City Royal fans poured out on the field chasing the visiting Tigers into their dugout while Royals players and personal held them back. The Royals had to forfeit the game.
Doggie Stalker - October 27, 2009
I thought that was in Cleveland-the Indians and Rangers.
katie casey - October 27, 2009
Same year, different price
It was Ten Cent Beer Night in Cleveland on June 4, 1974. Not one of our better moments…
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
Don't forget Disco Demolition Night at old Comiskey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Demolition_Night
Zeke - October 27, 2009
I've seen it referred to as both nickel and 10 cent beer night
and never was quite sure which it was. I have a friend who lived in Cleveland at the time. According to his story it was nickel beer night and not only was there a beer promotion, but a souvenir bat promotion going on the same night as well. If that’s the case that would have to be the worst marketing stunt I ever heard of. Let’s price our beer crazy low and then arm everyone with billy clubs. Except for reading how bad the place was torn apart I haven’t been able to find anything to back up the souvenir bat part of his tale. He was pretty young at the time so I have my doubts that he’s remembering that part of the story accurately.
katie casey - October 27, 2009
It was 10 cent beer night.
Here are more details.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
thanks
After hearing this friend’s story I did some checking and found so many varying versions of it that it seemed to have become more of a myth. I couldn’t tell which was true. This at least comes from a reputable source. And unfortunately it’s even wilder than the one he came up with.
katie casey - October 27, 2009
please no
The last thing the Cubs need is cheaper beer in the bleachers.
dmlichte - October 27, 2009
Cheaper ticket prices, though, would be a nice gesture.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Better streams from Wrigley would be nice
for us long distance fans
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Well, one thing's for sure...
…if he lowers beer prices there will be MORE streams at Wrigley.
Tip your waitresses!
daver - October 27, 2009
In HiDef please
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
It was the first thing Moreno did
He did it at the press conference announcing his ownership. He said he was going to lower beer prices, turned to the club president and asked “Can I do that?” The reply was “You can do anything you want.” So beer prices were lowered the next day.
I remember, because while I didn’t have tickets for the next day’s game, I did have tickets for a game that weekend.
I don’t know if it would go over as well in Chicago though. A lot of people around here complain about the drunkenness at Wrigley.
Josh Timmers - October 27, 2009
Lowered TICKET prices...
… or at least an announcement that they’re not being increased… would be a welcome announcement.
I don’t think lower beer prices at Wrigley would be a good idea, given, as Josh says, the drunkenness problems.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
I don't see that as an issue
I like beer. However, whether or not I get drunk has absolutely nothing to do with a beer costing $5.00 vs. $5.50.
Shanghai Badger - October 27, 2009
A brillant stroke of marketing...
….that got nationwide press and certainly sold a ton of tickets
JB 23 - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Welcome to the new era
Ace Venom - October 27, 2009
hallelujah!
in ricketts I trust
may they lead us to the promised land
doofus cubs guy - October 27, 2009
I'll be interested to see what kind of owner Ricketts is
Hopefully he isn’t too involved in the personnel decisions like Jerry Jones.
nji232 - October 27, 2009
Does this mean that the Great Pumpkin will finally come this year?
katie casey - October 27, 2009
only to devour us all!!
PacificCub - October 27, 2009
Its about fu<k!n time
LPLancer23 - October 27, 2009
Break out the milk and celebrate!
I’m sitting in dusky street side cafe in Munich and feeling very pleased. The ownership issue caused more problems 2009 than we will ever know, IMHO.
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Why do you say that?
Just because Zell wouldn’t let Hendry get a do-over with all the money he wasted and buy a whole new team at mid-season? I don’t see anything specific in the 2009 failure to blame on Zell. It was a poorly constructed team that under performed and had an injury to the one person they couldn’t afford in Ramirez.
rlpete - October 27, 2009
I'm not blaming a single person at all
I just feel that uncertainity breeds uncertainity. Not a good atmosphere for creative and/or quality perfomance.
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
I'm blaming a single person
If Hendry doesn’t give Miles $4.9 M, Gathright $800k, piss away $2 M on Gaudin, there’s enough right there for a pretty decent acquisition.
Shanghai Badger - October 27, 2009
True.
Hopefully, he will be able to move some of the bad contracts.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Why does Selig feel like he needs to control everything?
After all this waiting for the the final approval, and speculating about what vision Ricketts may paint, I find the MLB request typically silly, narrow minded, and not in the best interest.
Ricketts quote from SunTimes site,
BatCubFan - October 27, 2009
...and THERE 'ya go. I'm surprised Bud even let him do THAT...
Zeke - October 27, 2009
I know people hate Scott Boras
but its things like this that make me thankful he pulled his little A-Rod stunt on the last day of the World Series a few years back.
nji232 - October 27, 2009
It's a standing rule
No major announcements during the World Series. I think it’s a silly rule, but he is consistent about it. Doesn’t want anything to distract the media from the games.
Josh Timmers - October 27, 2009
Well, the umpires are doing a good job of that this year.
cowsarecool220 - October 27, 2009
You mean when there are actual games and not off days :-)
rlpete - October 27, 2009
Games? Wasdhat?
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
I posted this under what Ricketts should do first a few weeks ago
and this is what I want to hear at the press conference:
Frame the future.
Tell cubs fans what the Cubs are going to look like, play like and win like. Tell us the future of Wrigley Field. Tell us how you’re going to accomplish this. Tell us your expectations and what is going to happen if they are not met. Tell us about the next 20 years, not next year. Build us an empire. Show us the framework for success.
mrcubsfan - October 27, 2009
Thank God!!!!
cubswynn - October 27, 2009
I'm of the opinion
that Hendry should go out the door with Zell, and give back some of his salary.
Hearing him on Bruce Levine’s show last Saturday confirmed it even more when all he owned up to was, “It didn’t work out…” YEAH! No kidding, Jimbo – you imbecile! The moves you made to the 97-win team just made us scratch our collective heads.
Welcome Mr. Ricketts and Family.
May you wear the team on your sleeves like all of us!
The E-Man - October 27, 2009
Hendry ain't goin' nowhere
Neither are Piniella and Kenney.
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
Hendry's double talk...
…does get very annoying, but he isn’t going anywhere in 2010. With that said, he will clearly be heavily scutinized, and may have someone looking over his shoulder in the near future as well.
MPH73 - October 27, 2009
Eh, I rarely care about quotes from guys like Hendry
He’s a professional, so he speaks that way. I wouldn’t expect him to say anything more than “it didn’t work out”. It’s not like he’s gonna sit there and crap on his acquisitions who are still under contract. A bit more personal responsibility in some of his quotes would be nice, but I’m not sweating over it. I’ll just judge the guy on the moves he makes.
shoemile - October 27, 2009
Agreed...
I know. I understand this. But somehow – it reminds me of rewarding someone who is not deserving.
The days of giving Hendry carte blanche to mis-spend hopefully are over at least.
It is my opinion that wysiwyg on the Cubs for 2010. No impactful FA’s. Aaron Miles, pt. II. No NL “Ace” on the team. Not too terribly optimistic.
As always, “we’ll see…”.
The E-Man - October 27, 2009
Egg-cellent...
My plan to move the Cubs (and Wrigley Field) to Portland has officially begun.
It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine…
CubsWin!Oregon - October 27, 2009
You'll have to have a pretty big truck to move the ballpark.
Al Yellon - October 27, 2009
Well, I always see houses being moved on the freeway.
So I figure they can move Wrigley too. Maybe use a triple-trailer. :-p
CubsWin!Oregon - October 27, 2009
Munich does not approve
We have better beer
but otoh Wrigley (east) might be a bit lonely with a crowd of one
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Well, not just better
but CHEAP!
The only thing is – most Europeans could care less about baseball.
The E-Man - October 27, 2009
Apparently, they might be willing to learn
Scroll down for a sidebar group of links to U.S. sport primers.
Of course, that’s only 1 country . . . and I suspect football is more popular.
Shanghai Badger - October 27, 2009
You might want to look at this too
http://misterbaseball.com/
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Sri link is bad - memory fail
http://www.mister-baseball.com/
this is what I wanted to post.
Silly URLs if you ask me.
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Thanks for posting that
I didn’t realize there were so many European leagues.
Shanghai Badger - October 27, 2009
I was in RF for our club's lowest level team in
Dormagen. I spent a lot of time teaching kids from broken families the basics. This was about 15 years ago.
Sad to say that the Dormagen Typhoons are now defunct.
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
too many rainouts?
ballhawk - October 27, 2009
People like mysef moved away
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
There is more interest than most people think
http://www.baseballeurope.com/
Still I must admitt that in Germany Baseball is a “Randsportart”
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
So popular in Europe
that it is not an Olympic sport anymore.
C’mon- – who are you kidding! lol
Its “futbol”, then hoops in some countries, cricket – baseball probably logs in with table tennis – not even “actual” tennis.
The E-Man - October 27, 2009
Fußball
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Thought you'd enjoy this:
“Real Madrid down 0-3 at the half against third-division Alcorcón on Cup match.”
chilango2 - October 27, 2009
Dortmund lost 3:2 against Osnabrück (3rd div.)
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
iPhone fail...
Watching reports of today’s DFB cup games right now
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Fußball is the major big time sport here.
No argument from me about simple facts.
MLB IMHO is disinterested in international Baseball. With more support, it could of had a chance. Now we are stuck with Olympic Golf…
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
On this point, I must protest. (In part because I'm bored and also for my great state's honor :))
(Forgive me if I’ve made these points before on here, but it should provide some nice timewasting for any lovers of beer…)
Having lived a year 2 hours from Munich (in Salzburg), I will say that I enjoyed Bavarian and other European beers a great deal.
But Portland is the world’s finest city of and for beer. As evidence, I submit the following:
But beyond merely having an insane number of beers offered, Portland/Oregon beers also consistenly win international beer competitions. (This year we won 24 medals at the Great American Beer Fest, including 8 gold medals) And we regularly win at International Beer festivals as well (see here).
Here’s a helpful primer of facts about Oregon beer.
See here for a 2006 NY Times Travel article about Portland Beer. And the official Oregon Craft Brewers Association is here.
And the BEST part about Oregon beer? You typically pay about $3 for an imperial pint. God bless us everyone!:)
CubsWin!Oregon - October 27, 2009
OK - Show your Oregon
pride, then!
I cannot dring ber anymore with Celiac Disease (much to my horror), but I also like Oregon Wilamette Valley Pinots, when I feel like splurging.
The E-Man - October 27, 2009
Yeah...
I didn’t even get to talk about the outstanding Oregon wines. :)
I am, it appears clear to me, a bit of an “ultra-nationalist” (if I can tweak the term) about Oregon. But a friendly one! :) Which is why it kills me that I’ll be moving to Washington DC for good in a short while…ugh…
CubsWin!Oregon - October 27, 2009
Salzburg is not a beer town..
Köln (Colonge) has c. 80 Kölsch breweries with a population of c. 1000000.
But I have had good beer in the US eg. at the SLC winter games, we found a microbrewery, which we (Bavarian Television) occuppied for 6 weeks. Saved us a ton on hotel costs… :-)
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Yeah, Salzburg wasn't a huge beer town it's true.
The Augustiner Brewerei is excellent, and I have a fondness in my heart for Stiegl Bier, but more for the associated memories than the quality of the beer.
I do enjoy Koelnerbeirs as well. I was fortunate in that I traveled a hell of a lot while I was over there, so I got to sample beers everywhere. (I used Muenchen more as a transit point, with only a few limited excursions to see Bayern play, or to check out the nightlife. For some reason, I decided to skip Oktoberfest there back in ’01. On the bright side, I went to a winefest in Bacherach that week instead. But I still kind of kick myself for not going to the crazy Bavarian beer mecca. :))
CubsWin!Oregon - October 27, 2009
Oktoberfest has grown too large imho
eths - October 27, 2009 via mobile
Lets go cubbies
Ricketts family lets win and bring a championship to Chicago!
brians rams - October 27, 2009
about damn time
jesus christos - October 27, 2009
Great news
Lets hope this is the beginning of many memorable Octobers/Novembers.
I am anxious for the World Series to end to see what moves are made to improve this club. Phillies sweep in four then let the moves begin.
Grockcubs - October 27, 2009
Ahhhh, I just
love that new owner smell. It’s so refreshing. ;-)
sue369 - October 27, 2009
Yeah, but eventually they start pulling to one side and begin to knock...
…and the next thing you know, they are in the shop for days at a time…
Zeke - October 28, 2009
:-(
sue369 - October 28, 2009
Same note to you that I posted to AJS
Go Hawks. Would have preferred to see UW win, but now I hope Iowa runs the table.
Shanghai Badger - October 28, 2009
Hopefully the Ricketts family is committed to building this team up the right way
It starts with construction of a solid front office and strategic commitment to player scouting, selection and development.
The answer is NOT to continue with this extreme addiction to free agency as the cure-all. It doesn’t work. It must start with a solid player development system ala what is the fundamental underpinning of success with the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies, Dodgers, White Sox and Twins.
BLou - October 27, 2009
That's right...
…that is if you to build a perrenial winner vs one that wins occasionally.
MPH73 - October 27, 2009
Amen to that!
cubdreamer - October 28, 2009
amen
i hope they do better than the wrigleys.
NOMAR - October 31, 2009
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