Let's hope the Cubs do win with the Rickettses at the helm
The Ricketts family officially took control of the Cubs Tuesday morning, closing the $845 million deal to take 95 percent controlling interest in the team, Wrigley Field and 25 percent of Comcast Sports Net.
"My family and I are thrilled that this day has finally come and we thank Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball owners for approving our ownership," said Tom Ricketts. "Now we will go to work building the championship tradition that all Cubs fans so richly deserve.
What else did Tom say in the press conference?
"It's fitting that this closing takes place during World Series week. Out of respect for the Fall Classic, and at the league's request, we will wait to introduce ourselves to the media and fans until this Friday, a travel day in the series between the Phillies and the Yankees."
What? Even though they didn't play Tuesday, they couldn't have a press conference? Huh?
Except for one thing. Anyone expecting a dramatic shift in philosophy will be in for a huge letdown. The Cubs might be getting a new owner, but they figure to keep doing business the same old way. At least for the next year or two. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it could be a blind-side blow to frustrated Cubs fans craving instant change.
In fact, this might be the most dormant offseason for the Cubs during Jim Hendry's eight winters as general manager. The message you can expect Ricketts to deliver Friday will be simple: There's no magic formula or giant check that will instantly turn the Cubs into champions. He won't start throwing money around.
As for on-the-field Cubs news, there is none, but there's minor league news. Kyler Burke (the guy we got for Michael Barrett) was named Cubs' minor league player of the year.
Burke, acquired in June 2007 from San Diego in the Michael Barrett deal, began this year with a less than impressive .233 average after three Minor League seasons. He was assigned to Class A Peoria, but there was some talk among the Cubs coaches and player development staff about switching Burke from outfielder to pitcher if he didn't show improvement at the plate.
Apparently, that was all Burke needed to hear.
This year, he batted .303 with 43 doubles, three triples, 15 homers, 89 RBIs and a .405 on-base percentage, and was named the Cubs' 2009 Minor League Player of the Year. Burke led the Midwest League in doubles, was second in on-base percentage and extra-base hits (61), third in runs scored and slugging percentage, and tied for fifth in RBIs and sixth in batting average
Sounds like we've got our right fielder for next year! Oh, there's a bit on the Cubs' Dominican facilities in that piece too, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
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