Looking Forward: Cubs Convention 2009-What to expect?
by 615CubFan on Nov 21, 2008 9:04 PM CST
48 comments
I just found out that a friend might have an extra pass for the 2009 Cubs Convention. I've never had the opportunity to go. I'm curious to know what to expect-I've looked at the list of who's going to be there, checked the dates, and found out as much as I can. My question for any of you who have been lucky enough to go is this: What can I expect? There's not much that excites me more than the idea of rubbing elbows with Ryno or getting an autograph from Mr. Cub himself-even if it means I have to head to Chicago in the middle of winter. Any stories, pointers, tips, etc are much appreciated.
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here this may help
the search function here is great. here is the link to this diary from a couple weeks ago.
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
by cubsluver22 on Nov 22, 2008 12:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
you can expect
to stand in line for hours
by Glacier on Nov 22, 2008 2:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Only if you want autographs
That is not my reason for going. I try attend as many of the good sessions as I can. If there is a SHORT line for an autograph of someone I want ( Lilly is at the top of my list) then fine, if not I am not spending two hours in line for A-Ram or Z.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
good point
i got lilly’s at the 07 one. but i gotta say it is a pain to get autographs there. waiting in line when you arnt even sure if you will get the player you want. oh and the fact that all the popular people are part of the lottery.
by Glacier on Nov 22, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aramis
I am only missing Aramis on the roster (besides Greg). Watch him be there this year just to spite me :).
I got more autographs from the Bears during the 07 convention than Cubs.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 23, 2008 6:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hendry
expect some tuff questions about woody mr hendry.i think i,ll set up a booth outside selling tomatoes and eggs.i,ll probably make enough to pay kerry myself.
by NOMAR on Nov 22, 2008 5:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
you are obviously bitter about Kerry like the rest of us...
…welcome to the party.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Nov 22, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
Hopefully people will act like adults and not ruin it for the fans that know how to behave.
Doggiestalker is an example of how to do it right. She asks pointed questions but does not badger Hendry or whomever she is talking to and is a grownup with class.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 22, 2008 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I plan to be a little more pointed this year
but always polite and on point. Jim is very good at evading questions so be as specific as you can. I already know what I plan
to ask Mr. Maloney (head of ticket sales) I have a few in mind for Hendry or Lou depending on what happens between now and then. I also have a secret plan for a silent but effective protest for those of us unhappy with how the Wood situation was handled.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why
That’s why when I see you at the microphone at those sessions I think :Good a good question is coming’ and when I see some of the others I think to self ‘oh oh’.
I think you also realize there are things Hendry can’t say due to various reasons or won’t say out of respect for someone else.
There was someone who kept asking MacPhail why they let Maddux go the first time when it was several years later and MacPhail wasn’t even with the Cubs yet whjen it happened. I expect him to badger Hendry about Brock for Broglio.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 22, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wood
As far as Kerry goes I’m waiting to see how everything was planned out and I think the truth of the matter is somewhere between what Kerry says and what Hendry says.
The proof may be in the pudding. If Kerry doesn’t sign by December 1 and the Cubs offer arbitration and he doesn’t accept it you have to wonder if he really was willing to accept 1 year.
And you know how much I love Kerry. I cried when the news came out. I will cry again when he signs and it’s officially over. And I do hold out hope that something will happen. That’s why I want Jim to get the OF right away and maybe find out he can keep Kerry before it’s too late.
The last time I cried when someone officially was gone due to leaving this way with either Maddux or Dawson. That was the same offseason and I don’t remember which was first. That was awful I’m sure you remember it well. I also had just been laid off it was close to Christmas and broken up with a boyfriend of a year. It also was awful weather wise. I had taken a crappy job to pay bills while looking for something better didn’t have a car so I had to take the bus that was the worst time of my life.
I just want it to be over with either way soon.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 22, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you can judge the Wood situation by what happens re arb.
I mean it is pretty clear at this point the Cubs do not want him so accepting arb would lead to a difficult situation and very likely him being traded to a team he does not want to play for as he would not have a no trade clause. I do think think many of us would like to pin Hendry down on A. if they even considered offering Wood a one year deal B. If this was a budget issue or will they honestly claim Gregg/Howry is better than Marmol/Wood. C How much imput/influence did Lou have in this decision. I can’t imagine getting a very detailed answer but we can try.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You & I disagree.
I still think Wood doesn’t sign by the arb deadline and thus, the Cubs will almost be forced to offer it to him, and if he gets the offer he’ll almost certainly accept it.
That’s why I agree with those who think there’s probably a handshake agreement that Wood comes back for one more year. And that may indeed be against Lou’s wishes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be more than happy to be wrong
but I think this is too Machiavellian for Hendry. Basically the Cubs would have given up a top rated prospect
for someone they will then need to flip to make room for Wood. It isn’t like Hendry was trying to teach Wood a lesson about how tough the closer market might be. What in the world would have been the point of the Gregg/Ceda trade ? I mean Gregg is most likely easily tradeable but still I don’t get it.
In this case Al free hot dog & diet soda at the Convention if you are right.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's all?
Hmph. I figured another dinner, for sure.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hot dog & Soda is a nice dinner
and you know the prices at the Hilton are INSANE. If there is a nearby McDonald’s I will up the offer to a "Value Meal’ of your choice.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
McDonalds, ugh.
I’ll take the hot dog & soda.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OR
One cup of coffee at the REALLY INSANELY overpriced Starbucks stand in the Hilton.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 22, 2008 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Starbucks
That is ridiculous those prices isn’t it?
We might wind up coming in on Sunday. We fly home Saturday evening and friendfs of ours aren’t using their passes on Sunday,
Would love to meet both of you for lunch after its all over. On me if we do this,
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 22, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
I don’t drink coffee.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 22, 2008 7:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Coffee
I don’t drink coffee either although I belong to a coffe group. anyway was saying I’d take the two of you and any family to lunch.
I
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 23, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The food at the Essex isn't so bad . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 22, 2008 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that were you will be this year
The food is not bad but the prices are really insane ( assuming you mean the Essex House Hotel)
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant the hotel, yes
I’ll be at the Hilton; was at the Essex last year because of late reservations. I’m sure I’ll get at least one meal there.
Yeah, the prices are bad for the food, but where aren’t they downtown?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 23, 2008 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why do they need
to flip Gregg.
If wood resigns, than Gregg=Howry.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 24, 2008 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because they are on a budget
and they do not need to pay 4-5 million for a 7th inning guy.
I believe re-signing Wood is a pipe dream but if they did they would shop Greg. I think Al is REALLY on something if he thinks Wood so sign for 3.5 million because he LOVES the Cubs SO much. Great he would sign for less than Gregg will get in arb ? I don’t think so .
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 24, 2008 8:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It could be 3.5 million with incentives.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 24, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't tempt me
Al whatever you are wiling to bet on your side I will match re Kerry signing and I would never be happier to lose a bet.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 24, 2008 9:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
I can’t really make an argument against the budget thing since I am not privy to their budget. Nor, are we really privy to their offseason plans. Both of which, we really need to know in order to accurately determine whether they can afford both Wood and Gregg on the Roster.
If they got a low cost LH Bat and were able to trade Marquis only having to pay a portion of his Salary, retaining Wood for one more year with Gregg on the roster would not appear to be crazy talk. But again, I speculate and don’t really know what their plans are.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 24, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There are clearly budget constraints
and no team wants to pay 4 million plus for a 7th inning guy which is what Gregg would become.
The only thing LESS likely than the Cubs re-signing Wood is re-signing Wood and keeping Gregg.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 24, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True Enough
There are budget constraints but you and I don’t know what they are. Nor do we know what plan A, B, C, and D are for spending what budget they do have. There are a variety of ways that this could turn out and if for example they can’t get a left handed bat or a real leadoff hitter, then the next best thing is to reallocate those resources into assembling a dominant bullpen IMO.
FWIW, They did effectively pay that to Howry the last 2 years.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 24, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another reason
Another reason I want him back is I don’t want to have to save that God awful playoff game on tape for eternity since it was his last appearance as a Cub.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 23, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Also watch how Jim reacts to you. I think he’d rather not have to face the questions but he respects the way you present yourself and your question. Compare to the reaction to the boobs that ask the worng way.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 22, 2008 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
nice avatar!
FZ!
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
by Mr Snrub on Nov 22, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
this will be my first cubs convention
im so pumped
by DunstontoSandbergtoGrace on Nov 22, 2008 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
wood
no bitterness over he wood deal.it all comes down to having a cheaper closer.this is baseball,people come and go.having him since 98 is something we should all appreciate.a lot of our guys will end up being here 5 to 9 years.d.lee is going on 6 along with aram. good to keep a team together it does,nt happen much anymore.
by NOMAR on Nov 23, 2008 7:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Two BIG issues
If the was the reason for doing it then Hendry should have been honest instead of basically claiming Wood wanted a 3 year deal and more importantly is the set up /closer situation not significantly more risky than it was last year and was this worth the cost savings.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he didnt say wood
wanted a 3yr deal, he said he deserves a 3 yr deal.
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
by cubsluver22 on Nov 23, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes but he was trying to leave the impression he was "helping" Wood
and that Wood would not have accepted a one year deal. It was semantics and I think it was unworthy of Hendry and thus
one of things he should be asked to clarify at the convention. Pretty simple really, Did you not offer a deal to Wood because of budget constraints and or do you think Gregg is a good enough replacement ? If it was in fact a budget decision as we all suspect then he should admit it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This may be a case where...
… Hendry was carefully couching his words.
By convention time we should know whether our theory about Wood coming back is true or not. If not, then go right ahead and ask.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 23, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You know I don't believe that theory
but actually I would not expect Hendry to answer that directly IF there were any truth , what I think we should be entitled
do is more detailed explanation of why they let him go and how much imput Lou had but again not likely to get a totally honest answer more like " I kept Lou in the loop " or something like that.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Then you have to VERY carefully phrase your question so he can't avoid the answer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 23, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jim is the master
You can try but he will get around it a bit.
Q. Did you in fact ever make or discuss ANY offer with Kerry Wood or his agent or did you decide without
any talks that you could not afford him even for a one year deal, Did you discuss this with Lou and what did he say and lastly do you think Gregg/Marmol is going to be as good or better than Marmol & Wood ?
A. I talked to Kerry throughout the season, we always keep the lines of communication open. He has been an incredible asset to the Cubs for 10 years but for various reasons we decided to look in another direction and I sincerely believe Kerry ( has or will) land somewhere where his talents are compensated to the level he deserves. I am of course always in touch with Lou about personal and he gives me his input. As much as any
Cub fan I will miss Kerry who I was very close to . I believe Kevin Gregg will be a great asset to the team and I urge you all to give him a chance to see what he can do.
We may have to work on something to make Jim give us some answers.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Exactly what did Lou ask or tell you to do about Kerry Wood?"
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 23, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lou and Kerry
is there anything besides guessing to go behind this thought that Lou has a problem with Kerry?
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 23, 2008 6:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
THE ESSEX............
The Essex just south of the Hilton still has rooms and some passes to the Convention are still for sale on E-Bay…..
by cubs north on Nov 23, 2008 4:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I noticed the Palmer House does as well at half the price
I have never stayed at the Hilton before but at Mom’s but i figured between what you would save on the pass and my nephew & sister
wanting to split the cost, it was worth it. A friend getting one of my extra’s is staying at the Palmer House. I don’t know the Essex.
My coffee or pastry & sandwich eaters tip is to skip the over priced Hilton, slip out the door on the south side in the middle and head
over to the coffee/pastry place that is kitty corner. I really do not like coffee much and it is about $3 for a REGULAR cup at the rip off Starbucks in the hotel.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 23, 2008 5:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hilton
I always have stayed at the hotel but I never eat at the hotel.
We have ordered in pizza when the weather has been horrible though. In fact I always maintained a local pizza joint should station a truck outside the front door and just sell sell sell.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 23, 2008 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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