BCB Site Note, Tuesday 12/9

by Al Yellon on Dec 9, 2008 12:39 PM CST

Today, there was important news regarding a criminal complaint filed against Rod Blagojevich, the governor of Illinois.

Part of this involved some things he has been accused of doing against the Tribune Company regarding Wrigley Field. Not long after this was released, this FanShot discussing the issue was posted. I usually don't allow political discussion here, but this issue is related to the Cubs and I thought discussion worthy.

About two hours later TWO FanPosts were made on the topic. Please check BOTH the FanPost and FanShot lists before you post -- your topic may already be covered, and there's no need to have it in three places. Thanks.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Al

Al I want to take a second and compliment you on your political stance with this blog. I think it’s part of what makes this place tick.

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 9, 2008 12:50 PM CST reply actions

that said the Blago situation is not a political issue---it is a criminal one that involves the Cubs by coincidence or opportunity

On one hand what I see is that the real Blago complaint says he and his wife were willing to make two leverage points——Zell’s effort to maneuver the Wrigley Field asset to the IFA (why the reason to separate the assets) to save $100M in capital gains liabilities. This has huge implications for Cub fans since moving it to the IFA could mean that a REIT could use redevelopment funding to completely refurbish the old stadium or use the property to build a new stadium. You can discuss this but it is not political, but more about criminal efforts to extort the process that involves the Cubs home.

According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs, has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field. In a November 6 phone call, Harris explained to Blagojevich that the deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100 million.

Then there is the more interesting item where on page 44 of the Blago charges, about the deal the Tribune company was seeking on behalf of the Cubs:

During the call, Rod Blagojevich’s wife can be heard in the background telling Rod Blagojevich to tell Deputy Governor A ‘to hold up that f…..g Cubs s..t … f..k them’"

None of this is partisan political talk. This is about extorting the Cubs by someone who is in power. The implications are whether there was more pressure beforehand that effected or delayed the sale last year? The other implications are how Zell worked around this with the impending bankruptcy insulating the Cubs and Hendry to increase payroll.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Dec 9, 2008 1:23 PM CST up reply actions

No, I agree with you....

… clearly, Rod’s actions were part of the reason this whole thing suddenly mysteriously vanished in midsummer.

Now, I had looked at this issue when it came out and decided, as did many of you, that it was a bad idea. It’s a good thing it never happened, but the WAY this went down… that is, as you say, criminal.

Rod should have his Cub fan credentials revoked.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Dec 9, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

I second the motion

Definitely the right thing to do. I’ve seen too many groups taken over and ruined by people grinding their political axes. Many thanks!

by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Dec 9, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

This is a non partisan issue...

I feel sorry for the people of Illinois, and since it involves the Cubs, the issue is relevant.

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Dec 10, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

actually, I think this is one helluva bi-partisan issue...

pretty much all the Republicans and Democrats here in Illinois want to get rid of Blago. ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 10, 2008 9:49 PM CST up reply actions

heh this goes for all Peavy posts!

meh, I think we should just make a communal post each day concerning that day’s rumors, etc. That way there aren’t like 5-7 articles concerning the issue..

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 12:51 PM CST reply actions

BCB Mobile

Al, are you aware that fan shots are not viewable on the mobile version of BCB? I was wondering why no posts on the situation were made for a while after this news hit. Of course you can’t post either on mobile, but I still like to read the comments.

by LT on Dec 9, 2008 1:18 PM CST reply actions

That's true.

The tech team is working on this. That’ll be a future feature on the mobile version.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Dec 9, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

GOOD!

Now I can post to BCB while driving. I can’t wait. iPhone FTW!

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

Darn!

Rod is a Cubs fan… I wish he was a SOX FAN? :)

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Dec 9, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions

please make sure you are riding while you do that

texting and driving do not mix

one of my wife’s co workers had their Thanksgiving family reunion, with family flying in from as far off as France, horribly destroyed when her nephew smashed head on into a school bus at full speed going around a hill in Atlanta — he was texting when it happened. The driver got injured and they’d just dropped a load of kids off at school.

im not your dad, dt .. i think you got more sense then that .. just please be careful

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Dec 9, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions

I have to admit...

I do like talking politics not so much to stir the pot or argue, but to learn about different perspectives, viewpoints, etc. I have valued your stance on no-politics in this online community; I think it keeps it friendly, light, and open. Thanks Al for that.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 10, 2008 1:43 PM CST reply actions