New restaurant & update from Crane Kenney

by cubsscoop on Mar 18, 2009 1:54 PM CDT Comment 44 comments

Sounds like Crane gave a long interview with the media today about the baseball and business sides of the franchise. Dave van Dyck covers it.

I found this the most interesting:

A new restaurant, run by Harry Caray's restaurant, will be ready for the start of the season. The indoor-outdoor "sports bar" facility will envelope the entire triangle at Sheffield and Addison and surround the statue of the late broadcaster. It will be open year round and will seat 491, replacing the Friendly Confines restaurant in the right field corner.

Read the rest here:

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/03/cubsd-add-restaurant-may-move-from-mesa.html

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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I don't see them moving from Mesa.

The people in Mesa know how much the Cubs mean to their local economy. They’ll do what it takes to keep them there.

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mesa

They know what the Cubs mean… but they could slide the Dbacks in there and see little, if any drop off. It was shocking to me to see how the Dbacks drew in Tucson and I think they would do the same in Mesa.

I’ve got to believe that the folks in the Grapefruit League would love to have the Cubs. They would help stem the tide that has seen a number of teams move from Florida to AZ. It would also bring a draw to the league that would help other teams when the Cubs come to town. I think it would certainly take a community building them a facility that would give them a few revenue streams, though, and I’m not sure what that would look like. It would have to be a special facility.

by dmlichte on Mar 18, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The economy of Meas and surrounding areas like...

…Scottsdale would feel it because people travel to the area to see the Cubs — they sleep in hotels, go out to eat, rent cars, etc. — Something tells me that wouldn’t be the case with the Dbacks

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoops--Mesa

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definately true

I just wonder, however, how much expansion is possible at HoHoKam. Obviously moving the practice fields isn’t possible but I wonder if they could provide the upgrades to make the facility on par with some of the newer ones.

by dmlichte on Mar 18, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is some open land near HoHoKam, and also near Fitch Park.

They could build on that, or they could buy up some of the property to the north of the park and build there.

As noted above, the Cubs bring in a ton of tourism money to Mesa. That would not be the case with Dbacks fans, who live there. I think the Mesa people will do whatever it takes to keep the Cubs there.

Obviously, this is made more difficult by the economic conditions we are all in now. But that’s the same thing for Florida, too.

Bottom line: I don’t think the Cubs are going anywhere.

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I didn’t know Crane Kenney is opening a restaurant….oh wait, I should read more than the title.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)

by Fuk-U-Meter on Mar 18, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sarasota, FL???

He’s bluffing.

Glad to hear Wrigley is getting re-sodded. No doubt the grass took a pounding New Years Day — What is that, the third re-sod in two years?

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

…as someone who grew up in Sarasota, whose parents still live there, and who owns a house there, I can say — this would be an AWESOME idea.

Remember, Sarasota was the LONG TIME home of the White Sox, and since it’s on the I-75 corridor, the population is predominantly Midwesterners — Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio…in other words, Cubs country (more or less).

The rest of the NL Central (sans the Brewers and the Reds, who are leaving Sarasota) play there….and you really can’t beat Sarasota in spring, particularly the beaches. And Sarasota was very close to getting the Red Sox, which, for economic reasons, was clearly preferable to the Reds….so I would not be surprised to see them aggressively pursue the Cubs, particularly given the large number of direct flights from Sarasota and/or Tampa (1 hour north of Sarasota) to Chicago.

PLEASE Cubs, come to Sarasota!

by Chadnudj on Mar 18, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why are the Reds leaving -- and why...

…did CWS leave? Sounds like new facilities are needed there too.

I’m sure Maricopa County and possibly even AZ would do everything within their power to keep the Cubs somewhere in the valley.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

White Sox left....

…because Reinsdorf’s wife wanted drier air (seriously).

Cincinatti then came in, but there just wasn’t the history or passion or connection with the Reds, and yes, the facilities were getting old (although Ed Smith Stadium is still a great place to catch a game). Sarasota was close to working out a new stadium deal, but weren’t willing to give in as much as the AZ facility for the Reds was willing to, so the Reds left.

Sarasota went MUCH further with the Red Sox, and almost got them, largely because the local fan base was more connected with Boston (due to snowbird residents and transpants, and due to the Sarasota Red Sox being the local farm team).

If the Cubs looked at Sarasota seriously, I would be almost CERTAIN that a deal would get done. And it is a PHENOMENAL place for spring training.

Plus, given that most teams are on the Gulf Coast now, you’re talking 3 hours, maximum, between most locations (and that’s for an Orlando to Ft. Myers type trip). Sarasota is within 2 hours of almost all of the Grapefruit League teams, save perhaps the Orioles in Ft. Lauderdale.

by Chadnudj on Mar 18, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously...

…I’m biased, since I love Florida, and have deep connections to Sarasota. But I think it’s also likely to be MUCH cheaper to fly from Chicago to Tampa/Sarasota than it is to fly to Phoenix, so there is that benefit for local Chicago area fans who want to see the Cubs (and, for families, there is the added attraction of beaches and Disney World being nearby)

(Yes, I OBVIOUSLY want the Cubs to move to Florida…)

by Chadnudj on Mar 18, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"The rest of the NL Central".

So, that’s three teams in AZ, three in FL. It really doesn’t matter where you train in terms of your division rivals, because no one plays anyone more than three times in ST any more.

The travel in Florida between towns is ridiculous. All the AZ teams are in metro Phoenix (once the Dbacks and Rockies leave Tucson), which makes for much easier travel to road games for players.

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the league

Frankly that’s not necessarily a good thing. Teams tend to not want to play their division and we’ve seen pitchers not make spring appearances or moved around because their spot in the rotation falls against a divisional rival.

by dmlichte on Mar 18, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Elton John will help us win ballgames this year!

Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson

by MikeOxbyg on Mar 18, 2009 2:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

All very interesting information.

The Cubs training in Florida. I loved in Florida for four years and used to rue the fact that the Cubs did not train there. But Arizona has such a huge pocket of Cubs fans and transplanted Midwesterners, I can’t imagine the Cubs making this move.

And a jumbo-tron at Wrigley may have worked for the NHL game, but for Cubs baseball, no. Ownership has gradually updated Wrigley little by little, with very careful regard for tradition and the park’s integrity. I have to give them their props for that. I have no problem with, and in fact welcome, the new restaurant, more concerts, the “triangle building”, extra night games, et al. But a jumbo-tron would just be too much, and there would be too much pushback from fans on that one.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 18, 2009 2:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Typo Alert -- I "lived" in Florida.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 18, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fruedian slip?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 18, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rec'd

I agree 100%

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

**Daktronics Prostar!!!

…not a Sony Jumbo-tron (which no longer exist.)

by jbertram on Mar 18, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jumbotrons? no thank you

#34: You'll be missed!

by Chanman25 on Mar 18, 2009 3:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I found

it refreshing that Kenney provided a solid report regarding the finances of the Cubs. With all the doom an gloom these days, at least one business will not suffer in ’09.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Mar 18, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I sould say

I had read that on the Cubs site, not this article.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Mar 18, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it will suffer

Fans may still be buying tix… for now. But this no doubt will impact other money makers. Ad revenue has to be down a good amount and if this continues, it could get very tough. The Cubs may be doing better than most teams but there is no doubt that they are feeling an impact.

by dmlichte on Mar 18, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I would

agree. My point was simply nice to see someone stating something positive, I really do not recall the last business, sports or whatever that was ecomonically positive. Than again he could be BSing for all I know.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Mar 18, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet Crane Kenney leaves the Cubs soon

Just an opinion.

by BLou on Mar 18, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree.

We’ll see.

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

… and he didn’t help his situation with how he handled (lied?) the Priest in the playoffs debacle.

"...and when it comes to baseball -- we have two favorite clubs, the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs." - Southside Irish by Tom MacEldowny

by DrCrawdad on Mar 18, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kenney accepted responsibility for that.

I thought I remember hearing him say it was one of the dumbest things he’s ever done. I think he said that @ the Cubs Convention.

Not sure what you mean about lying.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kenney also shifted blame on the matter...

… and said it was the Priest conceived the idea and pursued the Cubs on the point. The Priest said that was NOT the case at all. Kenney could have left the matter with saying “it was one of the dumbest things…” but he didn’t and his explanation curiously shifted the blame.

No doubt the Priest is a Sox fan.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Mar 18, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting!

One of them is lying.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh.

Can we let this go? It’s over, it’s a new season, who really cares?

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

by Al on Mar 19, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO ONE CARES.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would he leave?

For a better paying job maybe? I can’t see even the new owners axing him after the team he’s in charge of just won 97 games and set an attendance record. Maybe Ricketts will clean house but I think Kenney, aside from the priest thing, has done a fairly good job.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A better paying job maybe?

Yeah, those are so plentiful right now. I’m sure he would have no difficulty at all in this economy replacing a high six-figure, maybe seven-figure income.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 18, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point I was trying to make...

…was if he were to leave, as the original poster predicted, it would likely be on his own terms.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kenney will leave for opportunity

Kenney hasn’t had much of a stamp on the Cubs. The good things of recent vintage were more the work of Andy McPhail and John McDonough. I’m also imagining that Tom Ricketts will be active owner, leaving not much of a leadership role for Kenney to play.

by BLou on Mar 18, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't Kenney work for Tribune...

and hold responsibility over the Cubs? I know he WAS a Senior V.P. w/ Tribune so he may have to pick the Cubs or Tribune once the Cubs/Ricketts transaction goes through.

Nonetheless, I have no doubt that if Kenney DOES leave he’ll have NO problem replacing his “six-figure, maybe seven-figure income”. Seeing how he’s a high ranking executive and attorney, who oversaw the first back to back division championship in Cubs’ history, and an attendance record, that seems like a pretty solid resume — even in a weak economy.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 18, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Kenney no longer works for the Tribune Co. itself.

He shifted completely to the Cubs when he became chairman after Andy MacPhail was dumped.

I suspect Tom Ricketts will keep him, as Kenney has done a good job. Prediction: Ricketts becomes Chairman, Kenney’s title is changed to President/CEO.

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

by Al on Mar 19, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you think that Ricketts will want to put his own stamp on things?

I like Kenney just fine, but my guess is he finds another good job, Ricketts takes over and the baseball people pretty much stay in place. For the short to mid-term, anyway.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Mar 19, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly, but...

… keep in mind, it is Kenney’s leadership that has helped the Cubs make a lot of money over the last 3-4 years, with new sponsorships, new bleachers, plans for the triangle building and others, etc.

It’s possible Ricketts steps back and lets others run the nuts & bolts while he becomes the public face of the franchise.

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

by Al on Mar 19, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought McDonough did the bleachers and...

…MacPhail came up w/ the triangle building idea. No?

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Mar 19, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right about the bleachers...

… but the triangle building was shelved for several years, until Kenney came on board and revived it.

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

by Al on Mar 20, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"revived" might be a bit premature

maybe kept it on life support would be more apt. About the only visible sign of change has been the demolition of the old carwash structure – and that was only after an unfortunate storm-related accident.

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

by ballhawk on Mar 20, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs