Anyone Know Mark Utay? Possible New OWNER?!

by The E-Man on Jun 18, 2009 8:37 PM CDT Comment 33 comments

In learning from Reuters that the current Cubs "owner" Sam Zell has gone back to a Holding Group led by Mark Utay, from Manhattan, to elicit another competing bid, I dug up an article from Ed Sherman of Crains Chicago Business.

Sherman writes that he was an acquaintance of Utay's from New Trier "West" (there is only one New Trier now) as classmates in a class of over 700, along with Rahm Emanuel, Class of 1977.

"The stories make it seem like Mr. Utay is some sort of outsider. Why we would want a New Yorker to own the Cubs?

I know better. Mr. Utay and I went to high school together, graduating in New Trier West's Class of 1977."

In January, when the "bidding wars" were on, and Mark Cuban still a part of things, Sherman emailed Utay - but he didn't say much. As we are finding out more about the Shark known as Sam Zell, it is interesting to read a little bit about the former New Trier Debate Team member. Since there are thousands of BCB members out there, I was wondering if anyone else has personal experience with Mark Utay they may be willing to share. Or - better - has anyone sat with him at Bernies drinking a cold one? Or - Left Field Bleachers, for that matter?

And, is it possible that this guy could be one of the new owners of our Cubs? Or, is it another one of Zell's "bargaining techniques"?

The article, from 1/09

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?page_id=2317&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3af5555513-c950-4657-a93a-80db16fdf4adPost%3a6d7e2510-4bd7-4bf8-866e-7fcedf419550&sid

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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One reason we'd want a NY'er to run the Cubs

He’s used to being around teams that spend every cent to get the best player. If he’ll bring that mentality then I’m fine with him.

Honestly though, I don’t care who owns the team at this point. This has become so drawn out that all news is boring already.

by ak123 on Jun 18, 2009 8:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Huh???

Sam Zell has permitted the Cub payroll to escalate to the 3rd highest in baseball. Cubs have the most expensive outfield in the game of baseball right now. How’s that workin’ out for us by the way?!?

Mark Utay? He’s a high finance mover and shaker ala Mark Attanasio up in Milwaukee.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sam Zell is a meanie pants!!!!

Get Peavy already! I want my #44 jersey!

by Cub Style on Jun 18, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?????

Sam Zell has not intefered one iota in the operation of the Cubs and has given Jim Hendry literally everything he has wanted in terms of payroll.

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

I’d like to see documentation of that. Because honestly, you and I have NO IDEA what kind of role Zell has placed over Hendry. And if Cubs happen to be out of the division by trade deadline I will put money down that Zell will insist and force Cubs to become sellers no matter who it is.

by ak123 on Jun 18, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fact: The current payroll has spiraled all the way up to $136 million

It was not remotely at that level when Zell entered the picture. You need to get your facts straight. Cubs operate with THE highest payroll in the National League. Jim Hendry has not been handcuffed, yet managed to poorly allocate his big payroll budget to produce a .500 style ballclub with little realistic chance of competing in 2009.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do u not read?

there was a post last week you made where you said “Cubs operate with THE highest payroll in the National League” and other posters corrected you by telling you the METS actually have the highest payroll in the NL.

But of course you ignore that fact so you can use it again in this here post…or maybe you just forgot right?

by desmoCubbie on Jun 18, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean Mets and Yankees have higher payroll

And this New Yorker who might try to own the team might have followed either the Mets or Yankees?

$136 Million might not seem like that much money to this guy?

by ak123 on Jun 18, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure it matters

he’s right that our payroll is not the issue right now, its the effectiveness of the players purchased with that money.

by Orval Overall on Jun 19, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fact:

Fact: I’d rather have a conversation with Dwight than you.

And for the record, nobody here knows what goes on inside Cubs management. Being that I do work in the sports/entertainment industry, I’ve learned in the last 3 years there’s the side everyone knows, the side people tell you, and the truth which only a few people know and is usually disturbing.

So as I said, wait and see how our team plays for the next month. If they do not perform, they will be sellers.

Please don’t respond, because it’s very draining having conversations with you.

by ak123 on Jun 18, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

all due respect but you seem to want to be obtuse

It’s rather obvious that Zell has not handcuffed Hendry, the spending he’s done the last few years showed that.

by WanderingWanderer on Jun 20, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm interested

in what spending you’re talking about. Z’s contract was renewed before Zell bought the Trib. Was Dome signed before then too?

If he was, then all we’re really talking about is Hendry letting go DeRosa and Woody, and signing Gregg, Miles and Bradley. While that’s an increase, it’s not that MUCH of an increase.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 20, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also...

part of that payroll spiral is due to the massively backloaded contracts signed by Hendry before Zell took over (Soriano, Aramis, Lee, Z). If Zell really gave carte blanche to Hendry as you seem to imply then they could have afforded DeRosa and Bradley.

by CubFan81 on Jun 19, 2009 6:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point though is how much money is enough?

The Cubs have the 3rd/4th highest payroll but people keep saying Zell is some evil guy who won’t let Hendry spend. The Yankees are in another universe but how much money should the Cubs spend before people say Zell is giving the team enough?

IMO, Zell has been generous. The Cubs had one of the few payrolls that increased last season. Hendry just gives it away like there is an endless supply. I guess he learns from the leaders in Washington.

by rlpete on Jun 19, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you can't win...

…with the kind of dough the Cubs have spent, the orgainization has much bigger issues than Sam Zell.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jun 19, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look at the Yanks

They lost a series to the Nationals….money doesn’t always buy wins.

by ak123 on Jun 19, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But remember,

♪♫Money changes everything♫♪

Note to Daver — I heard that on XM 80’s on 8 this morning . . .

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

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

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's not really relevant, since you're arguing that Zell might be handcuffing Hendry

in fact the point the guy is making is that we aren’t spending cash well, but we are spending cash

by WanderingWanderer on Jun 20, 2009 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We used to play Frolf together

rampant cheater

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 18, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOVE frolf

how could he disgrace the game?

"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto

by CubbyBlues on Jun 18, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i want zell suspended

by tim815 on Jun 18, 2009 9:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

technical balk?

by chitownhawkeye on Jun 18, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My girlfriend went to New Trier...

but she graduated in ’87…..anyways, we are rooting for Utay to buy the team.

by Neifi Puppy on Jun 18, 2009 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Utay

I’m not Jewish, but a friend in my office who is says that Mark Utay is very active in Jewish relief efforts in the Middle East and in numerous Jewish philanthropic causes. It is a very important thing is in his life that he balances with his role in running Clarion. And supposedly he puts his money where his mouth is in this regard.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 10:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how in the name of god is that remotely relevant?

by WanderingWanderer on Jun 20, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From an Evanston guy...

Mark Utay went to New Trier=he sucks

by Poloplaya14 on Jun 18, 2009 11:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This was uncalled for.

High school rivalries have nothing to do with this. If Marc (not “Mark”) Utay is the best buyer, he’ll get the team.

Keep these types of comments off the site.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 19, 2009 7:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

That comment doesn’t even scratch the surface of the “offensive” category when compared to some of the other garbage posted on this site, but you pick this one to wrie “uncalled for?” I’m just having a little fun, man.

by Poloplaya14 on Jun 20, 2009 2:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs