Buying Cubs could be a steal for Ricketts

A behind the scenes look at the Cubs' finances.

over 2 years ago dtc0405 7 comments 1 recs |

Comments

Interesting Read

Does anyone think fan expectations have reached a point where we might start to see attendance slip if the team fails to improve itself from year to year? What impact will winning a World Series have on some fans’ view of this team I wonder? Will that remove some of the magic/motivation for some? I guess it doesn’t seem to have hurt the Red Sox too much…

by WiscCubsFan on Sep 18, 2009 6:23 AM CDT reply actions

Magic/Motivation!?!

You can’t be serious. Sorry, not trying to jump on you here, but that is ridiculous. Having said that, I am certain there will be some freaks that will be sad when a WS is won — those people are losers — and the company of a losing team will have been lost.

But I think most fans will embrace a championship in the same (if not greater) spirit than the Sox fans do. And I would expect a good supply of bandwagon fans — I say come on down! Expectations will certainly rise, but we have already seen that happen just making it to the postseason. IMO, they’d have to roll out some really crummy teams for attendance to drop significantly, and then it would be more of an excuse for people to go to a game just to drink and chat with thier friends.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Sep 18, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I didn't say it's a legitimate reason...

…but I do wonder how many Cubs fans are only fans because of the “curse” and not having won a series in over 100 years, etc. Like somehow it’s fashionable to follow this team because of that. I hope it isn’t THAT many. At any rate, it’s possible the new bandwagoners would outweigh that.

by WiscCubsFan on Sep 18, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions

i get what you're saying

part of watching the cubs is expecting the worst to happen, and then groaning when it does. for me it’s impossible to disassociate it. but i’d like to think that when the cubs finally pull it together and win one, that most of the people will be celebrating, then go right back to rooting the cubs on. only this time, next year already happened.

It's not about money. It's about winning and getting over the hump. We've had the appetizer now, but we left the main course on the table.
-rod beck

by laidbackliam on Sep 19, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions

This article

make one think that there is plenty of room to increase the budget to sign players this off-season.

"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg

by gwood on Sep 18, 2009 2:05 PM CDT reply actions

If that's true...

… and if they can get creative with dealing away some existing contracts… the team could retool in a hurry.

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 18, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

We'd have to see the economy really turn around

There is a tail to a recession. I think a lot of people bought their tickets early. Lots of people like myself make a few pilgrimages per year to Wrigley. Now, I’ll come next year. My wife and I have very secure jobs, but lots of people continued to get hurt in the spring and summer months. Next year when the initial sales date for tickets rolls around it may be different.
I think even the Cubs will be facing a different advertising environment. I believe I read a story that the Miami Heat institiuted salary cuts for execs to spare layoffs in the front office. Something to the tune of even Pat Reilly taking a 30 percent trim on his salary. Don’t count on a big splurge next year. Look for the Cubs to try and trim salary, keep a credible product on the field, and build for the future.
And, they could have a lot more revenue if the food didn’t suck so bad at Wrigley. Work on that Mr. Ricketts. It’s the same food I can get at my town’s high school football game, but at twice the price.

by Nibbles on Sep 18, 2009 8:48 PM CDT reply actions