And The Winner Is... (The 2009-10 Offseason IT'S HAPPENING!!!??? Contest)

by ballhawk on Sep 15, 2010 5:09 PM CDT

Remember this FanPost? UPDATE: The 2009-10 Offseason IT'S HAPPENING!!!??? Contest, the first line of which was... "Remember this FanPost? Last Out to First Pitch – The 2009-10 Offseason IT'S HAPPENING!!!??? Contest"

Well, the results are finally in and we have our winners. I know, I know... this should have been posted a long time ago. What can I say - I started it several times, got sidetracked, distracted, road trips, busy, etc. Guess I'm just a procrastinating elephant. I keep putting things off and off and off... but I never forget.

Anyway, before we get to the results, a little recap to refresh your memory...

Here were the 15 possible events:

THE FIFTEEN BIGGEST EVENTS THAT MAY (or may not) HAPPEN THIS OFF-SEASON:
__ - Milton Bradley is traded or released by start of Cubs Convention.
__ - Cubs sell naming rights for entire Wrigley Field, e.g. Walgreens Park at Wrigley Field.
__ - Randy Wells finishes higher than Colby Rasmus in the ROY voting.
__ - Cubs lower ticket prices on some seats.
__ - Milton Bradley is traded for player(s) only, i.e. Cubs will NOT eat any of his contract.
__ - Cubs make an official announcement on a new Spring Training location (Az or Fla).
__ - Ryan Theriot is starting shortstop for Cubs on Opening Day 2010.
__ - Cubs’ broadcasting team stays intact - Len & Bob on TV; Pat, Ron, & Judd on radio.
__ - Milton Bradley is traded and Cubs WILL eat some portion of his contract.
__ - Cubs install additional scoreboard facilities, e.g. ribbon board.
__ - Aaron Miles is on the Cubs 25-man roster on Opening Day.
__ - Cubs offer arbitration to Rich Harden.
__ - Milton Bradley is on the Cubs 40-man roster on Opening Day.
__ - Cubs hires top-level executive, e.g. a "baseball guy", to oversee Hendry.
__ - MLB expands instant replay capabilities.

and the challenge was to arrange them in order of likelihood of happening, most to least. Weighted scoring so most likely was worth 15 points, next likely 14, etc. all the way down to least likely being worth 1 point.

Once all the Milton Bradley stuff got resolved, figuring out the scoring was pretty straightforward except for the "Cubs lower ticket prices on some seats" one. That was a pain to figure out because of all the different tiers, the different sections and the whole 'break out the taxes' thing. When I laid out all the numbers, there were several instances where the price indeed was lower but only by 4 to 48 cents. So while I'd have to say the intent of the Cubs was not to lower prices, I can't deny that in some cases they did.

So in terms of scoring, I ran the numbers both ways and figured it just be easier to have multiple winners. Turns out it didn't matter for the Highest Score part of the contest - same person won each way. But it did matter with the Lowest Score part - so there'll be two "winners" there.

Now, the envelope please...

The Lowest Score Winners are EJThunder with a score of 50 (w/o the lower ticket prices) and RynoHoF with a score of 57 (w/ the lower ticket prices). Each will receive a thoroughly scuffed-up and grass-stained minor league ball to duly reflect the significance of their achievement...

And with a score of 74 (w/o the lower ticket prices) and 80 (w/ the lower ticket prices), the Highest Score Winner is...Sobenergy! Sobenergy will receive an official Major League baseball that's been hit out of Wrigley Field.

I'll work with Al to contact the winners and get their fabulous prizes in the mail to them. And for the rest of you, thanks for playing and get ready for The 2010-11 Offseason IT'S HAPPENING!!!??? Contest. I'm already gathering up possible events to include - some of them might look real familiar...

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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Comments

congratulations to the winners

we know it was alot of work for ya ballhawk, thanks for doing it,
one of those things that helped us get thru the off season

"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

by cooliogirl47 on Sep 15, 2010 5:47 PM CDT reply actions

Next year...

one of those grass-stained, scuffed minor league balls will be mine! BWAAHH!

"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain

by brook on Sep 15, 2010 6:19 PM CDT reply actions

How did I do?

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 15, 2010 7:01 PM CDT reply actions

And PS, ballhawk...

… thanks for doing this contest; I know there’s a lot of work involved. Appreciated — and thanks for setting up another one for this offseason!

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 15, 2010 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Here's a breakdown of the top finishers...

I included my scores here but ruled myself ineligible for award purposes from the start.

With Lower Ticket Prices:
80 Sobenergy
79 Zeke
78 brook
78 ballhawk
76 Al Yellon
75 zambrano fan

Without Lower Ticket Prices:
74 Sobenergy
72 brook
71 ballhawk
70 Andrew J Stone
69 Al Yellon
69 zambrano fan

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

by ballhawk on Sep 15, 2010 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow.

I never come that close. Will have to pay more attention this offseason to this contest.

(and if I do win, I’ll give the prize to the second place finisher.)

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 15, 2010 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Son of a b....

My attorney and I will meet with the election commission this afternoon. There’s still time for a recount before the results are certified!

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?

by Zeke on Sep 17, 2010 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions

I feel like:

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?

by Zeke on Sep 17, 2010 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions

In all seriousness, thanks for doing this bh!

Soooooooo close!

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?

by Zeke on Sep 17, 2010 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions

This is BCB and not Floridistan!

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Sep 18, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Yay!

Thanks ballhawk for doing this contest. I know I don’t post here often, but thanks to all of you who create interesting discussions, and of course to Al for all of the work he does to keep the site running. It really is where I go to find Cubs news.

"The finish line is just the start of the next race."

by Sobenergy on Sep 15, 2010 7:35 PM CDT reply actions

I DEMAND A RECOUNT.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Sep 15, 2010 9:07 PM CDT reply actions

I think Khan said it best...

You are in a position to demand nothing. I, on the other hand, am in a position to grant nothing.

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

by ballhawk on Sep 15, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Touche.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Sep 16, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

me too.

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Sep 17, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions

And in the interests of full disclosure...

…here’s a link to the scoring spreadsheet. I did it in Google Docs and I think I have the settings right so everyone should be able to access it, but let me know if you’re having problems.

As you’ll see, there’s several iterations of the scoring as time went on. Just keep scrolling down and you’ll come to the final points for everyone’s entries. And as an extra special bonus just for Al and Doggie, keep scrolling and you’ll see a ticket price breakdown analysis. Should be enough data there to keep the arguments going at least through December… ;-)

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

by ballhawk on Sep 15, 2010 9:09 PM CDT reply actions

I submitted a combined effort from my husband and I.

I also kept the copies of each of our original answers. I am happy to report that I kicked his butt. He would have tied for your scuffed ball if he had submitted his answers. I would have had 64…which still stinks…but beating mr. katie is like winning a major award.

♪♫ Take me out WITH the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I NEVER get back ♪♫ Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer

by katie casey on Sep 15, 2010 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, trust me.

Jessica and I can have arguments going on WAY past December….

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 15, 2010 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Do us all a favor

Spare us. We all know – there is a great Cubs ticket price conspiracy and Sam Fuld should be a starting outfielder… can we move on?

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

by StevenABQ on Sep 15, 2010 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Or you can do what I

do and skip over stuff that doesn’t interest me.

A lovely story:

One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....

But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.

The end

by sue369 on Sep 16, 2010 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions

That is a viable alternative

Thanks for the suggestion, I will keep that in mind. I guess willI kind of follow your quote, although I am not a woman. But I have already burned up my “one day”.

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

by StevenABQ on Sep 17, 2010 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought we were far beyond whether Fuld should be a starter

I thought we were now arguing whether he should be appointed President of the Universe for Life.

"It's all in the game, yo"

by Worf on Sep 16, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

More importantly, is the cup half fuld or half empty?

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Sep 16, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

They're just Fuld of it.

Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10

by Sandberg's evil twin on Sep 21, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

So wait...

I won? Did I win by being the most inept at guessing? At any rate, thanks! That’s really cool!

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Sep 15, 2010 10:26 PM CDT reply actions

Yep, in a season full of ineptness, your guessing ability was the most inept... ;-)

But don’t get too secure with your new-found glory. It was a tight race. Seeing as how I posted the hi-score standings, seems only fair I post the low-score top finishers too.

With Lower Ticket Prices:
57 RynoHoF
59 Dou
59 katie casey

Without Lower Ticket Prices:
50 EJThunder
52 eths
53 RynoHoF

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

by ballhawk on Sep 16, 2010 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

OMG - It was almost MY year!

@Ballhawk – Thank you very much for doing this. I look forward to doing worse (better) next time.

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Sep 16, 2010 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

i wonder how bad i did

Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot

by Cubbie-Tim on Sep 16, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions

IT'S HAPPENING!?!?!?!??!

"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie

by lexmarklover on Sep 15, 2010 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Sobenergy, RynoHoF, and EJThunder - if you see this...

…check your in-boxes later today for an e-mail from Al with info about getting your prizes.

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

by ballhawk on Sep 16, 2010 1:08 PM CDT reply actions

Emails sent.

Ballhawk, I copied you on the email.

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 16, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Reply sent

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Sep 16, 2010 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions

lol do I really get a scuffed up ball?

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Sep 17, 2010 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions

yep - a genuine grass-stained scuffed minor league ball.

just send your mailing address to me via e-mail address included in Al’s e-mail and I’ll send it to you. It may take me awhile to find the tub that has all the minor league balls in it though – it’s here somewhere… (famous last words)

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

by ballhawk on Sep 17, 2010 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I must be losin' it...

…because I don’t even remember entering this contest. And yet I did, scoring a 65/61. Stuck in the middle as usual.

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Sep 16, 2010 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

Ok so I have a question...

How did you come up with the questions…?

Ramirez, Fukudome, Soriano and Zambrano. It's the 2010 Murderers' Row of baseball failure. - Paraphrasing Gene Wojciechowski

by Endrick on Sep 16, 2010 11:09 PM CDT reply actions

Mostly tried to focus on current events with the Cubs at the time

and obviously the whole Milton Bradley saga from last year gave me plenty of material to work with. Mix in a some issues involving MLB as a whole, and throw in a few off-the-wall whimsical ones and then narrow it down to 15 good ones.

Should be interesting for the next contest – we won’t have MB to kick around anymore but still plenty of good stuff to choose from.

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

by ballhawk on Sep 17, 2010 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll be VERY interested to see this offseason's choices.

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 17, 2010 7:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Lowest score wins, right?

DAMN!

"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry

by EJThunder on Sep 17, 2010 12:03 AM CDT reply actions

I may not have finished in the money

But I’m still extraordinarily proud to have (correctly!) put my 15 point wager on Randy Wells finishing higher in ROY voting than Colby Rasmus.

BTW bh – I and my bookmarks bar thank you for finally posting this followup. I was starting to think it would never happen.

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Sep 18, 2010 9:28 AM CDT reply actions