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The Five Most Beautiful Words In The English Language

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in News

Pitchers And Catchers Report Today!

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Right on time
 What a long Winter for Chicago sports fans. It's officially time to start getting excited again. I'm debating on whether or not to go up Mesa today and get some pictures. I'm just not sure what to expect on the first day of PC's. I imagine they probably won't suit up 'til tomorrow and today will be a day of getting situated.

 But, I plan on finding some time within the next couple of weeks to head up to Mesa and getting some pics.

by hightightfastball on Feb 13, 2008 4:44 AM CST   0 recs

Cool.
Post them, or links to them if you have them somewhere like Flickr or Photobucket.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 4:48 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Will do
 I'll post them on Flickr.

 What do you think? Do you think they'll be suited up today and doing any workouts?

by hightightfastball on Feb 13, 2008 4:57 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

You'll probably want to wait until tomorrow
unless all you want to get is them coming to the facility.

On the news yesterday (think it was Giangreco) the player's first workouts will be tomorrow.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 13, 2008 5:48 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Figured as much
 Thanks.

by hightightfastball on Feb 13, 2008 6:02 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Finally
A real sport is happening again.
"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"

by cubs0505 on Feb 13, 2008 5:26 AM CST   0 recs

There's other real sports
its just Chicago's representatives (at the major league level) are not doing too well.

The Wolves are 22 games over .500 and the Rush look to be very competitive again, their season starting March 3rd at AllState.

I can't wait to see Kosuke-san join his new team. Hopefully the weather will be good on the 29th-2nd when I'm there in a couple weekends.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 13, 2008 5:51 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Well of course the Rush,
I mean what more could you ask for than Paul Edinger?
1st Official Al-Wanna-Be! Feel free to become an Oficial Al-Wanna-Be Today!

by LilLPLancer23 on Feb 13, 2008 3:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Well
It's about dadgum time!
"Oh, I get a little tired now and then, but knowing my lifestyle, that's only natural." -- Harry Caray

by Cribbs463 on Feb 13, 2008 6:16 AM CST   0 recs

FINALLY!
Valentines Shmalentines.  Pitchers and catchers are reporting!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Feb 13, 2008 6:24 AM CST   0 recs

I'm so excited!
It's baseball time again :)

by cubs ftw on Feb 13, 2008 8:07 AM CST   0 recs

Thank You for this post
Definitely made me happy.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Feb 13, 2008 8:15 AM CST   0 recs

So damn cold
I can't wait for the warm weather and baseball to get here.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Feb 13, 2008 9:06 AM CST   0 recs

The 5 best words in the english language?
What about... CUBS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!?!
An open invitation to visit Des Moines and watch the Iowa Cubs...

by IowaCubs- on Feb 13, 2008 9:08 AM CST   0 recs

Happy PACR Day, everyone!
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Feb 13, 2008 9:35 AM CST   0 recs

I thought
you were just supposed to say Merry PACR?  
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 10:23 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

in order to not offend..
maybe it should just be "Happy Sports Day"
Reds will finish above the Cubs in the NL Central. Book it.

by wicubfan on Feb 13, 2008 12:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Careful..
that may offend some baseball widows...like my wife.

Try "Happy Enjoyable Activity Day", much more benign.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 13, 2008 12:37 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Happy Day
Pitchers and Catchers reporting means it has to stop snowing eventually right??????

I have never been so happy to hear those words as I am today

by Madison Cub Fan on Feb 13, 2008 10:21 AM CST   0 recs

How's it goin' up there?
You got 2' last week, right? NW suburbs got 15".

80" for the season, a Madison record I hear.

Answer (sarcastic) to your question: It'll definately be over by Mother's Day.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 13, 2008 12:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Winter
We didnt quite get two feet... but that day they even cancelled afternoon and evening classes at the UW for the first time in like 12 years or something like that.

This winter has been so bad that even my friends who arent baseball fans are excited about pitchers and catchers reporting.

by Madison Cub Fan on Feb 14, 2008 11:32 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Already?
Is it just me, or has this off-season flown by?

Flees in panic!

Dave

by Dave in the basement on Feb 13, 2008 10:37 AM CST   0 recs

thank $deity
Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Feb 13, 2008 10:43 AM CST   0 recs

Unequivocally
the best day of the year. BASEBALL IS HERE

by alwaysacub on Feb 13, 2008 11:44 AM CST   0 recs

It's sunny
But too much snow on Waveland for BP.

Anyone watching the hearings? Did you see Clemens lawyer shaking over the Nanny thing? Pretty damning. I can't wait for them to release the testimony of the other players this afternoon. It's going to be a lot to digest.

by toaster on Feb 13, 2008 11:56 AM CST   0 recs

FINALLY!
Although, all the Roberts talk made the winter fly by......

by Tangled Up In Blue on Feb 13, 2008 11:57 AM CST   0 recs

Yet another reason this is the Cubs' year
From the New York Times...

    Beagle, a Breed Long Unsung, Wins Best in Show
    By RICHARD SANDOMIR
    Uno became the first beagle to win best in show in the 100
    times the Westminster Kennel Club has picked a winner.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/sports/othersports/13westminster.html?th&emc=th

If Snoopy can win after 100 years of losing, that surely must be a good omen for the Cubs, right?

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

by ballhawk on Feb 13, 2008 12:12 PM CST   0 recs

Quick!
Somebody photoshop Snoopy in a Cubs hat.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Feb 13, 2008 1:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

OK...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 13, 2008 2:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Aw, hell yeah!
G'z up, ho'z down! (And, uh, go Cubs!)
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Feb 13, 2008 3:11 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I don't care what the groundhog said...
When I hear the magic words "pitchers and catchers report", I know that Spring is just around the corner!

(It does help that it is 57 degrees right now in Denver.  A warming trend is on the way...)

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Feb 13, 2008 12:37 PM CST   0 recs

According to the countdown on cubs.com,
pitchers and catchers have officially reported!

by cubs ftw on Feb 13, 2008 1:04 PM CST   0 recs

Thank goodness
Jim Hendry had a very fine offseason in my estimation.  
  •  Jettisoned Cliff Floyd, Jock Strap Jones, Craig Monroe, Angel Pagan, Jason Kendall, Steve Trachsel, Wil Ohlman.  
  •  Brought in a decent and cost effective 4th starter in Jon Lieber.  
  •  Landed Kosuke Fukudome, exhibiting patience and discipline in the process.  
  •  Dealt with the distraction of the ballclub still being up for sale and himself therefore being a lame duck.    
There is still some work to do.  Obviously he needs to dump Matt Murton and find a competent right-handed hitting outfielder who can play in CF.   Ideally, it would also be nice if he could find a taker/sucker for Jason Marquis and/or Ryan Dempster.  

This Cub team is looking good.  Improved lineup, improved defense, deeper starting pitching and a potential dynamite bullpen.  The Milwaukee Brewers scare the bejeezus out of me and the Cincinnati Reds are coming on strong too.   But competition is good.  

by MDBNIU on Feb 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST   0 recs

Don't forget
that Hendry added a couple young pitchers who could work out of the bullpen, Lahey (sp?) and Ascanio.  Who knows, maybe neither one pans out but chances are one or both could be pretty useful, maybe even this year.  Lahey, not so much, but iirc Ascanio was talked about as a potential future closer.  He could be the next Marmol!  Probably not but it's nice to have talent to draw on.  Hendry did a descent job this offseason.
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:07 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Wall Street Journal...
... has an article today about Sam Zell, the Cubs and the upcoming sale. There's nothing in there that's new or earthshaking, but it's a pretty good summary of where we are at this moment.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 1:13 PM CST   0 recs

Well
The worst kept secret is that John Canning Jr. will be the ultimate new owner of this franchise.   Donald Levin doesn't stand a chance.   Ditto Mark Cuban who Bud Selig and the MLB owners will never ever in a billion years permit into their tight little fraternity.  

by MDBNIU on Feb 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

And you know this how?
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 1:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Call it my opinion
To me, Canning is a slam dunk to be the new owner.   I think it's just a matter of Sam Zell figuring out how he wants to parcel out the various asset pieces of the Chicago Cubs.  

Bud Selig wants Canning to be the guy.   Canning will be the guy with the highest bid in the end.   I say that with 98% confidence.  

by MDBNIU on Feb 13, 2008 1:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I wouldn't be so sure.
Just a feeling.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 2:09 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Well
The scuttle among the LaSalle street and private equity crowd in Chicago is that John Canning will be the guy.  His only serious competition is the Ricketts family of Omaha Nebraska.  

by MDBNIU on Feb 13, 2008 2:15 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Sure they'd say that.
Canning's their buddy. But I wouldn't say they have any more inside knowledge than anyone else.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 3:58 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

yep
just like the rumors around Cuban's posse is that he will outbid anyone to get the Cubs.

No one knows at this point.  It's too premature.

by socalbob on Feb 13, 2008 4:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

My understanding is
that the Cubs go to the highest bidder since they are obligated to stockholders to take the highest bid as long as the bidder can get approval of MLB, is that correct?  I'm assuming there is some wiggle room there but can Zell really hand pick the next owner?  If Cuban bids 1.2 billion is it even legal for Zell to call Canning and tell him about it?  The bids are private right?
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'll defer
to someone with more knowledge than I.  My point is I think "people" around each of the potential buyers will be saying their guy in in the lead, so to speak.

by socalbob on Feb 13, 2008 4:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Not necessarily the highest bidder
But, whomever brings more CASH to the table...
Ed Lynch is STILL on the Cubs payroll, as our D-Backs scout in Phoenix. Lynch attends all 81 D-Back home games with a notepad in hand. Really paid off for us!

by SackMan on Feb 13, 2008 4:35 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Well
The scuttle goes deeper than John Canning's cronies advocating on his behalf.  Lets just say I feel confident that John Canning will be the guy.   If not Canning, the the Ricketts family.  Mark Cuban has zero shot because of the MLB owners will never approve him.  Donald Levin is also out of the picture from the scuttle I hear.   Too bad, because I think Levin would be an inspired choice.    

by MDBNIU on Feb 13, 2008 4:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

There was one statement in there
that I found surprising:

"In recent years, the Cubs have failed to consistently make money, according to a person familiar with their finances..."

That's not the conventional wisdom among fans....and I wonder if it is true.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Feb 13, 2008 4:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Good point.
It all depends, I suppose, on how you view the books. We know that MLB teams routinely cook the books for public consumption so they can cry poverty. But I doubt that's the reality.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 4:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah
I'm pretty sure they're doing fine or they wouldn't have doled out $300+ million last year, $90+ million during the season and $48 million this offseason.  The books may not show the team making a lot of money but that doesn't mean they aren't.
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

In the particular case of the Cubs...
...they have signed below-market-value TV and radio deals with WGN and Comcast Sports Net Chicago - WGN being owned by the Tribune, and the Cubs owning shares of CSN Chicago. So there's a lot of TV and radio profit that isn't going into Cub coffers but is benefiting current Cub ownership. One would presume that the Cubs' shares of CSN Chicago would be involved in the deal, thus transferring at least some of those benefits to new Cubs ownership.
I has a blog.

by cwyers on Feb 13, 2008 4:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

But
you would think the "real" financials need to be disclosed to any buyer. They can't "hide profits" or whatever is they did before, because it won't be part of the Tribune Co. anymore.

So it would seem that this "person familiar with the finances" of the team is either only familiar with the non-kosher numbers, or, conventional wisdom has been wrong all this time.

Then again, profitabiity may not be a concern to potential buyers.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Feb 13, 2008 4:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

"Turner Financing"?
For years, at least after he stopped trying to run the show himself, Ted Turner's policy was to just have the Braves break even.  He knew that, if he spent the money to put a good team on the field, he would make far more money off of the cable ratings than he could by trying to make the team profitable itself.  (This was especially true while they were at AFCS.)

The Cubs may produce enough revenue for WGN (and Comcast Chicago) that the team's financial performance on its own is not that significant.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Feb 13, 2008 4:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

What??????
Being in the top 3 in ticket sales basically EVERY friggin year... and they don't make money? LOL.  I'm sorry, but that's just not believable.
Ed Lynch is STILL on the Cubs payroll, as our D-Backs scout in Phoenix. Lynch attends all 81 D-Back home games with a notepad in hand. Really paid off for us!

by SackMan on Feb 13, 2008 4:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

What is that?
The wal-mart logo with a Cub hat? lol.
"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Feb 13, 2008 1:44 PM CST   0 recs

Hmmm.
Seems to me the smiley face was around for several decades before Wal-Mart co-opted it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 1:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

lol..
it was a joke, Al! Lighten up bud, it's 15 days before the first spring game!
"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Feb 13, 2008 2:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

LOL
No worries. Must be all this snow. It's frozen my brain. WE NEED BASEBALL!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 2:09 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I bought uniform pants at the convention
so for my first and only class today, I will wear my uniform pants in honor of this beautiful day.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Feb 13, 2008 1:50 PM CST   0 recs

all you need
is a Cubs hat, new teeth, and a Sluggers sandwich board and you can turn that into a woo woo halloween costume!

by toaster on Feb 13, 2008 6:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

mlb.tv
anyone out there use mlb.tv to watch the cubs.  i'm contemplating paying the $120 because i'm out of market and only get 75 games via wgn or espn/fox.  is it worth the $$?  thanks,

by karlh78 on Feb 13, 2008 2:22 PM CST   0 recs

thanks drew
now i just have to convince my fiance that 162 games of cubbies isn't too much.  cubs win in '08!!

by karlh78 on Feb 13, 2008 3:03 PM CST   0 recs

If she thinks 162 games are too much
DON'T MARRY HER!

I can't stress that enough.  162 games a year by X number of married years = ?????? how many games?  If she can't handle 162 you're in for a long marriage.  Think this through.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:11 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

What about Dish?
I have a question about Dish.

We subscribed about a month ago to Dish satellite TV. We got the 200 channel package (with WGN) and the sports package which includes Comcast Sports Chicago (along with a BUNCH of other regional sports networks like FOX, SNY, etc).

So my question is this: Will we actually be able to SEE Cubs games on CSN or will they be blacked out? We're in mid-Michigan and our regional team blackout would seem to be the Tigers, rather than the Cubs.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Feb 13, 2008 3:10 PM CST   0 recs

Hate to break this to you
but the sports tier is blacked out when major league games are being shown. If you don't have CSN Chicago on your regular tier you won't get the game.

by LT on Feb 13, 2008 6:03 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Let's not get too excited
Yes - Jay Mariotti is predicting the Cubs will repeat as division champs. I hope he's right.

But I was very excited on the day pitchers and catchers reported back in 2006 - and look what happened afterward. Same thing in 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000 - etc. etc.

I really am excited - can't help it. But I like to keep my hopes on the low side.

"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Feb 13, 2008 3:30 PM CST   0 recs

My low side hope
is that it takes the full 7 games for us to win the World Series this year.  High side is a series sweep with game 4 at Wrigley.
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:13 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

anyone else...
get that little tingly feeling when your watching the big screen on a hot summer day with a ice cold, big people only drink and a cubbie belts one out of the park? i cant waitttttttttttttttttttt. another long long offseason of repetitive talk is about to come to a end. i wish i wish with all my heart the cubbies would finally do it this year.
GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Feb 13, 2008 3:47 PM CST   0 recs

Couldn't agree more
Feels like I'm waking up from a 6-month coma.  Finally it's not just talk, real baseball is starting to happen!
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Feb 13, 2008 4:15 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

so when is this new bcb site coming out
any date known yet?
Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Feb 13, 2008 4:38 PM CST   0 recs

Nothing's official yet.
When I know more, I'll let you all know.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 4:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

well, if this keeps dragging out
I'll start to think Peter Angelos owns SB Nation!  
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Feb 13, 2008 7:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Pending Cubs Sale Question
Throughout the financial sales intrigue, I have never heard or read anything about what the extent of the "Official" Cubs franchise constitutes.

Obviously the MLB team and Wrigley Field are for sale.  

Will a legitimate bid include all of the Cubs minor league teams and their minor league-owned ball parks and facilities?

SOMEDAY…

"If they won a world championship, sure, we'd be proud. But we couldn't love them any more than we already do " -anonymous Cub fan

by hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear on Feb 13, 2008 4:48 PM CST   0 recs

No, because...
... the Tribune doesn't own those teams and parks, they are independently owned. They sign affiliate agreements with the Cubs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 13, 2008 4:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks Al
for the answer.  I thought that the Cubs organization does own part of the facility in Mesa - not HoHoKam, but some buildings at the Fitch Park complex.  I remember that Fitch Park itself is part of the Mesa Park District.

Perhaps Sam Zell could then start promoting naming rights for official Cubs buildings there too!

He missed out on a huge TribCo promotional opportunity today by not offering to sponsor the official Congressional Baseball "Tribunal" Hearings!

SOMEDAY…

"If they won a world championship, sure, we'd be proud. But we couldn't love them any more than we already do " -anonymous Cub fan

by hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear on Feb 13, 2008 5:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Dempster predicts a World Series win!
Day one of spring training and the Demps is in a fine mood, predicting a World Series win...apparently Zambo is sharing some of what he was smoking last spring....but what the heck I would rather have players believing they can than that they can't.

by razzpunk on Feb 13, 2008 6:13 PM CST   0 recs

Dempster
I wonder if Dempster can also predict what role he is going to serve on this pitching staff.   Because right now there is great uncertainty.  

by