Open Thread: Cubs vs. Giants at Mesa, Friday 2/29, 2:05 CT

Kids growing up, and the next generations of Cubs fans won't grow up calling it Wrigley. Today's fans will call it Wrigley come hell or high water, but next generation fans will tilt their head and correct us with it's new name.

Wrigley Field is such a sacred place, I don't know how people can't get, at least mildly, upset at the idea of more advertising and changing the name. Some things are more important than money, tradition and  links to the past are fine examples.

People say that 'Who cares where they play, I just want to see the Cubs win!' have a point. But Wrigley is as much a part of what makes the Cubs so special as anything else. The Cubs by any other name are still the Cubs, but part of what makes this team special is the fact that they have been at Clark and Addison, in the same park, forever.

And I also think it's naive to assume that any significant percentage of revenue generated via naming rights will go back into Cubs payroll. It's not like the team is selling the name, Zell is selling it before he sells off the assets.

"If Red Bull were to slap its name on the historic marquee at Clark and Addison, Cubs fans would stop gulping down the energy drink. The result would be similar if Gatorade or Mutual of Omaha or Donald Trump tried to make the same sort of splash. Any interloper would suffer in the marketplace."

Companies market to get name recognition so that the bottom line profits.  I do think that if a company knew or thought that their bottom line would be affected by a particular type of advertising, they would shy away from it.

I do care what happens to the park and want the Cubs to play on that site throughout my lifetime and the park, however upgraded, to retain the charm and historic feel.  It is poossible for something to be rebuilt and feel the same.  While soldier field is a poor example, Wrigley could be redone section by section, like the bleachers were done, and retain the ambiance.  That said, they can fix the ambiance in the concourse under the stands and add as many restrooms as they want.

As for the name, I don't have to like it, and I hope, but doubt, money from the naming rights would benefit new ownership and add to the product on the field.  My negative opinion of Mr. Zell has me expecting that he will let the Tribune pocket the naming proceeds and saddle the new owner with the name and no cash.

Did someone already make this horrible joke?  I hope not.

Sheesh!