Tag: Chicago Cubs (Page 8 of 23)

      Now fans can pay extra to see Cubs lose

      February 15, 2010 /

      The Cubs finished five games above .500 last year, so it makes sense that the organization would charge it’s long-suffering fan base 20 to 15 percent extra to buy tickets for the 2010 season early.

      From the New York Times:

      But the Cubs are adding a twist this year. On Monday, fans will be able to buy tickets to every Cubs home game, but at a premium of 20 percent over the face value, or 15 percent if they pay with a MasterCard. The MasterCard First Chance Presale will last until Thursday and include an undisclosed percentage of the pool of the Cubs’ single-game tickets.

      “We believe there are fans who will pay extra, just like they’ll pay for a Fast Pass at the amusement park,” said Wally Hayward, the Cubs’ chief marketing officer. He said he was unaware of another team that holds a similar sale. “There’s a tremendous demand for Cubs tickets, especially from people coming from out of town, when there are games you must have.”

      It’s a good business move for the Cubs and it makes sense from a profitability standpoint. But considering the state of the economy, it would be nice if teams lowered the prices of their tickets instead of backing their fans into a corner and forcing them to pay more for games they really want to see. And when it comes to the Cubs, there’s a good possibility that the product on the field won’t be that good again next year so why should fans have to pay more?


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      MLB

      In the worst win-win trade of the year, the Cubs deal Bradley to Mariners for Silva

      December 18, 2009 /

      Somehow, someway, the Cubs found a team to take Milton Bradley off their hands. And somehow, someway, the Mariners found a team to take Carlos Silva off their hands.

      In a trade only Chicago and Seattle fans could love (and hate?), the Cubs traded Bradley to the M’s for Silva. The Cubs will also receive $9 million in cash to help cover some of Silva’s salary over the next two years.

      So basically, the Cubs traded their garbage to the Mariners for their trash. But the key is that both teams rid themselves of headaches.

      Bradley is only a season removed from batting .321, but he’s also a headcase and could potentially ruin a clubhouse. He was a horrible signing for the Cubs, but Seattle has a way of mellowing players out so maybe Bradley will succeed as the club’s left fielder and part-time DH.

      There’s really no silver lining when it comes to Silva, unless you buy into the theory that he will succeed by jumping to the NL. He posted an 8.60 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP in 30 innings last year and a 6.46 ERA over 153 1/3 innings in 2008. And that was in a pitcher’s park. The guy isn’t good, but again, Bradley is no longer a Cub and at least Chicago was able to scoop up $9 million in the deal too.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      MLB

      Cubs re-sign reliever Grabow

      November 21, 2009 /

      Grabow

      Looking to secure a solid bullpen that withered under pressure during the regular season, the Cubs have re-signed John Grabow to a two-year, $7.5 million deal.

      Per the Chicago Tribune:

      The 31-year-old reliever will be their primary left-handed setup man and is expected to be the leader of a relatively young bullpen he, Carlos Marmol and Angel Guzman will anchor.

      Grabow, who called his decision to stay a “no-brainer,” professes to be ready for the challenge.

      “The baseball season will bring you down to your knees more than once every year,” he said. “You have to be tough mentally. You just have to roll with it and have quick memories. That’s something I can help this team with, with the younger guys.”

      General manager Jim Hendry said he acquired Grabow from the Pirates in July with the idea of bringing him back, and was “thrilled” Grabow was eager to stay. Grabow said his bone chip issues in his left elbow aren’t a concern.

      Reports are calling Grabow a “veteran,” touting his wealth of knowledge and experience. Come on — the 31 year-old has only been in the league since 2003. With Grabow, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, and the newly acquired Scott Maine in the bullpen, the Cubs are a long way from becoming a shut down team late in the game.

      I’m surprised Cubs GM Jim Hendry was willing to dish out $7.5 million to Grabow. A former Pittsburgh Pirate, Grabow had only been worth $5.3 million over his entire career. The Cubs could do much worse, but this money should have been spent elsewhere. Although Grabow’s ERA is attractive (3.38 last season), he walks far too many batters and won’t supply the confidence the team is lacking.

      MLB

      Mikey’s MLB power rankings

      September 26, 2009 /

      There are only eight days left in the regular season, barring any one-game playoffs, and aside from the AL Central, most races are all but over. The Red Sox have a chance to make up ground on the Yankees, but the Yanks have already clinched a playoff berth. Here are your power rankings this week….

      1. New York Yankees (98-56)—If they sweep the Sox this weekend, the AL East race will officially be over. But both teams appear certainly headed to the big dance.

      2. Los Angeles Dodgers (92-62)—Quietly moving up and close to clinching the NL West while their cross-town pals are struggling.

      3. Boston Red Sox (91-62)—This team has got to be making the Yankees and their fans nervous, even if the Yanks have made the playoffs, because they just keep winning. But, see #1.

      4. Los Angeles Angels (90-63)—It’s a good thing the Rangers are playing like crap, otherwise the Angels would be looking in the rear view mirror.

      5. Philadelphia Phillies (89-64)—Getting hot as the weather cools down.

      6. St. Louis Cardinals (89-65)—The magic number still at one.

      7. Colorado Rockies (87-67)—Some days the Rockies look like they might catch the Dodgers, but lately they are trying to fend off the Braves and Giants for that wild card.

      8. Detroit Tigers (82-71)—The Twins remain 2 games back, and the Tigers have not exactly set the world on fire the past month.

      9. Atlanta Braves (83-70)—Bobby Cox’s teams never quit and they are hanging tough in the wild card race.

      10. San Francisco Giants (82-72)—Now the clock is really ticking. The Cubs, of all teams, hurt the Giants’ chances badly again last night.

      Bullz-Eye Sports Channel, MLB

      Cubs to shop Zambrano in offseason?

      September 15, 2009 /

      According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs plan to shop starter Carlos Zambrano this winter.

      Despite the fact that Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, the Cubs plan on shopping him this off-season, sources said, believing he’ll waive the clause to go to the right team, as Jake Peavy eventually did when the Padres consummated a deal this summer with the White Sox.

      Zambrano said recently he’s weary of the media scrutiny after being criticized for playing softball on a scheduled day off during his rehab stint.

      “Maybe if I go to a different city next year, if I get traded, I can do what I want,” Zambrano told the Tribune.

      Zambrano later said he was kidding and has veto power over any trade.

      Zambrano is only 28, but he’s already stated that he wants to retire after the 2013 season when his contract is up. So it makes sense that the Cubs are thinking about moving him while his value is still somewhat high.

      That said, good luck trying to move him, Jim Hendry. Big Z still has over $50 million remaining on his contract and there probably won’t be many clubs that will want to take on his salary plus give up multiple prospects.

      MLB

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