JEFF'S CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - SHOULD MARK CUBAN BUY THE CHICAGO CUBS?
A TRUE CHICAO SPORTS BLOG, FROM A TRUE CHICAGO SPORTS FAN!
Well, here we go again Cubs Fans! Mark Cuban has submitted his application for ownership to Major League Baseball. It instantly brings speculation that Cuban will purchase the Chicago Cubs from the Chicago Tribune. Reports on sports radio Friday morning had this story as a lead among others and gives Cub fans the hope that new ownership will be fully committed to winning.
It was just yesterday that discussions took place throughout our local sports scene as to whether or not the Cubs would pull the trigger on a trade that could make the difference in their pursuit of a playoff spot. Conventional wisdom suggests that Lou Piniella has positioned the team to make a serious run but there are holes to fill. Veteran players want to know that an organization is committed to winning and thus the big question - does Jim Hendry and Jack McDonough have the power to pursue a meaningful deal or has it already been intimated to them that what you have is all you're going to get?
Just the other day, Jack McDonough told us they would be in position to make a move. One wonders though with the most recent call-up from the farm, Geovany Soto. I find it hard to believe the Cubs can't find a veteran catcher for a stretch run. Now Soto may have earned the call-up but will he be able to thrive in a playoff run? Furthermore, will Lou Piniella want to go to battle with a rookie handling the pitching staff? It seems unlikely that this scenario positions the Cubs to win close games.
Thus, the Cubs need ownership that is committed to win. You can only wonder what the next half of the season will bring for Cub fans, many of whom have begun to catch the fever for exciting post-season baseball.
Should Mark Cuban buy the Chicago Cubs? Will he be approved by Major League Baseball? I'd love to here your thoughts and comments. Write back!
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO SPORTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF,
JEFF ARDITO
