The Cubs Convention is now a time-honored tradition almost as sacred in the world of Cubs fans as day baseball, the manual scoreboard, the ivy, the urinal troughs, and the years and years of constant losing.
It is a time when Cubs fans can join together in the middle of winter to re-connect with Cubs baseball. It allows opportunities to get to know the players and the coaches of this years’ team on a more personal level. It gives kids the chance to get autographs, it gives old ladies a chance to see who can attach the most pins to their hats without falling over, and it gives adults the chance to be accosted by drunken beat writers at Kitty O’Sheas.
Amongst all of wondrous magic and pageantry, it also allows everyone there to get absolutely bludgeoned with hype being being tossed about by the Cubs’ marketing machine.
This years’ incarnation has a few new corporately sponsored features, as well as the return of various sessions that we have all grown to know and love. Let’s take a look at some of the offerings this year from the Cubs’ press release, shall we? SHALL WE?!!!!
The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is a LEGO building area that will feature Master Model Builder Jayson Mueller as he constructs impressive creations, shows different building techniques and answers questions from fellow builders of all ages.
So the new Cubs’ tradition is going to be built…. with LEGOs? Maybe the Triangle Building will be built with LEGOs as a cost-cutting measure? I’m guessing they just needed somewhere to stick Todd for the weekend.
The Best Buy Experience will allow fans to try their hand at a number of gaming consoles with the latest sports titles; discover their musical talents at an interactive DJ station; and connect at a computer cyber bar and charge their mobile devices.
Just bring an extra battery for you phone and/or some earplugs folks, because I am betting you won’t be able to pry Ronnie Woo away from the DJ station.
The Baseball Interactive Zone, hosted by Illinois Baseball Academy, provides an opportunity for fans to learn a few tricks of the game in a live setting. Professional instructors and special Cubs guests will give lessons to fans of all ages in designated areas for baseball skills, batting and pitching.
Theo is serious with this Cubs Way shit. He’s even training the fans.
Saturday’s slate kicks off with “Behind the Scenes with Theo Epstein” at 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom, followed by “Meet Cubs Baseball Management” featuring Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush and Manager Dale Sveum at 10 a.m. in the Continental Ballroom.
I really don’t know why they keep dragging Randy Bush into these things. He could probably sit there bare-assed naked with his hair on fire and people would rather ask Theo if it was really him at Starbucks than ask Randy if he’d like some water to put the fire out or if he’d at least cover up with a Cubs Way pamphlet.
“Player Development: From the Dominican Republic to Mesa,” featuring Starlin Castro, Welington Castillo and Jeff Samardzija discussing their experiences in the Dominican Republic and Mesa, Arizona, as well as front office leadership providing an update to the progress of each site.
From the Dominican Republic to Mesa? This smells of needing something for Samardzija to do, so they tacked on that Mesa thing.
“From the Field to the Booth,” featuring host Dave Otto talking with Bob Brenly, Todd Hollandsworth, Gary Matthews, Keith Moreland and Rick Sutcliffe about the benefits and challenges of taking the player perspective to the broadcast booth.
There are lots of good secrets in this session from Bob Brenly’s method of pre-criticizing the Latino players to Sutcliffe’s ability to convert any microphone into a whiskey flask. This is assuming Todd Hollandsworth shuts the hell up long enough for anyone else to speak.
“For Kids Only Press Conference,” presented by Advocate Health Care, with Darwin Barney, Tony Campana, Reed Johnson, Todd Walker and newcomer David DeJesus facing questions from a room of pint-sized reporters.
Paul Sullivan is allowed in too?
“Ron Santo: Beyond the Game,” featuring host Pat Hughes talking with widow Vicki Santo, son Ron Santo Jr., and friends and teammates Glenn Beckert, Randy Hundley and Billy Williams about the personal side of Ron Santo and his recent Hall of Fame election.
This will probably be the last one of these having teammates from the 1969 team focused solely on reminiscing on Santo. Next year, I expect they’ll be back to reminiscing about how they were a big bunch of chokers.
“Coaches’ Den,” featuring new manager Dale Sveum, new bench coach Jamie Quirk, new pitching coach Chris Bosio, new first base coach Dave McKay, hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and bullpen coach Lester Strode discussing their coaching philosophies, moderated by Bob Brenly.
This is the session where everyone will ask if Sveum will leave his starting pitchers in too long like Baldy McGrindy did, leading to next year’s session when they will bitch that he took the starters out too soon in favor of a bullpen that clearly sucks.
“Outside the Foul Lines,” featuring Tony Campana, Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto and Randy Wells sharing their personalities and experiences beyond the game.
I’m setting the over/under for separate Harry Caray impersonations at 4.5.
“The Ricketts’ Family Forum,” featuring Ricketts family members Tom, Laura, Pete and Todd discussing their journey as team owners and what they hope to accomplish in the coming years.
It’s the annual Pete Ricketts sighting! Assuming Todd doesn’t get out of his harness and pull the curtains down, this will be the part where Tom reminds us all that his goal is to win a World Series in Wrigley Field and that we need to be patient as he takes our money. The session will end when the old man with a baloney sandwich grabs a microphone and demands to know who owns the Cubs.
“When Super Fans Unite,” a session dedicated to the fans and their questions targeted to members of the legendary 1984 team, including Bob Dernier, Gary Matthews, Keith Moreland and Lee Smith.
Dis here session iss going to discuss why da Cubs did not have Ditka playing first base instead of Daaaaaaa Bull.
“The Scouting Formula,” featuring Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita, Director of Amateur Scouting Tim Wilken and Director of Professional Scouting Joe Bohringer discussing their secrets behind scouting and player development.
The talking points are tricky in this one since McLeod and Bohringer will want to emphatically highlight how they will improve the the pitifully barren farm system that has been built by the other two guys sitting next to them at the table. My guess is they will talk a lot about prospects like Baez, Vogelbach and Maples from the last draft as evidence the farm is stepping forward without bringing up Hayden Simpson.
“Meet Cubs Business Management,” offering a look toward the future of the Cubs and Wrigley Field with Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Wally Hayward, Executive Vice President of Community Affairs Mike Lufrano, Vice President of Ballpark Operations Carl Rice, Vice President of Ticket Sales Colin Faulkner, Vice President of Business Development Alex Sugarman and Director of Fan Experiences Jahaan Blake.
I would like Crane Kenney more if he dedicated the whole time to a thorough Powerpoint presentation explaining every detail about the Cubs’ organizational chart while staring at Yellon the whole time, but it will probably be a lot of crap about videoboards and urinal troughs.
Guests can then head over to the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue” for a night of dancing, singing and plenty of laughter during a live show from Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press.
Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press, aside from being a wet dream for anyone trying to write low-brow comedy and who are totally not made up by me, consists of members named (of course) Rod Tuffcurls, CC Ryder, Dick Celebritey (sic), and Uncle Sex.
According to their website:
We combine “competent” musicianship, “bone-crushing” 3-part-harmonies, and “interesting” song choices- to provide the audience with an experience away from which they can not willingly look.
They sure do sound like they are “fun”, “talented” and not at all “embarassing” to have them associated with a “major league” baseball team!
But now that I think about it, they are actually perfect for this mass of “humanity” where Ronnie Woo is a revered celebrity.
Comments
In. Tears. Laughing.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Someone here is destined to change their username to “Uncle Sex” (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Someone here is destined to change their username to “Uncle Sex” (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)[/quote]
False.
Uncle SexQuote Reply
[quote name=Uncle Sex]False.[/quote]I can’t argue with you today.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Thinking outside the box. Gotta love it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m going to the Cubs Convention next weekend for the first time ever and I’m not sure if I should be excited or not.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’m going to the Cubs Convention next weekend for the first time ever and I’m not sure if I should be excited or not.[/quote]
Dude. Rod Tuffcurls is going to be there. Rod Fucking Tuffcurls!
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Dude. Rod Tuffcurls is going to be there. Rod Fucking Tuffcurls![/quote]
Behold my excited face.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So do they fight against hams? Or do they fight with hams? Or are they hams that fight?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
I don’t know if that’s the actual logo but that’s pretty awesome.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
MO or b, I’m thinking of buying a Spurs jersey for a friend who’s moving to London (that’s his favorite EPL squadron). Any recommendations on a player/style? I don’t want to accidentally buy him the equivalent of a pink Jeff Baker uni.
GBTSQuote Reply
Also, this still has me (dying laughing) uncontrollably.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]MO, I’m thinking of buying a Spurs jersey for a friend who’s moving to London (that’s his favorite EPL squadron). Any recommendations on a player/style? I don’t want to accidentally buy him the equivalent of a pink Jeff Baker uni.[/quote]Never a good idea to put a player’s name. This year’s home whites are nice: http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag/products/kit_selector.aspx?selectorid=211
or if you want to go classic, any of these would do, especially the 1981 FA Cup Final shirt. Ricky Villa scored a legendary goal in that match: http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag/products/product_browse.aspx?category|category_root|13125=football&category|cat_13125|11142=football+kits&category|cat_11142|12472=premier+league&category|cat_12472|13182=tottenham+hotspur&category|cat_13182|13429=retro+shirts
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Ricky Villa’s goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R44tPArJIy4
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
By the way, you can Like “Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press” on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rod-Tuffcurls-The-Bench-Press/94338020433
Aisle424Quote Reply
They don’t even list the Cubs Convention on their list of appearances.
Somehow it is more embarassing for RT&theBP to appear there than it is for the Cubs to admit they hired them.
Aisle424Quote Reply
WTF
Suburban kidQuote Reply
RUH ROH
@JoshLissWBBM780: @WBBMNewsradio reports; Chicago police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving #Cubs SS Starlin Castro.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]RUH ROH
@JoshLissWBBM780: @WBBMNewsradio reports; Chicago police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving #Cubs SS Starlin Castro.[/quote]http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/sources-cubs-starlin-castro-accused-of-sexual-assault/
This sucks. I mentioned a few months back that my dad’s friend is a cop and he had picked up whiff of this, but without anything coming out at the time, I assumed it to be false…
MishQuote Reply
Obviously a less important story, but stupid laws ftw:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/05/2575246_hes-a-marlin-but-not-in-miami.html#storylink=addthis
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/sources-cubs-starlin-castro-accused-of-sexual-assault/
This sucks. I mentioned a few months back that my dad’s friend is a cop and he had picked up whiff of this, but without anything coming out at the time, I assumed it to be false…[/quote]
Yea i saw it a few months ago on another message board that I post on and didnt mention it here because of the fact that without any evidence speculating on that is grossly unfair
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Obviously a less important story, but stupid laws ftw:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/05/2575246_hes-a-marlin-but-not-in-miami.html#storylink=addthis%5B/quote%5D
Yea that is stupid. I tend to not have a problem with that law but wouldnt vote for it myself.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Yea i saw it a few months ago on another message board that I post on and didnt mention it here because of the fact that without any evidence speculating on that is grossly unfair[/quote]Agreed. I wouldn’t have mentioned here if it had not been for the fact that I trusted the friend.
MishQuote Reply
You know one thing that Bubbles completely forgot about was the motherfucking bullpen test.. That was really really dumb.
Also Jon Greenberg I think wrote the most fair article about Z yet. And pretty accurately sums up my feelings
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7426677/nice-knowing-carlos-zambrano
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Yea that is stupid. I tend to not have a problem with that law but wouldnt vote for it myself.[/quote]I think it’s stupid to punish a breed of dog for a few irresponsible owners. I hate laws against breeds. Punish the people who are doing something wrong, not everyone.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I think it’s stupid to punish a breed of dog for a few irresponsible owners. I hate laws against breeds. Punish the people who are doing something wrong, not everyone.[/quote]Yes, this. More: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,215637,00.html
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I think it’s stupid to punish a breed of dog for a few irresponsible owners. I hate laws against breeds. Punish the people who are doing something wrong, not everyone.[/quote]
I tend to agree with this I just dont live in Miami so i dont know how big of an issue it is. So therefor I am not going to judge the actions that a community made so far away from me. It is kinda their constitutional right to self government
/10th amendment rant
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Agreed. I wouldn’t have mentioned here if it had not been for the fact that I trusted the friend.[/quote]I just assumed you were full of shit. Turns out you were not. That sucks.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I just assumed you were full of shit. Turns out you were not. That sucks.[/quote]Apology accepted. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
And yes, I wish I was full of it too.
MishQuote Reply
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19677/lee-smith-the-ultimate-compiler
MishQuote Reply
Hilarious stuff, 424. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Apology accepted. (dying laughing)[/quote]I ignored it at the time. There was no corroborating evidence and while I was certain you’re not the kind of guy who just makes shit up, but I don’t know your friend and I assumed he was full of shit.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19677/lee-smith-the-ultimate-compiler[/quote]I started a Lee Smith HOF post the other day and haven’t finished it yet.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I ignored it at the time. There was no corroborating evidence and while I was certain you’re not the kind of guy who just makes shit up, but I don’t know your friend and I assumed he was full of shit.[/quote](dying laughing) no worries, I’m just being facetious. I was pretty relieved nothing surfaced shortly after my friend told me (which you are correct in saying you have no reason to trust him, or me for that matter (dying laughing)).
MishQuote Reply
I am hoping its just some drunk girl who realized after googling that she was sleeping with the best player on the cubs and decided to try and make some coin.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I am hoping its just some drunk girl who realized after googling that she was sleeping with the best player on the cubs and decided to try and make some coin.[/quote]While the accusations are very serious, yeah, there’s just too many unknowns here.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I am hoping its just some drunk girl who realized after googling that she was sleeping with the best player on the cubs and decided to try and make some coin.[/quote]I hate even thinking about that. It allows wealthy people to get away with such crimes because always, there’s a chance the woman could just be doing it for the money. Right now all we know is that there’s an accusation. Since the woman waited 12 hours to contact police it’s unlikely they have physical evidence. Therefore I think it’s doubtful much will come of this. If that’s how it goes then I will believe him to be innocent.
mb21Quote Reply
Just relaying second hand info from WBBM but I heard there might not be enough there to press charges.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Just relaying second hand info from WBBM but I heard there might not be enough there to press charges.[/quote]It’s not likely since she waited that long to go to the police so even if a rape had occurred I doubt they’d have the physical evidence to make an arrest.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]While the accusations are very serious, yeah, there’s just too many unknowns here.[/quote]
My best friend was accused of rape in college. It was not a fun ordeal. Totally innocent. Miserable month or so for him
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]While the accusations are very serious, yeah, there’s just too many unknowns here.[/quote]
The most important sentence in the CBS article was “No criminal charges have been filed.” I’m guessing that means it’s still in the early stages, but it also means there’s also no need to freak out or make assumptions just yet…
26.2cubsfanQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]My best friend was accused of rape in college. It was not a fun ordeal. Totally innocent. Miserable month or so for him[/quote]I told you not to tell anyone.
MishQuote Reply
Agreed 26.2. It is going to have an affect on his reputation whether it’s true or not and that’s unfortunate.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I told you not to tell anyone.[/quote]
Sorry Mish. I redact my statement.
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Ah jeez.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Apparently the police report is heavily redacted and police have not requested to speak to Castro.
RodrigoQuote Reply
I thought castro lived with one or a few family members.
JManQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo]Apparently the police report is heavily redacted and police have not requested to speak to Castro.[/quote]The story said he was wanted for questioning. Is there something new?
Aisle424Quote Reply
Maybe no charges have been filed because he has been out of the country since the event happened.
Maybe this is coming up now because Castro is due to be back for the convention in a few days.
I really hope he isn’t arrested during that session with Samardzija.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=JMan]I thought castro lived with one or a few family members.[/quote]I thought he lived with Soriano.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Maybe no charges have been filed because he has been out of the country since the event happened.
Maybe this is coming up now because Castro is due to be back for the convention in a few days.
I really hope he isn’t arrested during that session with Samardzija.[/quote]It would be a lot better if he was arrested during his session with Darwin Barney.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I thought he lived with Soriano.[/quote]That was during his rookie season. The veterans usually let a rookie stay with them during their rookie season, but after that it’s time they get their own place.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That was during his rookie season. The veterans usually let a rookie stay with them during their rookie season, but after that it’s time they get their own place.[/quote]In hindsight, that seems like a mistake now.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The story said he was wanted for questioning. Is there something new?[/quote]
I heard different on the Score but I read the story and you’re right it says he’s wanted. But you’d think if it were more serious they’d request (or at least his agent) and he’d leave the Dominican to talk to police.
RodrigoQuote Reply
My twitter is really depressing right now
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I’m sure this is all nothing that Rod Tuffcurls can’t fix.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hate even thinking about that. It allows wealthy people to get away with such crimes because always, there’s a chance the woman could just be doing it for the money. Right now all we know is that there’s an accusation. Since the woman waited 12 hours to contact police it’s unlikely they have physical evidence. Therefore I think it’s doubtful much will come of this. If that’s how it goes then I will believe him to be innocent.[/quote]
[quote name=cubbiejulie]However, let me say this: As a criminal defense attorney, I have seen very few victims over the course of my career that I didn’t believe. The incidents of women fabricating rape charges are few and far between, particularly when it comes to famous attackers. If I were this woman, and what she says is true, I wouldn’t have come forward immediately, either. And I wouldn’t have done it exactly for the way she is about to be treated by the press, the public, and probably the police and prosecutors. This is going to be no picnic for her. At the same time, let’s keep in mind that Starlin hasn’t been charged with any crime and the presumption of innocence applies.[/quote]
Julie sums up my feelings better than I can.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/06/attorneys-for-starlin-castro-we-are-confident-these-allegations-are-baseless/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/06/attorneys-for-starlin-castro-we-are-confident-these-allegations-are-baseless/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter[/quote]
eh, what else would they say
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]eh, what else would they say[/quote]Good point
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
This is really a turrible situation. I am just not going to pass judgment on him until their is some evidence or an indictment and even then he is innocent until proven guilty
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]My twitter is really depressing right now[/quote]follow less Cubs fans
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It would be a lot better if he was arrested during his session with Darwin Barney.[/quote]I think it’s the same session. (dying laughing)
Point being, this sucks.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]follow
lessfewer Cubs fans[/quote]/when faced with depressing news that temporarily ruins all optimism, regress to grammar policing
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I think it’s the same session. (dying laughing)
Point being, this sucks.[/quote]It sucks, but I’ve been saying it for years: athletes are pieces of shit. Yeah, I know I’m generalizing, but most of them are not people you or I would want to call our friends. There are good ones of course, but unless I know them I just assume they’re all pieces of crap. Because of this I’ve never cared what these guys are charged with. If they’re free and able to play (and good) I’d be happy to root for them on the field while on the Cubs. I don’t mean this to be insensitive to anyone. I’m fairly certain that I would favor much worse punishment for this type of crime than most people here. That’s true regardless of who it is.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]/when faced with depressing news that temporarily ruins all optimism, regress to grammar policing[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Not that it matters or is surprising but the Tribune has yet to add this story to their sports page. Apparently Sullivan hasn’t gotten out of bed yet.
JManQuote Reply
[quote name=JMan]Not that it matters or is surprising but the Tribune has yet to add this story to their sports page. Apparently Sullivan hasn’t gotten out of bed yet.[/quote]It will run in March.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=JMan]Not that it matters or is surprising but the Tribune has yet to add this story to their sports page. Apparently Sullivan hasn’t gotten out of bed yet.[/quote]He’s having second breakfast.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
That’s really spot-on stuff from Julie.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He’s having second breakfast.[/quote]
We might have to wait until elevensies.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Gentlemen,
I don’t normally post although I’m a long time reader of this site and the sites the spawned it. I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the nature of the Cubs season ticket waiting list, especially when it comes to mocking BCB for Yellon’s “sky is falling” routine. I thought this might interest you. I had been on the waiting list for about six years when the Cubs offered a ticket package last Spring. I wasn’t in any place to accept, so I declined and added my name back to the waiting list, which had grown to over 100,000 names. The Cubs called me two days ago to offer season tickets. I turned it down again, and was a little dumbfounded. Either they screwed up their list, or they are burning through it like wildfire. I know that I was supposed to lose my priority when I declined their offer the first time. The ticket agent was explicit that if I said ‘no’, I was going to be removed from the list. Don’t know what to make of this, or what you’ll make of it, but I thought I would share.
EddieQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]We might have to wait until elevensies.[/quote]Stupid fat hobbittses.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]Gentlemen[/quote]This is the worst thing to every happen on this blog.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Castro aside, I missed the fanshot where all conversations must be channeld through a Star Wars or LOTR filter. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]Gentlemen,
I don’t normally post although I’m a long time reader of this site and the sites the spawned it. I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the nature of the Cubs season ticket waiting list, especially when it comes to mocking BCB for Yellon’s “sky is falling” routine. I thought this might interest you. I had been on the waiting list for about six years when the Cubs offered a ticket package last Spring. I wasn’t in any place to accept, so I declined and added my name back to the waiting list, which had grown to over 100,000 names. The Cubs called me two days ago to offer season tickets. I turned it down again, and was a little dumbfounded. Either they screwed up their list, or they are burning through it like wildfire. I know that I was supposed to lose my priority when I declined their offer the first time. The ticket agent was explicit that if I said ‘no’, I was going to be removed from the list. Don’t know what to make of this, or what you’ll make of it, but I thought I would share.[/quote]Wow. In all seriousness, Eddie, that’s interesting stuff. Tom better find a way to turn this thing around quickly.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Castro aside, I missed the fanshot where all conversations must be channeld through a Star Wars or LOTR filter. (dying laughing)[/quote]When last we met, I was but a learner. Now I am the master.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wow. In all seriousness, Eddie, that’s interesting stuff. Tom better find a way to turn this thing around quickly.[/quote]That’s what worries me. I’ve been impressed with the Ricketts so far, but the bottom line has a way of forcing a shift in priorities. Sucking at the major league level is the best way for the Cubs to flood their system with talent, but if it starts to hurt profits, will ownership stay the course?
Also this could be simple oversight and they never took me off the list in the first place. Part of me hopes this was just incompetence.
EddieQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]When last we met, I was but a learner. Now I am the master.[/quote]What’s taters, precious?
/non-sequitr’d
MishQuote Reply
I think it was incompetence, Eddie, or a policy to give decliners a second chance.
I’ve moved up the list quite a bit the last year or so, but they haven’t called yet.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]Gentlemen,
I don’t normally post although I’m a long time reader of this site and the sites the spawned it. I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the nature of the Cubs season ticket waiting list, especially when it comes to mocking BCB for Yellon’s “sky is falling” routine. I thought this might interest you. I had been on the waiting list for about six years when the Cubs offered a ticket package last Spring. I wasn’t in any place to accept, so I declined and added my name back to the waiting list, which had grown to over 100,000 names. The Cubs called me two days ago to offer season tickets. I turned it down again, and was a little dumbfounded. Either they screwed up their list, or they are burning through it like wildfire. I know that I was supposed to lose my priority when I declined their offer the first time. The ticket agent was explicit that if I said ‘no’, I was going to be removed from the list. Don’t know what to make of this, or what you’ll make of it, but I thought I would share.[/quote]
The wait list is an interesting thing. It doesn’t seem to be a straight, you-get-called-in-the-order-of-your-number thing. I hear stories like yours where people have blasted through the list in no time, and I hear other stories where people get the update to their place in line and they’ve moved only a few thousand places (including myself for when I got on about 5 years ago).
My guess is that people who waited longest are getting some sort of preferential treatment, but they are still being threatened with the scare tactics that the ticket office likes to use to make their fans jump when they say so.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wow. In all seriousness, Eddie, that’s interesting stuff. Tom better find a way to turn this thing around quickly.[/quote]I missed the season ticket holder relocation event where I could have walked the stadium and looked at the available seats and possibly move up to something better. I e-mailed the Cubs rep, saying I flaked and wondered if I could still try to move up. Her response was along the lines of “sure, there are still plenty of available seats. Let me know what sections you are interested in and I’ll send you a list of what’s available.” I was surprised by that. A friend of mine made it to the relocation event and he said everybody was trying to move to cheaper seats, partly because of the economy and partly because everybody thinks the team will suck for the next several years.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
It’s possible they might be selective in who they make offers to. They have data on who has bought single game tickets and how many over the years. It’s possible they skip over losers like me who live thousands of miles away from Chicago and buy a couple tickets a year at most, and almost certainly aren’t serious about buying season tickets. Eddie, do you live in Chicago and go to quite a few games? Maybe that’s why they kept you near the top of the list.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]It’s possible they might be selective in who they make offers to. They have data on who has bought single game tickets and how many over the years. It’s possible they skip over losers like me who live thousands of miles away from Chicago and buy a couple tickets a year at most, and almost certainly aren’t serious about buying season tickets. Eddie, do you live in Chicago and go to quite a few games? Maybe that’s why they kept you near the top of the list.[/quote]
Yes to the former, no to the latter. And when I do go to games, it’s almost exclusively with friends. I’ve bought a few seats on the secondary market, but haven’t purchased tickets through the ticket office in years.
EddieQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]Gentlemen,
I don’t normally post although I’m a long time reader of this site and the sites the spawned it. I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the nature of the Cubs season ticket waiting list, especially when it comes to mocking BCB for Yellon’s “sky is falling” routine. I thought this might interest you. I had been on the waiting list for about six years when the Cubs offered a ticket package last Spring. I wasn’t in any place to accept, so I declined and added my name back to the waiting list, which had grown to over 100,000 names. The Cubs called me two days ago to offer season tickets. I turned it down again, and was a little dumbfounded. Either they screwed up their list, or they are burning through it like wildfire. I know that I was supposed to lose my priority when I declined their offer the first time. The ticket agent was explicit that if I said ‘no’, I was going to be removed from the list. Don’t know what to make of this, or what you’ll make of it, but I thought I would share.[/quote]
FWIW, I have been on the list for the last few years and still have not gotten a call, and still am in the 10,000’s.
Snyds01Quote Reply
I’m probably not MLB’s ideal customer. I rabidly follow the team, but rarely spend money on it. I listen to games on the radio when they are on cable tv, don’t purchase memorabilia, rarely go to the stadium and avoid eating there when I go. I was a vendor for a few summers in HS, and the lax food safety standards at Wrigley were just horrifying. I won’t eat anything there that doesn’t come pre-packaged.
EddieQuote Reply
[quote name=Snyds01]FWIW, I have been on the list for the last few years and still have not gotten a call, and still am in the 10,000’s.[/quote]
The process is bizarre.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The process is bizarre.[/quote]Let’s See What Happens
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Snyds01]FWIW, I have been on the list for the last few years and still have not gotten a call, and still am in the 10,000’s.[/quote]
I lied, my wife is in the 10,000’s….I am 41143
Snyds01Quote Reply
yellon is such an ass hat.
wpbcQuote Reply
I don’t know why you have to go and insult ass hats like that.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It sucks, but I’ve been saying it for years: athletes are pieces of shit. Yeah, I know I’m generalizing, but most of them are not people you or I would want to call our friends. There are good ones of course, but unless I know them I just assume they’re all pieces of crap. Because of this I’ve never cared what these guys are charged with. If they’re free and able to play (and good) I’d be happy to root for them on the field while on the Cubs. I don’t mean this to be insensitive to anyone. I’m fairly certain that I would favor much worse punishment for this type of crime than most people here. That’s true regardless of who it is.[/quote]
well said md. athletes are scum. and time and again in my life that has been the case.
in my rush to judgement, i think i sent starlin to the electric chair this morning on twitter. and the reason behind that rush to judgement is because of what you have written above. i’m sorry but i refuse to give these guys the benefit of the doubt because most of the time they don’t deserve it.
wpbcQuote Reply
the comments on bcb are scary. al has already decided this case is the same as kobe bryants rape case.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]I’m probably not MLB’s ideal customer. I rabidly follow the team, but rarely spend money on it. I listen to games on the radio when they are on cable tv, don’t purchase memorabilia, rarely go to the stadium and avoid eating there when I go. I was a vendor for a few summers in HS, and the lax food safety standards at Wrigley were just horrifying. I won’t eat anything there that doesn’t come pre-packaged.[/quote]
I’m the same way. I don’t like spending money (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2012/1/6/2686912/starlin-castro-cubs-accused-sexual-assault#comments
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]the comments on bcb are scary. al has already decided this case is the same as kobe bryants rape case.[/quote]Yes, because after one day and one report we can tell with certainty the two are very similar. I think it’s quite similar to the Mike Tyson rape charges. What a fucking idiot.
mb21Quote Reply
Sniffles…
http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2012/01/06/16-zambrano-says-goodbye/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock] everybody was trying to move to cheaper seats[/quote]
(dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2012/1/6/2686912/starlin-castro-cubs-accused-sexual-assault#comments[/quote]Or, if you don’t want to end up shoving a fork in your eye, here’s twenty minutes of grammar nerdery: http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2011/12/23/english-pronunciation/
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He’s having second breakfast.[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Al realizes that there’s a strong likelihood Bryant really did rape that woman, right? I mean, there was physical evidence. Anyone not named Kobe Bryant probably goes to prison on that one.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I also like how the comparison Al goes for is Kobe and not Rapelisberger.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Al realizes that there’s a strong likelihood Bryant really did rape that woman, right? I mean, there was physical evidence. Anyone not named Kobe Bryant probably goes to prison on that one.[/quote]I thought Kobe was exonerated because that girl went around telling her friends she fucked Kobe? Maybe I’m not remembering correctly. And I’m sure there was evidence. 6’6 black man vs. 5’3 white girl? Probably looked like a gutted squirrel.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mac]I thought Kobe was exonerated because that girl went around telling her friends she fucked Kobe? Maybe I’m not remembering correctly. And I’m sure there was evidence. 6’6 black man vs. 5’3 white girl? Probably looked like a gutted squirrel.[/quote]IIRC, she had physical injuries consistent with rape and there was a bloody shirt the sheriff’s dept “lost.” She made several inconsistent statements, but again, spend some time with people who counsel rape victims (or victims of any sort of physical trauma, really) and you’ll find that’s all too common. And Kobe’s statements weren’t exactly the picture of integrity, either. It was certainly a messy situation, but I can’t imagine any regular dude off the street having gone free with the amount of evidence they had.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]IIRC, she had physical injuries consistent with rape and there was a bloody shirt the sheriff’s dept “lost.” She made several inconsistent statements, but again, spend some time with people who counsel rape victims (or victims of any sort of physical trauma, really) and you’ll find that’s all too common. And Kobe’s statements weren’t exactly the picture of integrity, either. It was certainly a messy situation, but I can’t imagine any regular dude off the street having gone free with the amount of evidence they had.[/quote]No, you’re probably right. I couldn’t remember the specifics of that whole thing. And absolutely any regular Joe off the street would have had a much more difficult path to freedom.
MuckerQuote Reply
At least Starlin didn’t do steroids.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mac]No, you’re probably right. I couldn’t remember the specifics of that whole thing. And absolutely any regular Joe off the street would have had a much more difficult path to freedom.[/quote]The problem with these cases when a high profile athlete is involved is that so many people are invested in the success of that person and that person’s team that it’s almost impossible, absent a smoking gun, to have them found guilty. Just too much money involved.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]At least Starlin didn’t do steroids.[/quote]Can you imagine the outrage that would be spilling out of the Cubs beat writers if he’d just popped on a piss test? But they all sit curiously silent on this one.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The problem with these cases when a high profile athlete is involved is that so many people are invested in the success of that person and that person’s team that it’s almost impossible, absent a smoking gun, to have them found guilty. Just too much money involved.[/quote]So true. Look at Penn St. People had more worries about Joe Pa and Penn State’s football program then the innocence of those young boys. Truly disgusting.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]But they all sit curiously silent on this one.[/quote]That almost makes no sense for obvious reasons.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]At least Starlin didn’t say he retired.[/quote].
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]The Cubs failed to mend his broken heart, and now the dude just hates women.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I was attacked by bees when I was a kid. It was a sunny day and all of a sudden these flies started swarming around me. Before I knew it the blue jays had eaten my ear off.
mb21Quote Reply
Wow. Someone needs to get Sack Man in check.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]I replied with that. Holy shit.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Can you imagine the outrage that would be spilling out of the Cubs beat writers if he’d just popped on a piss test? But they all sit curiously silent on this one.[/quote]Castro would be front page news everywhere if that happened.
mb21Quote Reply
Every strip club by SackMan’s house just put his picture on the wall.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Eddie]That’s what worries me. I’ve been impressed with the Ricketts so far, but the bottom line has a way of forcing a shift in priorities. Sucking at the major league level is the best way for the Cubs to flood their system with talent, but if it starts to hurt profits, will ownership stay the course?
Also this could be simple oversight and they never took me off the list in the first place. Part of me hopes this was just incompetence.[/quote]
The payroll after the current year is going to be 1/2 of what it stands at now. A few less people through the gates won’t hurt that much if the payroll is continued to be whittled down to nothing. Once the team turns to respectable the fans will flock back in droves.
PinetarQuote Reply
The idea that this is about money is ridiculous. Castro made $333,000 last year and he made $444,000 last year. He’s made a grand total of $777,000.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Pinetar]The payroll after the current year is going to be 1/2 of what it stands at now. A few less people through the gates won’t hurt that much if the payroll is continued to be whittled down to nothing. Once the team turns to respectable the fans will flock back in droves.[/quote]yeah, that’s why I’m not the least bit concerned about attendance. The payroll next year is going to be about $100 million, which is close to $50 million less than it was a couple years ago. After 2012 it will probably be closer to $75 million or maybe even less than that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The idea that this is about money is ridiculous. Castro made $333,000 last year and he made $444,000 last year. He’s made a grand total of $777,000.[/quote]
Not that it matters, but I’d be shocked if any chick at any bar in Chicago knew that Castro made less than $1 million last year.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]Not that it matters, but I’d be shocked if any chick at any bar in Chicago knew that Castro made less than $1 million last year.[/quote]True, but if this was about money she has certainly learned he has little of it by this time.
I’d like to know more before I say a whole lot, but this doesn’t look good for Castro to say the least.
mb21Quote Reply
Mike Tice———>Bears O.C.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]Not that it matters, but I’d be shocked if any chick at any bar in Chicago knew that Castro made less than $1 million last year.[/quote]Are you assuming that women as a class don’t know the intricacies of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement? That’s the most offensive thing you’ve ever posted here.
GBTSQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/does-the-zambrano-trade-tell-us-anything-about-a-potential-soriano-trade.html
mb21Quote Reply
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Baseball MemorabiliaQuote Reply