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Here are some updates from the past few days in case you missed out on anything Cubs related. First of all, the Ricketts family now owns 100% of the team.
The partnership structure that came with the purchase of the Cubs lasted at least until 2019, and big news today: the Cubs have bought out the 5% stake the Tribune still had in the Cubs as part of that partnership. Ricketts Family owns it all now. pic.twitter.com/LKkvz2Ro3C
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) January 25, 2019
So, with that 5% it means they can finally go after Bryce Harper, right? Not quite. Cubs Insider explains.
The dissolution of the partnership will have several ramifications on the Cub’ finances and payrolls going forward. For example, I explained in a previous column that the leveraged partnership needed to stay leveraged (a fancy word for being in debt) for tax reasons. Thus, the Cubs hold about $425 million in debt, on which they pay around $30 million per year in interest. With the Tribune gone, the Cubs are now free to pay off the debt and avoid that annual expense. This obviously could free up extra money for future payrolls.
There’s been a lot of talk about the new TV network and other revenue streams, but keeping money around to pay off existing debt may be part of the reason the Cubs’ baseball operations budget was so low this offseason.
All right. Could definitely mean it frees up money in the future. Can’t wait for the Mike Trout pursuit.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Speaking of hall of famers, Lee Smith was voted in and his Hall Of Fame Plaque will have a Cubs hat.
Hall of Fame confirms Lee Smith will have a Cubs hat on his plaque.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) January 25, 2019
The Cubs also hired former pitcher Aaron Sele. He used to be with the Marlins and decided to leave that shit show. Sele was also a scout for the Dodgers.
Aaron Sele carries respect through all the baseball community, left the Marlins ten days ago because of a lack of said respect, and is already hired by the Cubs.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) January 25, 2019
While the Cubs haven’t made any huge signings to help improve the bullpen, they have added a few arms this past week. The most prominent name is Brad Brach.
The Cubs then signed George Kontos and Junichi Tazawa to minor league deals.
Cubs Sign Free Agent George Kontos…Who Has A Connection To Steve Bartman
Cubs free agent Justin Wilson also signed, joining Chili Davis with the Mets.
Justin Wilson Is Gone, But What If The Cubs Re-Signed Their Other Free Agent Lefty
On Saturday, MLB Pipeline released its top-100 prospect rankings and the Cubs actually have two players on the list!. First-round pick Nico Hoerner barely made the cut at No. 100, and catcher Miguel Amaya was ranked 94th.
Cubs’ Amaya #94, Hoerner #100 https://t.co/zKHtGzTm7G
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) January 27, 2019
Talked more about them on our latest episode of the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast and how the Cubs have a few other young pitching prospects who may end up contributing at the MLB level in 2019.
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⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/z9sLDan22y
— Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast (@PinwheelsIvyPod) May 17, 2018
Finally, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the American League, the NL Central, Cubs are hated all around.
Worst fans in baseball? Nicky Delmonico says “Cubs fan” and the panel agrees. #SoxFest2019 pic.twitter.com/3PpKll7rfm
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) January 26, 2019
Just gonna leave this here. #BrewersOnDeck pic.twitter.com/DiHegkPMWz
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 27, 2019
Oh and one last thing. So, the Padres seem to be going for it, in trade talks for J.T. Realmuto and they’re now in the mix for Manny Machado too. That could effect the Cubs, as the Padres reportedly had interest in trading for David Bote and the Cubs could use a backup catcher.
Padres Seem To Be Going For It Which Could Have A Trickle Down Effect For White Sox And Cubs
Seems like February will be the month when the star players will sign.
Aaaaaaaand, that’s all for now.
