NEWSLETTER
Although the rooftop owners’ veiled threats about a lawsuit cloud things a tiny bit, every source now seems to be in agreement: a Wrigley Field renovation deal is coming.
The AP cites two sources who essentially confirmed everything in the original Sun-Times report (a deal will get done, the Cubs will get most of what they were seeking, Tom Tunney will get his security and parking, and Wrigley will be renovated, starting after the season). Dave Kaplan also jumps on the confirmation bandwagon, saying that sources tell him a deal will indeed be done by Monday.
One of those sources gave Kaplan some details on the negotiations, and on the rooftops having to settle for whatever they could get.
“When the club was sold in 2009, the rooftop owners were warned that they should have approached the Ricketts family to tear up the existing deal and work with the family to find a solution that would allow the Cubs to renovate their park, but at the same time, protect the rooftops and their businesses at best they could,” the source told Kaplan. “They didn’t listen so this is what they are going to have to accept.
“However, this deal is a win-win for everyone involved. Mayor Emanuel can stand up and say that he is bringing in more tax revenue and more jobs to the city and the Cubs get their renovation plan and a huge increase in their revenues through signage, etc. The rooftops get to live out the remaining years of a valid contract that they signed in good faith with the Chicago Cubs and Tom Tunney, and the community gets the increased police protection and a big increase in available parking spots. Everyone makes out well with this deal.”
And, for good measure, and for warm fuzzies, Kaplan quotes a former GM who now scouts for another organization (and who may or may not be Jim Hendry):
“Tom Ricketts has always said that after expenses all of the remaining revenues will be reinvested into the baseball operations department. The thought of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer and a big pile of money is a scary thought. I never thought I would say this but the Cubs are finally going to be the powerhouse that they should have been a long time ago.”
