MLB’s Revenues Passed $8 Billion This Year and Other Bullets

MoneyIt’s another driving day today – the driving home variety – so, the usual expectations are in place: normal posting, but I won’t be around much in the comments/Twitter/Facebook/etc.

  • While the Chicago Cubs’ revenues remain a relatively opaque subject for debate, Forbes is reporting that revenues for MLB as a whole continue to shoot through the roof. Just a year after the league reportedly recorded revenues in the $7.5 billion range, Forbes says MLB will clear the $8 billion hurdle in 2013, and the figure could go as high as $8.5 billion. That’s astonishing revenue growth in a year when, to my knowledge, attendance didn’t rocket upward. Instead, bigger and bigger TV deals are driving the bulk of the revenue growth – and the new national TV deals don’t even kick in until next season. Say what you will about the waning state of MLB in the public’s consciousness, but, as a business enterprise, it’s certainly a healthy beast.
  • The Cubs reportedly agreed to terms with reliever Jose Veras last night, and Veras confirms the signing to MLB.com with this … calm quote: “There’s a lot of good talent, good guys on that team. Hopefully, we’ll see it’s going to be good. Maybe it’s the same situation as Houston with the Latin guys being young guys who had a lot of talent. I still have to do my job anyway.” Whoa there, Jose. Pull back the reins on the excitement sleigh. (I kid – he’s clearly got a pretty good sense of what lies ahead of him, and he knows that, realistically, the best thing you can say for the 2014 Cubs’ chances of not being terrible involves words like “maybe,” “hope,” and “we’ll see”. But, well, maybe some guys will break out, I hope there are roster amplifications over the next few months, and we’ll see what happens.).
  • Former Cubs pitcher Chris Carpenter, best known as the compensation the Cubs sent the Red Sox for hiring Theo Epstein (to a promotion), has been released so that he can pursue an opportunity in Japan.
  • Cee Angi, writing for Deadspin, discusses the merits of Sammy Sosa as a Hall of Fame candidate, and wonders whether he was really all that good in the first place.
  • There’s a Chicago sports team pushing for the playoffs, and I’m going to highlight it, damn it, even if it isn’t the Cubs. Jay digs (deeply) into the multifarious playoff scenarios for the Bears over at the BN Bears page. Makes me appreciate that baseball’s playoff picture is settled 99% of the time by the old “I won more games than you won, so shove off” metric.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    In a series opener on Monday, Framber Valdez will start for the Houston Astros (21-26) against Reid Detmers and the Los Angeles Angels (18-29), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.Keep scrolling to find out...

    Braves vs. Padres: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, Marcell Ozuna and the Atlanta Braves (26-15) face Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24), with first pitch scheduled for 12:20 PM ET at Truist Park.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    How to Watch Cardinals vs. Orioles: Live Stream or on TV

    The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), led by Brendan Donovan, host Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) at 7:45 PM ET on Monday.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When is Cardinals vs. Orioles and when does it...

    How to Watch Twins vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-22) visit C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (20-25) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:45 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Minnesota...

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday at 6:40 PM ET, William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) play Jazz Chisholm and the Miami Marlins (15-33) at LoanDepot park.See how to watch the Milwaukee-Miami matchup below.When is Brewers vs. Marlins and when does it start?This...

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

    The Boston Red Sox (23-24), led by Jarren Duran, visit Isaac Paredes and the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) at 6:50 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Boston play Tampa Bay live.When...

    Guardians vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) begin a series against Brandon Nimmo and the New York Mets (21-25) at Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starting pitcher Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.See how to watch...

    Blue Jays vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Toronto Blue Jays (20-25), who will give the start to Jose Berrios, host the Chicago White Sox (14-33) with Erick Fedde on the mound, Monday at 3:07 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

    Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Cleveland Guardians and the visiting New York Mets will start on Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET.Guardians vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Guardians Time: Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET Guardians Starting...

    more cubs news