What Happens After The Sale?

The Tribune, which seems more and more likely each day to sell the Cubs, would clearly want an exit strategy for their key people, Andy MacPhail specifically. MacPhail's tenure with the Cubs has been a tremendous success in the eyes of the Trib management. The ballpark is full. The ballpark has expanded its seating capacity, advertising, and multi-year ticket base (skyboxes). The number of night games has increased. More revenue is coming from the museum/restaurant/garage that will be built. The Comcast netowrk is up and running. All home games are broadcast in high definition.

From a corporate perspective, the Trib should lionize Andy MacPhail. He's clearly maximized their investment.

So, what happens to Andy if the team is sold? The Trib would want to take care of him. These guys throw their managers more lifelines than Regis Philbin. Remember Don Grenesko when he was "fired" from the Cubs? The Trib promoted him to the Tribune executive suite.

Well, the Trib post-sale will still have a lot of influence with Baseball, Inc. There seems to be a clear place for Andy to go, one that his work with a media conglomerate would seem to make him a natural. It sure seems like the Trib could work out a plan for Andy to get this job.

Once the team is sold, Andy MacPhail will replace Bud Selig as the Commissioner of Baseball.

He's perfect for the job. He's got pedigree. He’s got experience in both leagues. He's worked small and large market. He's worked with TV and radio. Hell, he's such a natural fit that he may get the job even if the Cubs are not sold.

Andy for Commish in 2009. Mark it down.