News from Wrigley Field. It won't cost more to see the Cubs next year than it did this past year. Why? Just ask Interim-Until-The-Team-Is-Sold-President John McDonough:

John McDonough said last season's attendance was ''a tremendous tribute to our fans and speaks volumes about [their] commitment'' to the team, adding, ''we recognize the importance of our season-ticket holders and to reward you, we have frozen season-ticket prices for 2007."

Gee. Empty seats at the end of last year and the lack of an increase is "a tremendous tribute to our fans." That speaks volumes about demand, not commitment. Does McDonough expect us to believe that, if the Trib didn't think that they could squeeze another $5 million in revenue by raising prices $2 a ticket they wouldn't? Why not suggest that the new ticket prices would go to free agents?

Simple. Ticket prices are purely a function of demand. Prices are set at the point that maximizes revenue and have nothing to do with payroll.

But no increase as a reward to the fans? That may be the second most condescending thing I've ever heard a Cub employee say to Cub fans (first was Jim Dowdle suggesting Cub fans were happy with the occasional "sniff" of a pennant every few years). Our "reward" is not to pay more for crappy entertainment? How about rewarding us with a good team!

Schmuck.

:::UPDATE:::
Nice work over at 1060 West:

So for the record: boycotts and protests don't work. But empty seats sure seem to get peoples attention at Clark and Addison.

Exactly.