Taking Names

For over a year, this site has been telling you that the Tribune was moving closer to a state where a sale of the Cubs would be inevitable. People ridiculed this site for engaging in wild speculation (while they themselves speculated on things from A Rod to Japanese pitching stars).

Then, as time wore on, the expectations "tempered by reality" became more and more real.

Today, Crain's released names of people actually preparing to make bids:

At least two local businessmen — industrialist Thomas Begel and restaurant owner and politico William Marovitz — say they're assembling ownership groups to make separate bids that probably will top $500 million.

Mr. Begel says he's put together a group of 15 partners that includes his industrial conglomerate TMB Industries. "We've lined up some very large investors," he says, declining to divulge their identities.

The problem is, the Trib isn't selling the Cubs. See, back five months ago, a Trib spokesman told us so:

"As our chairman and CEO has said, the Cubs are not for sale," said spokesman Gary Weitman. "They are a major asset to us."

That was this. What does the Trib say now compared to 157 days ago?

Asked whether the Cubs are for sale, Tribune spokesman Gary Weitman declined to comment.

Same guy, different answer. This is just like the old Saturday Night Live skit: The Pepsi Syndrome! In that skit, President Carter is exposed to radiation at the Two Mile Island nuclear plant. After his exposure, a press conference is held to discuss the effect on the President:

Ross Denton: Good afternoon, good afternoon, ladies and gentleman of the press. First, as to the president's condition, let me say that the president is feeling certainly "stronger" than he's ever felt. And he would like to be with us right here, in this room if he could. I think now I'll just open the door to questions-

Female Reporter #1: Yes, is it true that the president is 100 feet tall?

Ross Denton: Nooooo! Absolutely not!

Male reporter #3: Is the president 90 feet tall?

Ross Denton: No comment.

Ross Denton used to work for the Trib, it seems.

The sale of the Cubs is no longer speculation. This is going to happen. Soon. Like, in the next 6 months.

As an aside, Marovitz is married to Christie Hefner. Hefner is CEO of Playboy Enterprises Inc.

Can you imagine the cross-promotions in the 7th inning stretch?