Venting about a famous Roof

Cub fans,

After last night, it would seem most logical to discuss the 7 prospects on the top 100 prospect list. 

But that is not why I am here today.

Will on the baseball operations side, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Kool-aid known as "the rebuild," I am very frustrated with side 2 of the plan: the renovations. 

As it broke on Wednesday, the rooftop owners are not happy on how negotiations have been represented. This would include a defamation lawsuit for a statement made over a year ago. 

Really?

The rooftops have benefited from being 200 feet from the ballpark their entire existence, and continue to benefit from a inexplicable contract signed in 2003.

On one hand, if the roof top owners are the "Cub fans" I have dreamed they are, don't they see the benefits of the updates to the stadium? A video board would improve the enjoyment for the folks (like myself) who are inside the ballpark. For years, it has been frustrating that you cannot see a replay on an amazing play because there is no where to look for that type of image. With expanded replay officially coming this year, it has been approved for the replays to be put on the video boards on the stadium. Well, that is if you have one.

I get that there is a contract. I get that they are thinking about the business side of things. BUT knowing the type of crowd that uses the rooftops (casual fans), will rooftop goers really be that mad to lose a corner of sight? If with the additional revenue stream, new ballpark facilities, and the young kids playing on the field, the Cubs are contending: wouldn't people pay anything to be in the area of the park at that point? (Ex. 2003,2007,2008)

Maybe it is time to threaten to leave. I love Wrigley field. It is my favorite place on Earth, but if this is the dragged out mess that hinders part 2 of the plan...

You can't hinder a view of a team that isn't there. 

Masahiro what I have to say, I'm Tanaka going to say it twice

Cub fans,

It is an understatement to say that there has been a lot of Tanaka information flying around today. To show our undying devotion, some fans have even tried turning to Google Translate to Tanaka's tweets. 

The point I am trying to make is this: Cub fans care about this deal. I know that this is a very obvious statement, but it needs to be said. I support what Theo and Co. are doing; and I have stated as much before. The problem is, a lot of the behind the scenes action has gone unnoticed. 

To an obsessed fan, the Cubs are making strategy-centered moves that will improve the chances of a self sustainable team that can constantly replace talent in-house. The progress of this statement is easily seen and admittedly impressive in such a short time. 

To a casual fan, the Cubs are not doing everything they can to win. The team hasn't signed a worthy big name player in a few years. These fans still grumble on the silence of the Cubs for Pujols, Cano, and Hamilton. 

Tanaka is the marriage of the two fans. He is the sexy name that some desire, and a young piece that enhances the rebuild. This has generated the hype through out.  It is hard not to drool over that sub 1.50 ERA and that undefeated record at JUST 24 years old!! He has been the subject of every baseball report since the beginning of the offseason. Pitchers like Ubaldo, Garza and others have had to wait for the mania to end to get a serious look. You have everyone's attention.

Now that we are up to speed, what can we take away from this? 

1.) Theo and company WILL spend what is necessary for a piece in the plan. 

2.) The Cubs plan on being the large market team that they are capable of being when the pieces begin to pay off. 

Being mentioned in this discussion has been a reward enough to me as a fan and reinstates my confidence in the ownership and into Theo's plan. Being in the conversation as being a team that will pay for a cog in the plan translates well with a hungry fan base. Even Google would translate it as such.

The wait continues, and I am eager, but content. 

MLK Day

Most Cub fans (including myself) are using today sit at home and anxiously await any additional news on Masahiro Tanaka. All signs from the internet show that we will not have an update until tomorrow.

Here are some additional points and references in Cubs' news...

• In a continuing series by MLBPipeline.com, Cubs' 2B Arismendy Alcantara was named the No. 4 prospect at second base. Head to MLB.com for additional information on the other top prospects at the position. Additionally, I would recommend checking out all the top 10 lists they have on the different position players. Other notable Cubs include Dan Vogelbach (1B, No. 4)  and Javier Baez (SS, No. 2). The lists for 3B and OFs will be out Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. I find this information invaluable for those who have fantasy baseball leagues, for it is good to know and track this list for a midseason lineup boost. Examples of game changers in the past from these lists include Buster Posey, Mike Trout, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Matt Harvey, and on and on and on. Great way to try to get a leg up on the competition
• Cubs avoided arbitrating with Nate Schierholtz, Luis Valbuena, James Russell, and Pedro Strop. Remaining on the list to finish up are Travis Wood, Darwin Barney and newly acquired Justin Ruggiano.

Remember to Check Candid Cubs for Cubs ramblings and updates!

Go Cubs Go!

Come Tanaka my door...

Looks like we will have a formal answer in regards to where Tanaka lands on Tuesday or Wednesday. At the beginning of the weekend, reports were surfacing from other owners in the MLB that the Cubs would shock with their offer. 

David Kaplan tweeted yesterday that he had heard per an AL Scout that the Cubs offer is strong, but the current state of the team will make it hard to convince Tanaka. 

Theo stated on the Kaplan show yesterday in a message directly to Tanaka: "We have a lot of exciting talent on the way and you can be part of the greatest chase for a title in sports."

The clock is ticking as teams have until 5pm Friday to finish a deal. All news at this point is speculative. 

Where do you think the Cubs stand?

Check out this article and video on MLB.com

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/hot-stove-roundup-formal-offers-made-for-masahiro-tanaka?ymd=20140119&content_id=66849696&vkey=news_mlb

Opening Day! (Well opening post!)

Good afternoon North Siders,

As promised, here is the official blog for Candid Cubs. This will be home to opinion based articles and ramblings I have about my favorite north side team on a weekly basis. All opinions expressed on this blog will be my own, and I hope for you to comment to spark debates.

Additionally, I will begin to do some low-grade sabremetrics on players as the season starts. Look for a post tomorrow on updates and opinions on Masahiro Tanaka and my opinions on Clark the Cub.

Go Cubs Go

-CC