Chicago Cubs

In the Cubs' 133 year old history, the team has been owned by one of the founders of the National League, a sporting goods mogul, a chewing gum company, and a media company. The newest owner to the list, a family of Cubs fans.

On Tuesday, Tom Ricketts officially took control of the Cubs and 25-percent of Comcast Sportsnet. The deal was valued at $845 million.

Family members Todd, Tom, Pete, and Laura will form a board of directors. The Tribune Company will hold a five-percent interest in the team and sit on the board. Tom Ricketts will be the chairman.

First of all, here's a link that will help us establish a proper frame of reference. The sheet attached is from Cot's Baseball Contracts, a valuable source for contract information for baseball players. It breaks down the 2010 financial obligations of the Chicago Cubs.

According to this breakdown, the Cubs are already obligated to $119 million in 2010, a number that's down from the nearly $135 million it reached this past season.

The Chicago Cubs have announced a press conference for Friday to introduce new owner Tom Ricketts. But allow me to provide an early glimpse into what type of owner he is likely to be.

First off, just who is this guy who plunked down an estimated $642 million (out of the total bid of around $900 million) to buy the Cubs?

This off season, the Cubs have a lot of problems to take care of. They need a second basemen, an outfield, some pitching, and some hitters. In relation to the holiday spirit, I thought I might as well create my wish list for the Cubs for this 2009-2010 off season.

In this list, I will highlight the players I wish the Cubs will add and the players I wish they will get rid of. Take a look.

NOTE: I name multiple people at the same position. I know that. I'm not saying sign every single person on this list. I'm saying these are the people I at least want the Cubs to look after.

This is the worst news I have heard in a long time as a Cubs fan.  Yes, worse then Aramis Ramirez out with an injury or when D-Lee got hurt a couple years ago.  Milton Bradley could be back as a Cub in 2010.

Why?

Former Texas Rangers hitting "guru," Rudy Jamarillo is going to be the new Cubs swing coach in 2010.  Apparently, he has a good standing relationship with Bradley, so this can't hurt right?

Wrong.  I could care less about Jamarillo's relationship with Bradley.

Milton Bradley and his contract didn't work out for the Chicago Cubs. Gee, who didn't see that coming?

The Cubs want to get out from under Bradley's contract, and pick up something useful in return. They have very little payroll flexibility and need a lot of things, including talent (zing).

The best-case scenario for the Bradley saga to end on the north side, while adding a needed piece, exists. Yes, it does, and it exists north of the border.

Vernon Wells.

Two weeks ago, I begged other Cubs fans to watch John Lackey pitch this October.

After his performance both on the mound and leaving it Thursday night, I again step before Cubs Nation at large and submit that Lackey should be Cubs' GM Jim Hendry's top target in free agency this winter.

Sigh. After the lost season for the Cubs, I could have easily stayed away until the organizational meetings next month. But when someone delivers you a gift, such as the Cubs in signing Rudy Jaramillo to serve as the new hitting instructor, you're obligated to say "Thank you!"

It's official. The quick courtship of Rudy Jaramillo by the Chicago Cubs added up to a three-year deal worth reportedly $800,000 per season on Wednesday morning.

The salary makes Jaramillo the highest paid coach in baseball.

Jaramillo comes to Chicago with an impressive resume, having coached 17 Silver Slugger Award winners in 10 seasons. He is considered one of the most respected coaches in the game.

It's the middle October, which means fans of the Chicago Cubs have followed their annual calendar and started investing their time in football and hockey about three weeks ago. But this year, there's some baseball of interest being played.

In Arizona.

The Arizona Fall League is under way, and Cubs fans should at least check in to see how the "future" of the franchise is doing. Third base prospect Josh Vitters, regarded by many as the jewel of the Cubs' system, is playing for the Mesa Solar Sox.