North: Bleacher delay typical for Cubs
I'm going to have some fun today, because I'm writing about something I'm not completely up on.
Well, I know some people are saying, 'gee Mike - are you just finding that out now?'
But seriously, didn't everyone know that the construction of the new outfield bleachers at Wrigley Field wouldn't be completed for Opening Day?
I can't resist poking some fun. It's typical Chicago Cubs, isn't it?
It seems the left field bleachers will be ready May 11 and the right field bleachers in late May. About 2,000 season-ticket holders people will be inconvenienced, and maybe in their world that's not a big deal.
Cubs president of Business Operations Crane Kenney, the chief honcho of all things construction, commented: "We're rebuilding a 100-year-old facility, there's going to be inconveniences for everybody. It's just a reality."
Not the fans, Crane! Of course, not surprisingly, the video boards will be up and running. Those boards produce money and the fans' money comes in a distant second to those dollars.
Now I'm starting to wonder whether the baseball will be rolling into the street during the game where the Cubbie vultures will be waiting to catch a home run? Will there be a fence or something to prevent that?
All kidding aside, I thought the Cubs should have played elsewhere for a year or maybe at least until midsummer. Then there would have been no pressure - heck they could have leveled the barn and built a replica.
Look, I already said I'm clueless when it comes to this stuff, but I think the Cubs are too.
A good fit for Cutler?
John Fox was a nice hire for the Bears because they needed an experienced coach with proven skills at putting together an organization.
I really can't believe I'm saying this, but it might just work out for Jay Cutler.
Cutler will be on his fifth set of offensive coordinators, and in fairness to him that can't be much fun. If Cutler comes back (and there is a good chance that will happen), a new regime just might be able to unearth and stabilize his talent.
The Bears ranked 30th in rushing attempts this year, and with that defense it should have been a priority to run the ball more. With a tough NFC North division, they will need to crank it up to compete, and hopefully Fox will see that.
I'm just pleased that new GM Ryan Pace hired a head coach with experience - for the first time in 50 years.
I don't blame Fox for not winning the Super Bowl with the Broncos. He didn't have a closer there like Tom Brady or Russell Wilson. With a 46-18 record in Denver, and one of just six coaches to lead two different organizations to the Super Bowl, I'm welcoming him to Chicago. Let's hope it works.
Program notes:
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