Cubs meet the new boss

MESA, Ariz. - Cubs manager Lou Piniella voiced a common theme Tuesday.

No, it wasn't about last year's disappointment or the hope for a better season in 2010.

It was all about having a real, live team owner.

Tom Ricketts and his siblings arrived at Fitch Park for the first day of full-squad workouts. Tom addressed the team, and that in itself seemed to be a gesture that went a long way.

"First time I've seen an owner in four years I've been here," Piniella said. "It was nice having them here. They all said a few words but Tom, basically, spoke to the group. He was inspiring. Talked about how the family would do everything in their power to help the Cubs win, from the training facilities to the things they're doing to Wrigley Field, even to the new dietitian that we have.

"We're thrilled to death, and we're going to do everything in our power to do whatever we can to ensure that we win and to work with them and for them."

Both Piniella and Tom Ricketts addressed the team in the weight room. Ricketts, who took over the team in October after nearly three decades of corporate ownership, also seemed thrilled to be here.

"I think there were two messages," Ricketts said. "One, it's a family ownership now, and we want everyone to feel like they're part of a family, and the second message is we're just very, very excited to get the season started. We think we had a terrific off-season. We have great players and great coaches, and we should have a great year."

Ricketts seemed happy and comfortable talking to the media despite the best and sometimes brusque efforts of a non-Cubs handler to cut the outdoor session short.

When it was mentioned that the Cubs finally have an "actual person" as an owner, Ricketts flashed a sense of humor.

"I pride myself on being an actual person," he said. "One of the messages was that we're around. If there's anything we can be doing better, let us know. And the fans will see us, too. We are fans, and we'll be part of the package at Wrigley this year. We'll be around accessible to both the players and the fans and the coaches."

That kind of message already has resonated with team leader Derrek Lee.

"I think it will help, somebody you can identify with and speak to," said Lee, the first baseman. "They'll be around. I already got a chance to speak with them at the convention (in January). He was asking different questions, and it was nice. We never really had that. I think it can help."

Ricketts added he would spend part of Tuesday looking at possible new spring-training sites around Mesa. However, he did not wish to address the controversy of the so-called Cubs tax on tickets at other Cactus League parks to help fund the Cubs' new complex.

"No, I'm not going to talk about any of that," he said. "I think that we're very, very confident we'll get a solution that works for everybody down here."

As far as Wrigley Field and tradition goes, Ricketts said he doesn't see a conflict between preserving tradition and moving forward.

"I don't think you have to touch any traditions to get better and take it to the next level," he said. "I can't think of any place where there's a real conflict with that. In the field, at Wrigley, there may be some down the line where we make a decision, 'This is the way it's always been, but we can do it better.' But I think with the team, I don't think there's any conflict with it."

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