Ricketts siblings try hard to smooth over touchy subjects
Facing fans at the Cubs Convention for the first time in five years, co-owners Tom and Laura Ricketts were prepared with preemptive strikes for most every controversial topic.
Before opening it up to questions from fans on Saturday morning at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, the Ricketts siblings praised team president Jed Hoyer and the tough decisions he made, highlighted the club's charitable efforts and defended the amount of money spent in free-agency this winter.
"The last 15 World Series winners all had top 10 farm systems just before they won," Chairman Tom Ricketts said. "That's really how you build a base and how you build sustainable success."
Added Laura, "It's tempting to want to throw a bunch of money to make the fans happy, but it's not necessarily going to get you where you want to go."
Tom credited Hoyer for having an "incredible offseason." Laura shared how she cried when Anthony Rizzo was traded in 2021.
"But I knew it was right thing to do," she added.
Moderator Marquee Sports Network's Cole Wright tossed out $271.8 million, the amount the Cubs spent on free agents. That's a decent amount of money for teams other than the Mets, Phillies or Padres.
"I think we have a great shot at competing for our division," Tom said.
Crowd reaction was fairly tepid, but a couple of topics drew stronger reactions during the Q&A: The soon-to-open sportsbook on the southeast corner of Wrigley Field, and the frozen relationship with former MVP Sammy Sosa.
The first questioner complained about the sportsbook ruining the aesthetic at Wrigley. The third audience member to reach the mike wanted to know if gambling revenues will be used to improve the product on the field.
"I certainly hope the sportsbook will give me the kind of money (Mets owner) Steve Cohen has," Tom said. "Ultimately that money does go to the payroll."
When a fan asked why so many improvements at Wrigley Field are geared toward high-end customers, Tom Ricketts pointed out the Cubs tore down the McDonald's on Clark Street, but brought it back on the ground floor of the boutique hotel that stands in its place.
"I don't think we've taken away from neighborhood experience," Tom said. "I don't think we left anyone behind."
The biggest fan reaction came from multiple questions about Sosa and whether the Cubs will ever honor him in the team's Hall of Fame or even invite him back to Wrigley Field. The Cubs have kept their distance since Sosa left amid accusations of steroid use by several of MLB's best sluggers of the 90s.
"I think there are two sides here," Tom Ricketts said to a smattering of jeers. "Obviously the Hall of Fame voters believe there are two sides to this story. I'd like to get behind this as well, but I just want to be thoughtful about it and do it in a way that's respectful to the people who love Sammy as a player, as I do, and people who respect the game too.
"I think there's a balance there somewhere and maybe we'll find it at some point. I don't think final chapter is written on this. We'll always be open-minded to find a way that works for everyone. For the time being, I don't have any updates on it."
Hendricks expects delay:
Kyle Hendricks shared an update on his rehab process after missing the second half of last season with shoulder soreness. He started throwing lightly on Dec. 1 and probably won't be ready for the start of the season, but hopes to make his debut in April or May.
"We're really not putting a day on it," Hendricks said. "I should (throw) off the mound here in the next few weeks, sometime in February or March. Once I get there, that will set me up to see where I'm going to project. The focus is at the end of the year, being as strong as I can, just being full health."
Jed Hoyer said he expects outfield prospect Brennen Davis to be full speed for the start of spring training after he missed most of the 2022 minor-league season with a back injury. Reliever Codi Heuer, coming back from Tommy John surgery, is hoping to be ready by midseason.
Around the horn:
The Cubs announced Shawon Dunston and Mark Grace as the new additions to the team's Hall of Fame for 2023. ... The best question from the "Kids Only" session was directed at Clark the Cub: "Why are you here? Aren't bears supposed to hibernate in winter?" Clark was stumped and stayed quiet, as usual.
Twitter: @McGrawDHSports