My January 19 column from CBS Chicago …
(CBS) For Cubs fans, it’s time to convene.
But for the Cubs? Well, apparently, it’s time to count beans.
On Friday evening, the 2013 Cubs Convention fan fest kicked off at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, just one day after the team’s owners announced that they would like to build a hotel next to Wrigley Field on a plot of land currently occupied by a McDonald’s.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the intent of the hotel proposal is to sweeten the Cubs’ bid for tax incentives and other government assistance to help pay for a $300 million renovation of Wrigley Field, which turns 100 years old in 2014.
As an eight-year resident of Wrigleyville, I have no problem with a hotel being built at that location. Seems reasonable. And as a lifelong fan of Wrigley Field, I’m in strong favor of the ballpark getting a long overdue overhaul. Its need is undeniable.
But what I don’t like is how the Cubs – fresh off a woeful 101-loss season – are busy talking about revenue streams and financial concerns at a time when they should be talking about, you know, baseball.
Continue reading at CBSChicago.com …