MLB 2018 Season

[jesmu84]

It was pretty much already known, but the Cubs have taken their first steps in launching their own TV network.  They have hired the former president of MSG Network to lead the new channel.

https://670thescore.radio.com/cubs-to-start-own-television-venture-late-2019

I'm hoping for something similar to the WWE Network which has a live 24/7 channel then a huge on demand library, either of which can be streamed to almost all devices.  All for a monthly fee of $9.99. 

Also, WWE Network was built by MLB Advanced Media.

I can't imagine paying $10 for a Cubs channel. To me, the value of a single team is not anywhere comparable to the value of netflix

[DegenerateDish]

OK gotcha.  Didn't realize the extent of their personal and business connections.

The Cubs could end up turning this into a LA Dodgers type situation if they're not careful.

The Witrz's and Reinsdorf's have had (from what it appears) a great business partnership for such a long time, it would be very surprising if the Hawks split from them. I "think" the Wirtz family still has a small percentage ownership in the Bulls, I could be wrong though. I do recall Rocky had sought out Jerry's advice on owning a team, especially early on after Bill Wirtz died.

I did forget that the Ricketts were looking to buy that USL expansion team, which would add content to a Cubs Network.

[TallTitan34]

Both the business and personal relationship that both families have. 50/50 co-owners of United Center, partners in Chicago Stadium Corporation. Behind the scenes the Sox/Bulls/Hawks have already been talking about options of sticking with NBC (most likely) or forming their own network.

Crane Kenney has already commented as well that the Cubs will have to go solo without help from the Hawks/Sox/Bulls.

I didn't realize that it was that deep either.  Good stuff Dish!

[TallTitan34]

Wasn't there talk awhile back of the Cubs purchasing WGN America for their network seeing as it is currently for sale?  They'd already have network in millions of homes across the country.

Any idea if this is realistic?

[SaveOD238]

I did forget that the Ricketts were looking to buy that USL expansion team, which would add content to a Cubs Network.

Does that make sense, though, since US soccer season is in the summer?

[MUDPT]

After last night, 32 games left for the Cubs. If they go 16-16, Cards have to go 20-11 to catch them and the Brewers 20-10.

[DegenerateDish]

Does that make sense, though, since US soccer season is in the summer?

Yeah, no argument here. I’d guess (pure guess) that Ricketts buying into the USL, the league would give the Chicago team preferred game day/times that don’t conflict with Cubs games. I don’t know how many people would tune in, but I could see that playing out.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Yeah, no argument here. I’d guess (pure guess) that Ricketts buying into the USL, the league would give the Chicago team preferred game day/times that don’t conflict with Cubs games. I don’t know how many people would tune in, but I could see that playing out.

Minor leagues games, winter league, spring training, draft coverage, winter meetings, Cubs Convention, Wrigley concerts.  And a lot of infomercials.

[DegenerateDish]

Minor leagues games, winter league, spring training, draft coverage, winter meetings, Cubs Convention, Wrigley concerts.  And a lot of infomercials.

For sure, I think the Cubs will do a great job with the Cubs content. They have really smart guys/gals there, and I think they'll give Cubs fans cool behind the scene type access/content on the platform. They'll also be sure to try to break news there as well.

I've heard something similar about the concerts too, that a new Cubs network would possibly provide concerts from Wrigley on the network.

I said in an earlier post that I'd imagine Kaplan would be the face of the network. I have no idea when his ESPN contract is up, but I would wonder if he'd jump to 670 and then try to do a simulcast of his radio show on Cubs Net. Personally, I don't mind Kap, I'm not a Cubs fan though, but when I am in the car, I don't seek him out.

I'd be curious though, and would argue, the Cubs reach on a national scale is as great or greater than the Yankees and YES Network. With that being said, I wonder if the Cubs would go after a big national name to be the face of the network. As an example, Costas is negotiating an early release from his NBC contract. If Cubs Net gave Costas a baseball interview show (or whatever) and found ways to utilize him, I could potentially see them doing that.

[buckchuckler]

Minor leagues games, winter league, spring training, draft coverage, winter meetings, Cubs Convention, Wrigley concerts.  And a lot of infomercials.

The Dodgers network seemed like it was quite a disaster for Dodger fans. 

[TallTitan34]

Javier Baez is the most popular player at the Little League World Series

https://www.mlb.com/cut4/javier-baez-is-the-most-popular-player-at-the-little-league-world-series/c-291423462

[buckchuckler]

Javier Baez is the most popular player at the Little League World Series

https://www.mlb.com/cut4/javier-baez-is-the-most-popular-player-at-the-little-league-world-series/c-291423462

Can we rename this thread the Javy Baez propaganda thread?  I mean, wow.  Little leaguers like him.  That is interesting.  Sort of, somehow, I guess.

[TallTitan34]

Hahaha excellent.  Wanted to see what kind of response I could get from that.  Better than expected.

[TallTitan34]

Can we rename this thread the Javy Baez propaganda thread?  I mean, wow.  Little leaguers like him.  That is interesting.  Sort of, somehow, I guess.

Guess I should have posted it in the "Who Are Our Children's Heroes" thread. 

[buckchuckler]

Hahaha excellent.  Wanted to see what kind of response I could get from that.  Better than expected.

Well done minister of propaganda. 

[MU82]

Hahaha excellent.  Wanted to see what kind of response I could get from that.  Better than expected.

Good stuff. You slid that one in nicely. Really tagged some Scoopers!

[WI inferiority Complexes]

Can we rename this thread the Javy Baez propaganda thread?  I mean, wow.  Little leaguers like him.  That is interesting.  Sort of, somehow, I guess.

The Little Leaguers obviously didn't see Adam Engle's catches last month.

[buckchuckler]

If you aren't familiar with him, A's 3B Matt Chapman is a superstar in the making.... If he wasn't on the A's he would be already.

[TallTitan34]

If you aren't familiar with him, A's 3B Matt Chapman is a superstar in the making.... If he wasn't on the A's he would be already.

Amazing defense.  Possibly the best in the game.

[jesmu84]

Amazing defense.  Possibly the best in the game.

How is ability to tag?

[MU82]

How is ability to tag?

I was gonna say he is the best tagger on the planet, but I didn't want to get beat up by Baez, the best boxer in all of baseball!

[wadesworld]

Yelich is unreal.

And I’ve never seen a worse call than what the umps made tonight.

[CreightonWarrior]

Brewers pitching is an absolute disaster.

[buckchuckler]

Brewers pitching is an absolute disaster.

It is weird.  Stearns by and large has done a great job, but everyone in the baseball world knew they needed a SP in the offseason.  They didn't get one.  Everyone knew they needed a SP at the deadline.  They didn't get one.  They are paying the price now.  The starters, that were largely overpreforming, are crashing back to Earth and the overworked bullpen is collapsing more by the day.  This was an obvious, glaring need that the Brewers chose not to address and it will very likely cost them the chance at the division and probably even the playoffs.

[GGGG]

Yelich is unreal.

And I’ve never seen a worse call than what the umps made tonight.

After reading their description of the call afterwards, it makes some sense.  For instance, if a player squares to bunt w/ 2 strikes, pulls the bat back and hits a ball foul, he's not out.

I'm not saying it was the right call, but it was understandable.