" We are joined now by the new owner of the Chicago Cubs Tom -- is sitting in our seats in the that's -- hot seat effective by the way Tom thanks for taking time to come by today I think it's great beer and these are very nice chairs."

" Well tell us about you know your. Your vision of the Cubs and you talked about a little bit today about this and I know you weren't you -- particular things you get kind of glossed over a little bit but your vision -- the -- for those who didn't hear your earlier today. Well I mean it from on the field I mean division is to focus on our -- focus our efforts. I'm making the 'cause the best player development organization in baseball I think it all real fans understand that. That is the way you build a consistent winner. Off the field the fact is that we understand there's a special -- and really there's a special there's a special. Feeling at Wrigley and we wanna do everything we can send to maintain that. And in the meantime trying to make him better way for the fans to see the game and adding things for them to do. Making it easier for them to get food making it easier for them to go to the bathroom keeping it clean air. All those things -- I mean it's. It on the field it's a matter of being consistent and getting to the class every year and not to feel that's a matter of just making the best fan experience possible."

" Tell me my assumption is correct -- based on the fact that you are a knowledgeable baseball fan based on the fact that your graduate University of Chicago -- some -- figure a successful businessman. That your philosophy. Of building a team especially seeing which you say about development would fall in line that. With the way the Boston Red Sox like to do things with the -- new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays likes to do things. Perhaps the way the Padres are now going to pursue it and that would be. Relying largely on the quantifiable. Rather than the old fashioned gut feeling not that that has no place. But would you say along of that particular. Spectrum you would fall much toward because the quantifiable using stats and make perceives to deter."

" Berman want to give data no where where I sit anytime the spectrum on that. I think there as an organization we should be very comfortable with. Which which which statistics we focus on and which ones seem to make the most sense -- have the best predictive value. But yeah it -- a balance and in the end it. Then the more you the more you learn about it -- the ways they Italian as some of these. -- is more statistical. Models for slicing and dicing player performance. The more you get into a Canada as well you know it it doesn't really predict much so you gotta have a balance and I think they town. And I don't know where the Cubs fit on that -- my other. But time but I it as a matter of making sure that you understand what he can learn from statistics and what you can't learn."

" Do you need to operate in a profit each year whom you talk about having the B team for generations that tells me you're not looking for a quick increasing franchise value and making money and a sale. And if in fact you are gonna own the team for a long time. How important is it to operate at a profit or at least break even each year. Well the way we look at it is we need to operate at a level where we have some profits because we intend to reinvest them. And Wrigley Field as everyone knows as it is a wonderful."

" Place to watch a game in -- win. Hey everyone I talk to US season tickets once they get to their tickets was there once again to their chairs then they have a great experience. But will we need to do is reinvest money to make sure that experience is available for the next generation of fans and that's gonna cost. And so one thing it's nice about the family ownership relative to the corporate ownership is. You know we we can take the money we make can put it back into the stadium and and we have put is an improved preserve that feel. And improve it and down so you have to make some money just to -- just accept the stadium and but made the team is okay and -- how does the need to pay the debt service as part of -- deal with all of the beat inherited debt. Will that affect the operating budget are -- plans for you to try to paint down some of this debt. Ahead of schedule to take that onus off the team. Right way interest expenses is as a fair amount of money but it's extremely manageable from the team's operations standpoint. He won't have any impact at all. Time -- well we spend for players on the field they may have though it may complicate a little bit some of the money we can reinvest into the stadium. But it's a very manageable sustainable level. And it will manage to balance sheet is as united says as time goes if things are going well in there might be chance and paid a little bit -- that we'll do it. But from you know from. From the fan's perspective -- you know from my from the team perspective it won't be a factor. You know as we look at it you mention that that's what you wanna do before Wrigley opens next -- you wanna get the things -- you talked about the better better and better food better -- a better all of this. Has that money been set aside is that something you would planned on doing news is that money available -- do you need to do a few other things before you have the money to do that. -- there's a budget that I mean there's. We we we can go ahead and make some of these make some of these changes are these that is improvements right away. Way what you really need the bigger dollars for. Is the bigger improvements down the line developing the triangle property reinforcing some parts of the stadium and an improving the stadium. -- a bigger expenses down the line at that time united that we asked do you I'd be prepared to invest."

" You mentioned crane Kenney a couple of times during your press conference today and I'm curious how you feel about the basic structure. Of very NB management do you need it. An executive lay your. Between. You and the general manager Andy if that position is necessary. It is crane Kenney who is frankly not a baseball guy he's a good. Former Tribune lawyer occurred Tribune lawyer is that the way you foresee that position being -- or. Is that a place for baseball person."

" I haven't you know there's no baseball person we're talking about I don't see any issue with the way we have it. I have a very very good dialogue -- Jim Hendry. I don't think -- Adding another person to that mix would add any value at this point. And so I just don't see it I think a lot of people that same question about adding a baseball person but it's never been something we've even considered. But. Crane Kenney will continue in his role in between Jim Hendry and you at the top of the Cubs. He had but it will be around a lot we'll have a lot of dialogue I don't it's hey it won't be as simple case it. They crane is simply interpreting everything Jim says and calling me out. I won't be around I think it worked out just fine. You know would you look ahead you know ever look a little further ahead aside from here you know your obvious stated goals to make this team good every year. More player development victim a contender view there's no reason not to do with -- I had a degree yeah I think that's true. I everywhere you look ahead do you have in your mind already I'm sure you do figure you're smart business guy. Kevin mind how to create this revenue streamers there's just something. You know because if you did you borrow more money for the minors and in an occasional free whenever. It's gonna take a lot of money do you have that plan in your mind already it's just not sharing it quite yet. Well there's a lot of little things that that we can do it there's there's a little bit more we can do in sponsorships and and there's a few ways we can increase revenue in the short run. I've been really that opted to really get the best. They can do what's best -- the -- into increased the most revenue is gonna take some investment in the team and it and -- in the in the -- Parcells. Would it be possible."

" For the Cubs to create their own television network and I'm sure in with the other teams that you spoken with gathering all the information you can see what a money -- that can be I don't know what your obligations are in your -- Current TV deals. But is that something that you are exploring that you're still open to doing to creating an all Cubs all the time TV network. Well I -- you make a good."

" When a lot of the a lot of teams in the league have done him more control over their own own room broadcasting of their own now they're on TV. We NN SI mean it generates a lot of value for some as some of the other teams. We have very long term contracts with our media partners. And they're good contracts in the -- that we intend to run content two to work with them. So there's not really any any active dialogue about starting Cubs channel -- an -- an option for us at the moment so I'm. Tie it's it's Sammy is definitely a way that some teams have done extremely well this is done turnout on -- on the -- for us the I was so you like the Cubs network. Okay -- great idea but. You know we we. You know and that's it would have to take a look at what kind of flexibility there is good and our games are spoken for so it kind of limits how much ability you have to create a really valuable network."

" Your -- vegetative do you understand that there's no real honeymoon period for you -- the Cubs fans they've waited and waited and now you're here in Europe to take you couldn't. We get actually look at a guy knows they say it's America's fault of this -- god does did your thoughts. I mean there's no honeymoon -- you were used at -- it and that is absolutely true. There's no you can look at this and say well you know what do you think can get better because that's that's the way you sound like. They pissing you can be made to happen even with the roster you have now because the bottom line aside from all the talk about money in creating revenue streams and all stuff. Is for this Cubs team to win the damn World Series at some point."

" Yeah no question I and that that is the golf I mean that that's what it's all about. With respect to the honeymoon in them that. Maybe it left ended at 11:15 this morning as I'm concerned. But GM but the fact is that you know after waiting for three years he had this transaction done we're we're ready to jump into. And do whatever we can -- to make the team matter intent. And Q and is trying to build us toward that world. Here's what's the very first thing you're gonna do when -- sandy hit the ground running say okay sort of like when when -- president takes office and can begin signing executive orders. What would be the very first thing and it's on your desk to -- get this done. Well the very first thing we're -- that is some of the stadium improvements. And I think the very first thing I'm gonna do is come tonight have a cries cigar in my backyard and relax after today. The idea but I think did you know Monday morning we've got some stuff to work on in them. The next week we're down an Arizona summoning get a feel for how we and now we look -- player development and and the did not meet all the coaches and -- scouts and coaches so I'm others let's -- right away and maturity very very first thing is enough. Well I think when you look as --"

" Let's -- we appreciate you stopping by the studio -- you know you look at the immediate picture and you say well I. I. I just don't know exactly what's what's it means to to increase the creature comforts. Bucks it's the same point in time he also let you know you look at the finger your payroll remains Massimo over the next couple years and going -- everything -- Again I guess from getting to is sort of a -- rights in this in which he touched on today too with that is still he's going to be Wrigley Field. But don't be shocked if it's Wrigley Field at something else right I mean there's I understand perfectly what you have to do Tom what did you first thing or your -- your ten think there's certain things you just have to be done to compete these days."

" Yeah that that's that's that's a good point and then you know day we we're very loyal to the name Wrigley Field. If there are sponsorship opportunities have meaningful economics to them. To deny that team -- access to that. The minute that has an impact if other teams are doing it they're generating revenue and they're allowed to -- that revenue into into you their players on the field. We have to be really careful that we don't. You know we have to have a balance between maintaining. The hand you know that the history of Wrigley Field now looks. And the balance in the balance and off between the economic opportunities and other teams take advantage as -- we just know we we don't have to be alert to of their Dillon. So I think in the end you know well will make sure that we ever since we do understand what it means to be fan and we do understand what it have to Wrigley is different than the other ballparks. Then. I think we'll find a right down so we'll be able to can navigate navigating those -- spent. But I you know I think it -- fans would mean if you had a door with a sponsorship over it. Announced this if -- you had some kind of thing in the outfield if if if you brought a World Series I don't think the fans would care."

" A lot of revisit the organizational structure question for a moment just to make sure that -- rattling around in my head is rambling news also the right parts here. Quit when you've stated your if you are going to be around a lot Garrett or ownership layer of management going to be around and having some direct contact with Jim Hendry without needing crane -- to sort of relay all the information. It it sounds to me like essentially then. That's lay here isn't going to mean. What it has meant before when the Tribune Co. needed a guy in a suit to beat that guy and do their job because you don't need that. It sounds to me that while crane Kenney will still be there that he clearly will not have the same significance is that fair to say."

" Now I wouldn't say it that way and Jim reports Ukraine Ukraine reports to me. I think led the earlier question -- referring to do you think we know the baseball -- involved in my answer to that was now."

" But he did what his crane -- specifically done to merit a continued rolled back because he's not a baseball. Yeah and he's not responsible for what happens on the baseball field -- Okay."

" You know what being as well let's go you can relaxed optimists will admit that you know what's funny. But I I'm so glad you got his late in the press coverage but -- there are no you know there are no curses there are no that there are no that's. We involved with this team and I'm glad you said it's because something -- to -- they've -- I -- a cub -- a long time some of them actually believe it. How we got to get over that stuff and like I said today meaning if you just gotta look forward. The other they're the reason there's then on a World Series is it either had teams that weren't very good or good teams have -- have very good luck. You know we just have to get over this stuff it's just crazy."

" This may sound like it is sort of answers itself. But I was really wondering in the voluminous. Research that you did indeed deciding to embark on -- this this life changing. Purchase. Did you guys actually research. Reasons why even the Cubs have not to won the World Series and we're we're joking and and entitlements or curses and all that. But it for all the series that they're being about. -- baseball about. Well we did the percentage of developed players -- writing did you really say you know what we think we giving workable model or maybe the beginnings of an explanation. Whether there's some hubris attest to that or not I think good I think in new owner should come in and say that maybe we've got this thing cracked a little bit. What did you learn about what has been standing in the way of this team winning the World Series."

" Honestly we never looked at that question in that context there wasn't a matter of okay why haven't they won the World Series because honestly. How you know that. Is it yeah I really believe what I just said I mean there's a lot of years are there wasn't very good team on the field a lot of years are good teams it. Just in just to have an altogether when the class came around. And what happened in the past isn't important and the fact is that what we know that the way you win a World Series is to be consistently. In the competition it's in the here you gotta get to the playoffs. The way you build a team against the class is to draft the right players develop on the right -- have all the scouts and coaches work together and be consistent with a one another. And how they -- they talked about players and how they develop players. And then that's the way you have the flexibility to maintain a competitive team each and every year and and that's the way get back to the World Series I. I ever really thought we have we have spent my time thinking about the -- look forward with an and we understand what we think. We need to do to make sure they were consistent every year you know physically there really is a fan and you bill lifelong fan of this team. How tempting is it for you to injury in a little bit into this baseball stuff are you going to kind of be the way you are now just. You know hire the right people try to get the best people around you was possible with a new Jim Hendry or somebody else whether they'll do whatever you do -- doing with this thing. Bad not to enter into it so much with your own baseball bridges or beliefs or whatever is that temptation will you do bad at all. I think it's gotta be a temptation for every owner I. You know I I think that the probably have is and you have to fight the temptation because if you insert yourself into some larger personnel decisions and they don't go well. Then then who you hold him accountable. And done and you can't lose that. And then then that chain of accountability otherwise. You know even have what you're independent in and it and a -- nowhere land. -- who's responsible for -- so. To the extent do we have any of those urges we're gonna fight them and -- guys we hire and support make the right decisions."

" You talked to about it accountability today at the press conference and talking about very very high standards. And you also answered a question about who when there should be reasonable expectation of winning the World Series essentially by saying that this team. Has the talent that it takes to make the playoffs and therefore to win the World Series. This team as it stands now is the team that did not make the playoffs. If there is that kind of accountability. The folks who is accountable for this talented team and they've causing what you called at a very painful season."

" Yeah I think they've done."

" from my standpoint the way and we're gonna hold people accounts for accountable for. Is next year and I hate to go back and second guess anything that I wasn't involved with in the past couple years. I think that the guys that that there had to team know how to win -- got to put the right team on the field they know how to manage that team. And when I look at annoying when we look at the people that are there on the team and me is. There's there's enough talent there to win the World Series no question. I mean we have we have very solid team all the way around what we need is the players to perform as -- have in the past."

" And stay healthy and we'll be contenders I think they've had -- as fans should be looking forward to."

" Next season. You have any idea you know I don't the cubs' payroll was right around a 140 million this year. It is that what we're looking at everybody kind of thinks -- I don't know if they you know you well they've got a great source of whatever thinks it. That's kind of what we're looking at make sure we're not looking at you spending a lot of money. Where there are things really changing drastically in terms of what the Cubs and we know how much money is owed to a lot of guys is not much you can do about somewhat anyway. But is that is that the case that -- that's what we're looking at about the same payroll. Yeah roughly the same payroll and and one of the things that that I ever remind everyone on this question it's. It certainly isn't about the amount of money that was spent it's about getting the getting the players to play up to their level. And I think that's AM sunny -- that's who we should be looking forward to next year. I don't think that we'll see any -- we will definitely see a little bit of increase in the payroll for next year bad. You're -- Tennessee has gone -- in and signing some major contract."

" no -- you have other media obligations this afternoon but we certainly do appreciate you taking the time it to join us in studio today. And as a starter weren't at their look -- I would have their say it's better when you can't see us. But hey -- yourself in the NHL -- Just starting out on on the eve momentous joy in my gun in your family so as a wise man once said I wish you way more than luck. Now I very much appreciate that will take we'll take it all right in time building I don't -- I don't know bread -- Morissette OK I don't either. I you know with -- see what happens okay. Tom regular season that we appreciate thanks much good that they slack as he is being new owner of the Chicago Cubs. And you just heard among Boers and Bernstein on WSCR. The score."