Wrigley Renovations

As Cubs fans, we have grown up to know and love Cubs baseball at one place, Wrigley Field. We know it by the marquee, the ivy, and the scoreboard. We also know it by the neighborhood and the rest of the ballpark too. It is the best place in the world to enjoy a baseball game.

All of the ballparks in the MLB have had renovations or remodeling in some fashion done within the last 10 maybe 20 years. Even the oldest and the best, whether it meant a new Yankee Stadium, or some renovations to Fenway. Speaking of Fenway, Theo Epstein was in Boston when they underwent the colossal project of Fenway. Coincidence that the Cubs also have an aging ballpark? Probably not.

A concept of the new entrance to Wrigley. One of the renovations
will include changing the outside brick back to its 1935 look.

I am open to a little bit of change and curious to see what Ricketts has in mind. The changes do not seem to be extremely dramatic either. Some renovations could include larger concourses, party decks in the outfield, new restaurants, new and improved clubhouses, a jumbotron and more.

As I mentioned above, new clubhouses are in store. I imagine that this is probably towards the top of the list. the new clubhouse should contain batting tunnels, a workout and training room and more. This is great news for the players and the for the entire Cubs organization. The Cubs have been said to have the worst facilities in the league, so this is very good news.

The total project will take place during the off-season over the course of five years. It has an estimated cost of 300 million dollars. This is more than the renovations at Fenway, but hopefully will be worth it.

To see pictures of the plans click the link below.
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2013/1/19/3895106/wrigley-field-restoration-concept-illustrations

Hairston Here in Chicago

Yesterday the Cubs announced the signing of outfielder Scott Hairston. The Cubs have added another outfielder after mentioning the possibility at last weekend's Cubs Convention. Jed Hoyer had discussed the need of depth in the outfield. It seems that the Cubs did not delay in signing.


Last season Hairston hit 20 homers and posted a .263 average with the Mets.

The deal was made for 2 years and now only depends on a physical.

Scott Hairston is the newest addition to the Cubs roster.

Hairston will hopefully be a good addition, but some might be wondering where he will play. Soriano is in left, DeJesus is in center, and Schierholtz is in right. So where does that leave Hairston?? Well the Cubs and Hoyer have said that with Soriano now 37 they would like to give him some time off. Soriano says that the Cubs said the same thing last year, but he played the most games since coming to  the Cubs. It seems likely that Soriano will retain his position in left along with DeJesus in center. I would expect to see Schierholtz take  turns with Hairston.

If the name Hairston sounds familiar to you, it should. Scott is the younger brother of Jerry Jr. who played for the Cubs from 05-06.

To be honest, I do see the value that Hairston can bring to the Cubs, however I am a little scared that he could just be another at most average player. His numbers are not terrible but they certainly are not anywhere close to being great, or even good. I hope that Scott can bring better numbers than last year, and in the following season, because the Cubs did sign him for two years. I wish him the best of luck with his time with the Cubs.