Ricketts Has Been Busy Improving Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have been going through some changes since Tom Ricketts took control over the team. Many of which haven't been noticed until the offseason. The chairman is still looking for new ways to improve the franchise.
Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts has been busy in the 16 months since his family took control of the legendary team that hasn't won the World Series since 1908.
Under his leadership, the Cubs have searched for new revenue streams, sought state funding to help upgrade venerable Wrigley Field, won financial approval for a new spring training complex in Mesa and searched for land in the Dominican Republic to build a new academy.
Ricketts said he's pleased with the offseason moves made by general manager Jim Hendry, who was operating under a tighter budget. Chicago traded for Matt Garza and signed free agents Carlos Pena and Kerry Wood.
The Cubs had an estimated player payroll of $145 million at the beginning of last season and finished fifth in the NL Central. That could drop by $10 to $12 million this season.
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