One More Step Forward

Proposed site for new stadium...or something like this at least.

The city of Mesa approved the proposal to the Cubs yesterday on a vote of 7-0. Where the money will come from is still an issue, although the proposed sites of Elliot/202 or Recker/202 are both within a couple miles of my house, so I'm pretty stoked. The Cubs still need to approve the proposal, which is expected to happen by Friday.


In other Cubs news, Xavier Nady is now a Cub. Cubs cuties around the country cursed the signing, as gritty White Slice (Reed Johnson) will no longer be a Cub. Ben Sheets was also picked up by the A's, where he will be the Cubs season-round trade rumor until he ends up on the other side of town.

So good news, and news news. Not too bad of a day.


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Cactus League Spring Training Guide - Phoenix Municipal Stadium

Away we go into the magical (not really) city of Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix Municipal Stadium is the spring home of the Oakland Athletics. Phoenix Muni is located just off the Loop 202 at Priest Dr. near Papago Park.

I want to start things out by stating that I have never seen a game from the stadium. It's in a nice area but other than that there is not much exciting about seeing a game there. It is a fairly small stadium with a capacity of 8000 but that works out well because parking around the stadium can be tough. I highly recommend using the light rail to get to the game if it's an option.

Where to be pre-game...

The proximity to Tempe leaves all of the options I mentioned in my previous post about Tempe Diablo stadium doable. Kind of a cop out but I am going to leave it at that.

Stadium experience...

Not much I can say here. I have never been insides the stadium and probably won't make it this year. If you are a fan of any team other than the A's I would only recommend going if it is your team they are facing. There are plenty of more interesting stadiums to go to.

Where to be post-game...

Only one place I would want to be. Papago Brewing Company is one of the best bars in the greater Phoenix area. They feature around 30 beers on tap and 1 cask selection at all times. This is on top of a huge selection of bottles. About half of the draft beer is what I would deem rare. Like most of the places I selected to share it does not look like much from the outside. It is located in a strip mall so make sure you pay attention when looking for it.

Angry's favorite restaurants...

• Pizzeria Bianco - The best pizza in Phoenix and probably the southwest.
• Los Dos Molinos - HOT New Mexican food. Delicious.

GO CUBS!
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One Small Step For Cubdom, One Giant Hurdle for Arizona

How could this NOT go wrong?

The city of Mesa revealed their proposal to keep the Cubs in Arizona yesterday. The plan goes to a vote on Monday. (Does anything good ever happen on Monday?)

The new stadium would seat about 15,000 and the overall facility would cost up to $84 million, according to the agreement. The Cubs would pay anything that exceeded that.

The team’s five-member board of directors meets this weekend but the Cubs told Mesa they will make the decision only after the Monday vote, Brady said.

The decision would give Mesa exclusive negotiating rights while a more formal deal is worked out. Also, the legislature must approve a bill to direct tourism taxes to the new facility and Mesa voters would need to approve elements of the deal.

The key to the deal that is if the Cubs agree, Mesa would be given "exclusive negotiating rights," effectively ending negotiations with Naples.

Here are the details:

An $84 million plan unveiled Thursday to keep the Chicago Cubs in Mesa includes:
• Stadium
• 13,500 to 15,000 seats
• Team facilities
• 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, with state-of-the-art training/offices/meeting facilities
• At least two Major League-sized practice fields
• At least one practice infield
•Agility field
• At least 16 batting tunnels
• At least 16 pitching mounds
• Temporary living spaces
• Team/public facilities
• Four full-sized practice fields
• Major League-quality lighting

Other highlights:
• Complex would be on at least 100 acres; site unknown
• Up to 4,000 parking spaces (up to 3,500 provided by Mesa)
• Mesa owns stadium
• Cubs control facility operations and development of “Wrigleyville West” commercial village
• Cubs get exclusive naming rights and advertising revenue

Financing:
• State and city bonds; amounts and terms not disclosed

Key hurdles:
• City Council vote - Monday
• State legislation - this session
• Citywide bond election - expected in November

Dave Kaplan, Bruce Levine, and the Tribune are all reporting that the deal is basically done. But wait, notice that the part about where the money will come from is not disclosed. If you live IL, think of your state's budget problems and then realize that AZ is in the same amount of debt as you guys. While the Cubs bring a projected $50 million worth of business state-wide in just a month's worth of time, Arizona citizens are notorious for not voting to increase taxes. Just too many old people more worried about their bridge games than wanting to keep the economy alive. This could be the major hurdle that kicks the Cubs out of the Cactus League and to Florida, where they seem more than willing to throw any amount of money the Cubs way. That being said, a promised $84 million dollars is a pretty sweet if the money can be found.

So don't get your hopes up too high, the deal is close, but just as it took the Ricketts WAY more time to get the financial hurdles of purchasing the Cubs finalized, it might be a while before it's certain that the Cubs will indeed stay in Mesa.

Stay tuned, and stay classy Cubs fans.



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Favre Fan Fail #3: Little Kid Edition

If the kid is such a fan, why doesn't he have his own Favre jersey?

Remember that stupid kid that wore his Favre jersey for 2 years straight? Thanks to NFL announcers basically fellating #4 every chance they get, now a kid in Minnesota thinks Favre is God. GFY!

Eight-year-old Andrew Brower of Kimball obviously had football on his mind at Sunday School. With plenty of purple crayons, he created a picture of Jesus with his disciples at a recent Sunday School class. Andrew put all of them in Vikings jerseys with Jesus, of course, wearing #4.

"I just thought of it because Brett Favre is the quarterback and Jesus is like the quarterback of the world," Andrew said.

Andrew's prediction, by the way, Vikings win this Sunday and go on to win the Super Bowl.

Sorry Andrew, they won't even make it past this Sunday.


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Keep the Cubs in AZ: Selig Might Not Be the Biggest Idiot After All

See, Spring Training isn't all about beer and scantily clad women...who are we kidding, of course it is.

According to FOX news in Phoenix, the Cubs are "99% sure" to stay in Mesa. This comes after the other owners and Bud Selig himself have told the Ricketts family they would prefer to have the Cubs remain in the Cactus League. Being the new kids on the block, I would hope the Ricketts family listens to the old boys.

A source close to the Ricketts' family, the current owner of the Cubs, says they're 99 percent sure the Cubs are staying in Mesa for spring training.

The Cubs have expressed desire for a bigger and better training facility, and have tossed around the idea of moving to Florida after their contract is up at Hohokam Park.

The commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig, reportedly told the Cubs he’d prefer they stay in Mesa.

Obviously, I'm biased about the situation. As Arizona is the home to all three of the Idiots, there is nothing I look forward to more during the year than the month long party that is the Cubs Spring Training. I have only been living out here for three seasons, but each year is better than the last. As Angry has reported, it's not only the games at Hohokam that make the Cubs a great draw in AZ, but the other parks as well. While the current facility is adequate for the fans, the team definitely needs a top-of-line field and training grounds that is similar, nay, better the new parks being opened around the valley. They are by far the number one draw for the Cactus League and nothing is more fun than hanging out with Cubs fans who have migrated here as well as those who have traveled to get away from the snow and cold temperatures of Chicago.

The Idiots and friends put on a great tailgate (thanks to Angry's equipment), the games are relaxed, the players seem to always be in a good mood and you can even see Lou smile once in a while as he dodges foul balls lined back towards him (the coaches usually sit on the backstop away from team in the dugout). This is definitely good news not only for Cubs fans living in the valley, but as I see it, for Cubs fans everywhere who travel to see Spring Training. With the hurricane season, long travel times and now increased taxes that Naples is proposing, Mesa is not only a more fun town to see the Boys in Blue, but also a cheaper option.

For more about the Cubs and their Spring Training battle, waxbeerpapercup has been keeping the Cublogosphere updated daily. To join the fight to keep the Cubs in Mesa, a couple of groups have been started on facebook:

Keep the Cubs in Mesa for Spring Training
Keep the Cubs

While you're there, why not join the College of Idiots fan site as well.

Go Cubs!


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Cactus League Spring Training Guide - Tempe Diablo Stadium

Alright let's start the fun with the Spring home of the Los Angeles (Anaheim...whatever) Angels. Tempe Diablo Stadium is nestled into some buttes on the outskirts of Tempe, Arizona. Located off of I-10 and US-60, Tempe Diablo is easy to find but very difficult to get into and out of due to the lack of access streets. Yeah, that nice mountain view comes with a price.

Where to be pre-game...



I recommend getting to Four Peak Brewing when they open at 11am on Mon - Sat or 10am on Sun. They have a nice selection of craft beer with the personal COI favorites being Kilt Lifter and The Raj IPA. Four Peaks provides everything you need to get you primed for the game from a nice strong ale to some tasty appetizers.

Stadium experience...



Tempe Diablo has a really nice shot of the Buttes out in left field. It also has an excellent shot of I-10 in all its glory just beyond the right field fence. All and all, the stadium blends in as well as most built into a mountainside. Parking generally sucks which is why I recommend getting there early or in the 2nd inning to avoid the craziness. Inside the stadium there is a decent food selection on the concourse down the left field line. The beer selection is middle of the road with usually 2 craft beers to compliment the Miller/Bud crap that appears in every stadium. All in all, food and beverage do no shine in Tempe.

Where to be post-game...



This is an easy one. One of the best small bars I have been to in the Tempe area is Taste of Tops on University just west of the ASU campus (approx 2 miles north and 3 miles east of Diablo). ToT has a rotating selection of 12 rare craft beers and a huge cooler stocked with craft bottles. The bar will open any of them and I am willing to bet they would open anything you could find in their brother store next door, Tops Liqours. If you are into craft beer at all this is a must stop. I recently discovered this place and wouldn't go anywhere else in Tempe.

Angry's favorite restaurants...

• Four Peaks Brewing Company - See above.
• Chompies Bakery and Deli - Awesome sandwichs and baked goods
• Oregano's - Decent deep dish pizza, especially for the southwest

GO CUBS!




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Hey Kids: Take Your Steroid Advice From Grace

This one might have fallen through your radar if you were as busy at work this week as I was, but Mark Grace went on the DP show this week and discussed (what else?) steroids and Big Mac. Here are a few choice quotes on why the Cubs first baseman and consistent Scottsdale clubber didn't take the roids:

"I like my sex life," Grace said. "I want to be able to perform. It's kind of funny, but it's not. That stuff will tear you up as far as your manhood is concerned."

"Guys were just missing balls and they're still home runs. It's not fair,"

That's right kids, if you want to have kids, or at least the potential to get a woman to commit the act that could potentially lead to kids, don't do steroids. And maybe someday you too can get a St. Louis bartender to tattoo your name on her lower back.

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Cactus League Spring Training Guide - COI Style

I have decided to share a little of my knowledge on how to properly experience the Spring Training locations in the East Valley of Phoenix. It's pretty much up to be to provide this information considering the other Idiots can barely manage to prepare for a tailgate that I bring 90% of the equipment to.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area, that covers Hohokam Park in Mesa (Cubs), Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix (A's), Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale (Giants), and Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe (Angels).

The following will be covered with each entry:

• Where to be pre-game
• Stadium experience
• Where to be post-game
• Angry's favorite nearby restaurants

If you have never been to the Phoenix area, or Spring Training specifically, you will likely find this guide full of useful information if you are looking for an all-around great experience. If you are well versed in the offering of the area you might want to read the entries too, as I am planning on sharing some interesting stories.

Expect the first location this weekend. It will either be Tempe Diablo or Phoenix Muni. I'm torn as I have been to a handful of games at Diablo but none at Phoenix Muni. If you happen to be an A's fan don't worry. I know the area surrounding Phoenix Muni pretty well and what I will lack in stadium experience I will make up in the other categories.
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The Hawk, the Hawks, the Eagles, the Cardinals, the Ravens and the Jets...this post is for the birds (and a plane, it's a flying theme).

The Hawk hat controversy continues on the monster-webs. A couple of links, many comments, and some insight from the boys over at TMS have led this intrepid reporter to report that it basically breaks down like this:

Cubs Cap Contenders:
• Cubs fans that don't care about what Dawson's stats were.
• Cubs fans that care about the stats, but the Hawk was their favorite Cubs player.
• Andre Dawson himself (follow the links above).

Montreal Mugs Manifests:
• Cubs fan that care about WAR, OBP, ODB, & OPP (you down with OPP?).
• Really old people that remember his Expos career.
• People that hate the Cubs.

The problem is this, both Cubs fans (mostly) and the Hawk himself want the bust to have the Cubs logo, but purists all point to numbers and influence on a team. I guess it will be a long discussion, but as most true Dawson fans point out, it's not about the cap, it's about the man, and they could care less either way.

______________

Now onto the Blackhawks, who half-way through the season (almost) are the best team in the NHL, have the biggest goal differential, have won 5 straight games and are looking like the favorite for the Cup this year. I STILL have yet to see a game this year (although with the Sunday Ticket expiring, I might as well keep that DirecTV bill high and order the NHL package), but my awesome Mom keeps me informed via texting of during every game. That being said, I wish I had more on the Hawks, but I don't, besides that this seems eerily familiar to a certain Cubs team that went an entire season dominating the competition, only to fall on it's face in the playoffs. If it wasn't for that goat...where was I was going here?

______________

And finally in our Aves Postes (that's latin for "bird post" right?), we come to the Wild Card Playoffs, which will feature three rematches from last week. This week we bring in Harry Caray, who called many of the Hawk's great games...Dawson that is, not the Blackhawks.

Harry: Thanks, Ginger. This week's Bud Light Predictions is a tough one. But first, I would like let the fans know that Dawson should wear a Cubs hat to Cooperstown. Screw those Canucks. Let me tell you a story about this one time Dutchie and I went to Canadia. They have great beer up there in the North though, they would stay up late with me, throwing back the brews and the ladies, let me tell about this one time.

(Knock at the door, it's Steve Stone)

Stone: Whoa, there Harry. Let me take it from here. In the first rematch, we pit two aging quarterbacks against each in other in the battle between Kurt Warner and Brett Favre as the Packers take on the Cardinals in AZ.

(Knock at the door, it's Tim Tebow)

Tebow: You know Stoney, you're wrong again. Stop lying to the public. God hates liars. And Je--

(Rick Stanzi bursts into the room, Colt McCoy following tissues in hand)

Stanzi: AMERICA! NUMBER ONE! YEAH!

McCoy: Stop it, Rick. Timmy is right. God has a plan. And in His plan, he chose to not let me play. BUT CHECK OUT MY SMOKING HOT GIRLFRIEND.

(McCoy's girlfriend walks into the room with her sorority sister)


....
....
....

Well, it looks like everyone here has forgotten about the predictions. Plus this skit was going nowhere fast.

EAGLES, CARDINALS, RAVENS, & JETS to advance (you could have just read the title, dumbass).

Go Cu...Bea...Bul...Blackhawks!!!


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The Hawk Flies Above The Rest

The Hawk is in!

I wrote a post about a month back in which I got a little riled up about whether or not Dawson should go into the Hall as a Cub or Expo. If you need a reminder, the boys over at ACB were calling outrage if he made it as a Cub. The basis of this was on one thing only: WAR. WAR is your value to your team in WINNING games. Let me repeat that, it only counts if the team WINS. Apparently you have no value to a team if it is losing, like this is basketball and one player (that isn't the pitcher) can make that much of a difference. Dawson only got up to bat so many times in the game, people, he couldn't hit a home run every time (he's no Sammy Sosa...ha!)

Look, I'm not going to ignore the fact that the Hawk had an awesome career in Montreal. He did. He spent 11 years here, compared to 6 with the Cubs. He won the RoY there. He was runner-up for the MVP twice, and set the single-season club records for home runs, RBIs, extra base hits, and sac flies. He is the only player for Montreal to hit 200 home runs and steal 200 bases. Those are all pretty good numbers, and if MLB does decide to put Andre in the Hall wearing an Expos cap, it should be for those reasons, not his WAR.

But unfortunately, he was overshadowed in Montreal by players like Gary Carter and Tim Raines. It wasn't until he reached Chicago and a national audience that people put a name and a face to the Hawk, and this is why he should wear a Cubs cap. I said it before and I will say it again: the man won the MVP while his team finished LAST PLACE in their division. He wanted to play in Chicago so badly, that he presented the Cubs with a blank contract. If you don't know what that means, he basically said: pay me whatever you can afford, I just want to play for the Cubs. And it's not like the Cubs were an awesome by any stretch, they went 71 -91 the year before Dawson signed.

So really, I guess it doesn't matter which hat will be in the Hall, Dawson making it in is a true testament to a player that did everything right, played hard and is now rewarded for his actions. I will finish this post with a few words that Ryne Sandberg said during his introduction to the Hall in 2005:

No player in baseball history worked harder, suffered more or did it better than Andre Dawson. He's the best I've ever seen. I watched him win an MVP for a last-place team in 1987 [with the Cubs], and it was the most unbelievable thing I've ever seen in baseball. He did it the right way, the natural way, and he did it in the field and on the bases and in every way, and I hope he will stand up here someday.

Congrats Hawk, from the Idiots at COI and from all Cubs fans growing up in the 80s, when the Cubs stunk, but we still had players like you to look up to.


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Cotts a Pirate, Eye Patch and Parrot Remain With Cubs

Neal Cotts has signed a minor league contract with the Pirates. Funny, I can't find this anywhere on the Cubs website, you think good news like this would be the first thing they would want us all to know. Huh?


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2009 Is A Dying Whore

If this picture looks like your commute this morning, all I gotta say is I'm sorry I can't scrape the sunshine off my window in the morning.

Well, it's 2010, hope you all survived as well as the Idiots did. As most other blogs have pointed out, thank goodness that 2009 is over, at least in Chicago sports history that is. An unpredictably busy day at work will has forced this post short, although a couple of items I would like to express the masses:

• Happy Birthday TRL!

• Tomorrow is the second biggest day for us AZ Cubs peeps, as Spring Training tickets go on sale. COI has already set aside it's weekends in March (as well as Lazy virtually taking the entire month off for Cubs games). Again, we hope to see some of you out there this year...or not, GFY!

• The Bears publicly apologized for a crappy season. How about some firings instead?

• I still have yet to see a Blackhawks game, as WGN broadcasted the Cosby Show, among other 80's classics to the rest of the country instead of the game on Sunday (or was it Saturday?)

• I watched my first Purdue game against WV on Friday. All I know is it's Hummel time and when Purdue gets a free throw the crowd does some weird chant that reminds me of when I used to go to Catholic mass. Angry has promised to post about Purdue basketball, but has just been sent to the land of the Rolling Tide, so you probably won't get anything now.

• String cheese: it's like the modern day manna. God should have sent that shit from heaven.

Happy 2010 Idiots!


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