Franchise Notes

In Chicago, Phil Rogers cites an MLB source as saying that the "slow pace" of Tribune Co.'s sale of the Cubs and related assets to the Ricketts family is due to negotiations between Tribune Co. Chair Sam Zell and Tom Ricketts, "as well as between Ricketts and the banks, not any red tape on MLB's end." The source said, "It's not even on our desk. We can't do anything until we have it. We wish we had it already." Sources indicated that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig "speaks to both the Zell and Ricketts camps frequently, hearing their sides of the gridlock." The MLB source added, "We still think this deal is going to work. That's what we keep being told. We just don't know when. We really do not know what the timing is going to be" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/28).

BEAR WITNESS: Bruins Exec VP Charlie Jacobs yesterday said that the team has "sold 13,000 season tickets" for next season. Jacobs: "I think there is opportunity for growth. People have reconnected with this franchise that hadn't in previous years. It's starting to reflect in the community. We're seeing that interest on our website, with our broadcast partner in NESN, and at the box office." Meanwhile, Jacobs said that the team "anticipates re-signing" GM Peter Chiarelli this summer, though the two sides have "not had face-to-face discussions for several weeks" (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/28).

HIVE OF ACTIVITY: Hornets officials said that the team has seen 80% of "season-ticket holders renew for next season." Hornets VP/Ticket Sales & Services Bill Bailey said that the team ranks "among the top five teams" in the NBA in renewals, and it "comes after prices were raised for three seating sections" in the lower bowl of New Orleans Arena. The team "began their renewal push in February," and Bailey said that they are "encouraged about achieving more than 10,000 season-ticket holders for the second consecutive season." The Hornets this past season averaged 16,968 fans per game, 19th in the league (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 5/26).

NEW MAN IN CHARGE: This month's edition of YES Network's "Forbes SportsMoney" featured an interview with Padres Vice Chair & CEO Jeff Moorad. He said leaving the D'Backs to acquire the Padres was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Moorad noted that Petco Park "is critical" to the success of the team and "if this stadium wasn't in place, I assure you our buyer group would not have paid the kind of money we did for the franchise." Moorad said he and Padres Majority Owner John Moores "have a great relationship, and it's really at the core of this transaction” (“Forbes SportsMoney,” YES Network, 5/22).