Franchise Notes

In a special to the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts writes the '12 campaign, in which the team finished with a 61-101 record, “was a disappointing season.” He wrote the Cubs are “investing in our player development system, both in terms of talent and facilities.” Ricketts: “We are also working on being championship-caliber corporate citizens. We want to thank our fans and this great city with a committed community investment program.” He added, “While we are investing in the city we love, we will continue making dramatic investments in the major league baseball organization to ensure we will also be celebrating championships” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/10).

PRED PRIDE: In Nashville, Josh Cooper notes the Predators organization during the NHL lockout is continuing “to push its product.” Each Friday since the lockout has been a “Preds Pride Day,” and the team has “hosted a blood drive, open skate and movie night” at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators on Saturday will “host a party in front of the arena, along with another movie night.” Predators President & COO Sean Henry said, “We’re still the Nashville Predators, we’re proud of our shield, and we’re proud of our fans. So we want to make sure we’re still doing things to keep people, not only engaged, but being as positive as possible” (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 10/11).

LIKE A BOSS: In Ft. Lauderdale, Mike Berardino cites a source as saying that Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross recently held a “townhall meeting with team employees.” The source said Ross addressed “key issues.” One issue addressed was that GM Jeff Ireland, who “was not in attendance, still has the full support of Ross.” Ross also reportedly “laughed off a question about line of succession should he die unexpectedly.” Ross said that he “hasn’t given that much thought." Ross added that "none of his four daughters have expressed interest in learning the football business.” He also said that HBO's "Hard Knocks" has "definitely benefited the franchise in terms of national perception and merchandise sales” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 10/11). 

HELPING HANDS: In Denver, Benjamin Hochman reports the Nuggets yesterday at Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo., held "a scrimmage for the students, faculty and staff.” More than 60 Gateway students "were at the theater" during the July 20 shooting that killed 12 people and injured 58 others (DENVER POST, 10/11).