Despite rumors that MLB was "going to force the Cubs to move" the first game of the regular season to U.S. Cellular Field, "all systems are go for Sunday night’s opener at Wrigley Field," according to Paul Sullivan of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Cubs VP/Communications & Community Affairs Julian Green yesterday "launched an offensive against unnamed individuals spreading rumors that the ballpark wouldn’t be ready" and that the grandstand and upper decks "wouldn’t be safe." Green called them “wild and baseless accusations," and said MLB was not “concerned, mad or disappointed in the team or the pace of construction." He added that there were "no discussions at all" about playing at the White Sox' ballpark. Green was "most upset about a rumor that the stands would not be safe for fans, referring to them as 'absolutely false (and) reckless' reports." Green: "We’ve hit an all-time low for Wrigley Field rumors and myths. ... We’ve said time and time again, we will not cut corners on this project and we’re going to do this project right and responsibly." Sullivan notes the Cubs later yesterday presented "a renovation update" to the media on a conference call, detailing that the left-field bleachers "will be ready by May 11, and the right-field bleachers are expected to be completed by mid-June." The Budweiser sign in right field "also will debut Sunday, and later will be moved above the right field video board" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/1). Green said that MLB "has not intervened in the project." He added the league has been "supportive since the project got underway" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/1). In Chicago, Bruce Miles notes no questions "were taken" during the media teleconference (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 4/1).
WAIT AND SEE: In Chicago, Rick Telander writes the renovation of Wrigley Field is "stupid in the planning and execution." Telander: "But needed? My God, it is" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/1). Also in Chicago, Steven Goldstein writes one factor lurking is whether the renovations "will change the game itself" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/1).
