Ricketts Talks Cubs' Rebuild, Wrigley Upgrades At Team Convention

Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts yesterday at the club's annual convention called last season a major "inflection point" in the development of the franchise, and vowed better days would soon arrive for the franchise. Facing only mild criticism from fans, Ricketts said the Cubs' commitment to rebuild its farm system is beginning to take root. "There's only one way to do it and you have to do it the right way and you can't take shortcuts," he said. "We're fully aware that 2013 wasn't the kind of result on the field we were looking for."

Meanwhile, Cubs execs said the construction timeline for the Wrigley Field renovation could be compressed from five years to four, with a new videoboard in place for the '15 season. New TV and radio contracts could be in place by Opening Day this year.