Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend John?
Just a quick note regarding the big news today. If you haven't heard,
Cubs President John McDonough has resigned to become President of the Chicago Blackhawks. In my opinion, John was born to lead a pro sports
franchise. Before he became team president, his work in the Cubs
marketing department for years set the industry standard and he should
take great pride in his contributions to make the Cubs one of the
biggest, most popular pro sports franchises in any sport, and most
rewarding for him I'm sure, leading the team back to a division title
on the field in 2007 in his first, and ultimately lone, season as team
president.
On a personal level, John is one of my favorite people on the planet
and I'm thrilled for him. He takes on a great challenge and there's
no doubt in my mind he'll have the Blackhawks back to being one of the
most popular and successful franchises in the NHL. He's brilliant,
charismatic and listens as well as anyone I've ever met.
It is a bittersweet day because of what he has meant to this
franchise. John, we'll miss you, and we wish you the best.
The silver lining here is, John leaves this franchise in excellent
hands with Crane Kenney overseeing the club and Jim Hendry (baseball
ops) and Mark McGuire (business ops) leading a fantastic front
office. There's a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the Chicago
Cubs and I cannot wait until the Cubs crank it up again in spring
training.
We'll have more hot-stove league action to talk about in the coming
weeks and months. Until then, have a great Thanksgiving!
Len
Comments
I thought John really helped out last season and I hope his marketing skills can help the Hawks go back to mainstream in Chicago.
P.S. Any updates on the Len and Bob bash
Posted by: Russel | November 20, 2007 9:34 PM
Len,
Great to hear from you again, hope your oftseason is great, and happy thanksgiving,
If Mr. McDonough reads this i want to say thank you for everything you have done, you'll be missed at the cubs convention this year and they will win the World Series for you.
THANKS AGAIN
JEFF BERTA
Posted by: jeff berta | November 20, 2007 9:57 PM
Is McDonough leaving because he saw the handwriting on the wall? You can't tell me the Blackhawks are even a lateral move for him. Definetly a step down, and a HUGE challenge for him.
Jim Hendry has been doubling as a garbage man so far this offseason. Gone are Jones, Monroe, Trachsel, and Floyd. All of these players were bad signings to begin with. At least Hendry realized the error of his ways, and is trying to fix this mess.
Our 2007 late-season pickups, Monroe and Trachsel were complete busts, and a slap in the face to Cub fans desiring a deep playoff run.
What do the Cubs need for next year?
STARTING PITCHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There's a lefty who is a free agent who used to pitch for the Twins who I think is pretty good. I know he is expensive, but we need another solid starter. I also think Santana would help out Zambrano a lot. Push him to be better, and all that.
Get Kenny Lofton too. What a mentor he would be for Pie. I don't think Pie is ready to be an everyday starter. Do you?
RF- I don't think we are going to get one in the free agent market. With the Cubs trading for Infante and from what I hear Kaz Matsui, it looks like DeRosa and Murton might share RF.
Posted by: Brad | November 21, 2007 11:04 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Good luck, John. Can't wait for spring training to begin!
Go Cubs Go!
Posted by: Bonnie O. | November 22, 2007 5:52 AM