Memo to Joe Ricketts: If you want money from the government, don't insult powerful politicians.
Ricketts, the head of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs, is seeking hundreds of millions from the city and the state to renovate 98-year-old Wrigley Field.
Given Chicagoans' love of their iconic ivy patch, that's touchy enough. Then Ricketts did the inconceivable - considered funding ads critical of President Obama.
An irate Mayor Rahm Emanuel has refused to take phone calls from the Cubs chairman.
Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, squelched the proposal for the ad campaign. But the damage had been done.
The Cubs had asked the City Council for permission to put $150 million in city amusement taxes into the renovation, while asking state lawmakers to also issue $150 million in bonds. The team also asked the city to relax Wrigley's landmark status, which could bring in $150 million more from advertising, sponsorship, and a controversial Jumbotron.
Not surprisingly, all action has been delayed until after Election Day.
Hall of Famer Jim Palmer has put his three Cy Young Awards and two of his four Gold Gloves up for auction.
"At this juncture of my life, I would rather concern myself with the education of my grandchildren," said the former Orioles ace. "I also have a stepson, [15-year-old] Spencer, who is autistic and will need special care for the rest of his life. My priorities have changed."
Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano has asked Jose Bautista, Prince Fielder, and Mark Trumbo to join him on the AL side for the All-Star Game home run derby.
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Gonzalez, and Giancarlo Stanton will be the NL side.
Mets GM Sandy Alderson on third baseman David Wright's losing the all-star vote to San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval by 1.6 million ballots:
"Wright vs. Sandoval: A city of eight million was outvoted by a city of 800,000."
Just a gentle reminder to those folks who are claiming that Mike Trout and Bryce Harper are the best rookie duo ever to enter the game together: Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were rookies together in 1951. (Thanks to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com.)
The Dodgers dropped their pursuit of Astros first baseman Carlos Lee, who refused to waive a no-trade clause. . . . Lefthander Dontrelle Willis is retiring after a rocky stretch with Baltimore's top farm club.
Contact Don McKee at dmckee@phillynews.com. This article contains information from the Associated Press.
