01-13-2010, 03:41 AM
<!--quoteo(post=75791:date=Jan 12 2010, 09:54 PM:name=VanSlawAndCottoCheese)-->QUOTE (VanSlawAndCottoCheese @ Jan 12 2010, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=75787:date=Jan 12 2010, 10:29 PM:name=rok)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rok @ Jan 12 2010, 10:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Yeah, because Maddux is exactly the type of guy who would allow himself to be pimped in this manner for PR reasons.
Seriously, I think you guys are looking for conspiracies where there are none.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's not about conspiracy; it's about the business concept that perception trumps reality. The Cubs generally make some move shortly before the convention (of course, this is an inexact claim, as the convention does occur during a still-simmering point of the Hot Stove Season). Last year it was Bradley. The one year I attended the convention the team had just signed Rod Beck. The Shooter showed up at the Hilton looking like they just grabbed him out of the South Loop Club.
This year, no moves to promote at the convention (aside for those in the Chicago contingent of Grandmas Hot 4 Carlos Silva); thus the Maddux signing. I wouldn't be surprised if Maddux--as smart as you claim and I believe him to be--knows that he is being pimped to some degree, but he accepts it as all part of the business. I mean, now who's being naive, Kay? To some degree, most all ballplayers live with being "pimped," whether as guest at the Cubs convention or through their visage on plastic "collector's cups." The cool millions make the pimping seem less like pimping, but it happens nonetheless.
I iterate: I'm fine, even happy, with the move. I just also see it as a shrewd attempt to warm the frosty hearts of increasingly frigid fans.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Is Maddux even going to the Convention? I don't believe so. What's the point of announcing this now for PR reasons if they don't plan on milking the situation with the fans? Again, I simply don't see this as a short term con job. Bringing him back into the organization has longer-term implications IMO.
Seriously, I think you guys are looking for conspiracies where there are none.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's not about conspiracy; it's about the business concept that perception trumps reality. The Cubs generally make some move shortly before the convention (of course, this is an inexact claim, as the convention does occur during a still-simmering point of the Hot Stove Season). Last year it was Bradley. The one year I attended the convention the team had just signed Rod Beck. The Shooter showed up at the Hilton looking like they just grabbed him out of the South Loop Club.
This year, no moves to promote at the convention (aside for those in the Chicago contingent of Grandmas Hot 4 Carlos Silva); thus the Maddux signing. I wouldn't be surprised if Maddux--as smart as you claim and I believe him to be--knows that he is being pimped to some degree, but he accepts it as all part of the business. I mean, now who's being naive, Kay? To some degree, most all ballplayers live with being "pimped," whether as guest at the Cubs convention or through their visage on plastic "collector's cups." The cool millions make the pimping seem less like pimping, but it happens nonetheless.
I iterate: I'm fine, even happy, with the move. I just also see it as a shrewd attempt to warm the frosty hearts of increasingly frigid fans.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Is Maddux even going to the Convention? I don't believe so. What's the point of announcing this now for PR reasons if they don't plan on milking the situation with the fans? Again, I simply don't see this as a short term con job. Bringing him back into the organization has longer-term implications IMO.