Ricketts family: first impressions

Watching the first press conference of the new Cubs owners, the Ricketts, on Friday I went in with skepticism yet left it with optimism and excitement.  I like Tom Ricketts's confidence and his no-nonsense attitude.  I like that he is a genuine Cubs fan who was able to answer direct questions directly although he did dodge the "eating salaray" question.  I like Ricketts's comments on player development and how this will be a major focus for the Cubs.  All in all, I am very impressed with the Ricketts family thus far and I think the Cubs fans should be realistic about expectations, but nevertheless optimistic. 

This is much different from 1981 when Tribune took over as owners from the Wrigley family.  The 1981 Cubs were a very bad baseball team that hadn't been in the postseason since 1945.  The 2009 Cubs were a mediocre baseball team that had high expectations to not only make the World Series, but win the first one since 1908.  It didn't happen, but this is a team in much better shape to compete and win than their 1981 counterparts.  Of course, Tribune brought in new management in the form of Dallas Green as General Manager and Lee Elia as manager for the 1982 season.  Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella are coming back in 2010 which doesn't sit well with some Cubs fans.  I personally would have replaced Hendry with a new GM and kept Piniella for 2010, but I understand why Ricketts brought back Hendry and Piniella and I respect the decision. 

Every spring Cubs fans are optimistic, but I have a feeling that with new owners who love the team as much as we do and are committed to putting a championship team on the field, next spring we'll be more optimistic.