If the rumors are correct and Sam Zell buys the Tribune Company, that is reason for cautious optimism about the future of the Cubs. The good news is Zell is a long time Chicagoan. The additional good news is he is very smart. The question is whether his likely affection for the City and the team will translate to him keeping control or selling off the organization to ease the debt burden on the Tribune. If he chooses to sell off, one hopes he will favor local ownership. Maybe he will get creative and offer shares to fans. In any event, it is better that he wins the contest for the Company than a non-Chicago person.