Here's a story that will likely go nowhere, but the Chicago Tribune's Fred Mitchell reports that Steve Stone becoming the Cubs' GM is "a distinct possibility if Chicago financier Lou Weisbach becomes the new owner." Two paragraphs later, Mitchell writes that Stone "would become the general manager if the Weisbach group were to land the team." (Emphasis added.)

When Stone returned in 2003 to save us from Joe Carter, he reportedly told Jim Hendry that he was no longer after his job, that he was content to be a broadcaster. That is presumably no longer the case after the 2004 fall-out. The Sun-Times' Chris De Luca reported in April that Stone was interested in a front office position following the change in ownership.

"The Tribune Co., owner of the Chicago Cubs, reportedly has been delaying the previously announced sale of the team, leaving bidders frustrated," reports UPI. I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of these reports over the next several months, especially as the delay relates to any restraints placed on the front office.

It doesn't appear that Steve Stone, previously involved in ownership bids for the Oakland A's and the Washington Nationals, will be an investor in the eventual new Cubs ownership group, reports the Sun-Times' Chris De Luca. But he clearly hopes for a front office position (senior advisor to the president?), which would make things interesting for Jim Hendry.

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.