AP Mark Cuban

Before everyone goes nuts about Mark Cuban possibly owning the Cubs, take a step back. Sources our telling me that it's not happening -- at least not now.

Radar Online reported that Cuban was set to offer $625 million for the baseball team owned by the Tribune Co. That would be at a tremendous premium over what Forbes valued the team at ($448 million). Despite who the Cubs are, I'd be surprised to see the team go for that price given the huge payroll the Tribune just committed. Since contracts are guaranteed in baseball, a new owner would definitely calculate the incoming costs moreso than say in football where only the signing bonus is guaranteed. On a side note, I don't think, in the history of sports, a fan base has wanted a particular owner so badly. It's reached a point where there are even petitions that have been set up where people are begging Cuban to buy the team.

Cuban actually sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" at Wrigley Field in the summer of 2005. "It absolutely killed me to sing 'Root, root, root for the Cubbies," Cuban -- who is a Pittsburgh Pirates fan -- told the paper. "I asked the broadcasters later if anybody had ever put in the other team." The funny thing is that's also when the 'Cuban as Cubs owner' speculation began circulating.

Questions?  Comments?