Chicago wants picks...and changes name October 23, 1997
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP)-- Owner Mike Embrey held a press conference at the
Chicago Hilton this afternoon to discuss the future of the Chicago South
Siders. On the agenda was a look at the direction he wanted to take the
team, as well as discussions of a new nickname for the team. What follows
is the transcript from said press conference.
[Embrey] I'd like to thank everyone for joining me here today. Originally
I had planned to hold this conference after the World Series, however, I can
only assume that there will be a flurry of activity immediately following
the Series and I wanted to be heard.
[Press] Mr. Embrey, what's in the future for your team?
[Embrey] Beginning this offseason I plan to right the wrongs of the
previous owner. To do so I will be attempting to acquire as many first
round draft picks as possible. I am especially interested in top 5-10 picks
and/or youngsters with potential.
[Press] What are you offering teams for their draft pick(s)?
[Embrey] A great chance at the playoffs. There are obviously a few teams
out there who are just one or two players away from being a playoff
contender. Even some of the teams with very poor records fall into this
category. We can help any number of these teams.
[Press] Which players are available?
[Embrey] Sandberg, Tettleton and Carter are all in a position to be dealt.
While none of these players is a superstar any longer, they each had very
good seasons, and could be expected to have at least one or two more.
They're the kinds of players that could put a team over the
hump...especially a guy like Sandberg. There are few second baseman out
there who can produce offensively as well as he does.
[Press] Are you making any pitchers available?
[Embrey] We'd like to see what Rod Beck would bring in. Most everyone else
is available, though (Bobby) Witt and (Paul) Wagner would take quite a bit
to get away from us. Again, we're looking for high draft picks and a solid
left-handed starter would be nice as well.
[Embrey] Now I'd like to move on to another topic. Our team nickname. I
refuse to play another season under the name "South Siders." I took this
team over after the midway point in the year so to avoid confusion I simply
stuck with the name for the remainder. However, a new year will bring about
a new name.
[Press] Well? What will it be?
[Embrey] That we haven't decided. I've set up a task force within the
organization to come up with the nickname that will provide the team with
the best attitude possible. Clubhouse attitude is important, and it begins
more and more difficult with guys like Julius Hardin hanging around. He's
just a bad influence...unfortunately he's the only third baseman in the
organization outside of Sprague, so we need him up there.
[Press] What has Hardin done?
[Embrey] Um...we're not talking about that! This press conference is
over!! I want everyone out...OUT!
