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Surprise: Sale of the Cubs not likely by Opening Day

As we predicted several months ago, the sale of the Chicago Cubs is not likely to be closed by Opening Day, say those in the know.As we predicted several months ago, the sale of the Chicago Cubs is not likely to be finalized by Opening Day, say those in the know.

In fact, it may not be approved by the All-Star Game. Opening Day is definitely out unless MLB owners call an emergency meeting — they’re not scheduled to meet until mid-May, so in theory the Cubs sale could be addressed then. Problem is, none of the paperwork — and there’s a lot on a sale of this size and complexity, involving the Cubs, Wrigley Field and a stake in a sports cable network — has been filed with Major League Baseball.

In addition, we continue to hear Tribune Co. Sam Zell is tinkering with many small provisions in the sale terms in an attempt to wring out the most optimal agreement when it comes to shielding his tax liability. The sale will be complex enough, and Zell’s tendency to add more slows things down further.

RELATED STORIES: Maintaining the Wrigley mystique; Ricketts lands Cubs, but financing issues remain

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