by Aj Brady

Created on: April 07, 2008

I can see why the powers-that-be at Major League Baseball (MLB) headquarters would be wary of a character such as Mark Cuban showing an interest in purchasing the Chicago Cubs.

Cuban has a recent history filled with clashes with officialdom in the National Basketball Association, defending the team he owns in that sport, the Dallas Mavericks.

Cuban is a passionate, extroverted fellow who rallies behind his causes with a fervor that you either love or hate.

This is a big reason why he has been so successful in business, and this is a major reason why baseball needs him.

At the root of my argument is this, a basic tenant of American values and beliefs is that all Americans are born equal and free, they have a right to choose their path in life, and any constraints on their personal freedoms are frowned upon.

If Bud Selig, the commissioner of the MLB, and his cohorts in New York were to try to stop Cuban buying the Cubs, it would actually violate the American Constitution.

Not to mention the fact Cuban could easily take the MLB to court and get any such desisting overturned, if it were formally enforced, rather than Cuban merely being discouraged or warned off purchasing the Cubs through strong wording in the media and the like.

But apart from all this, the MLB could actually do with a character such as Mark Cuban.

Whilst he may have high-profile run-ins with commissioners, officials and the like, all it will do is serve to put the MLB front-and-center in both the media and the public's consciousness.

It will stir the passions of average American baseball followers, who will either wholeheartedly support, or completely despise Cuba, the Cubs, and Cuban's antics.

Finally, the experience and on-court success of the Dallas Mavericks since Cuban took over should auger well for any takeover of the Cubs.

Cuban's successful history in business and wealth creation should ensure the Cubs are a well-run organization, with a very hands-on owner who will be at the coalface day in, day out.

Plus, not to mention it might take some of the media interest away from George Steinbrenner and his New York Yankees, which can only be a good thing.

There is no hint of a conflict of interest in owning two sporting franchises that compete in totally different sports. Mark Cuban purchasing the Chicago Cubs is a match made in baseball heaven.

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