Chicago Cubs News: Tom Ricketts expectations, Nelson Velazquez, and more

The Chicago Cubs Convention returns this weekend and it marks the unofficial start to the 2023 season for the team. It is the first time since 2020 that Cubs fans will be able to gather and meet Cubs' players, prospects, and executives. Along with the convention, there will also be a return of the Ricketts' Family session on Saturday at the event.

With the return of The Ricketts Family fireside chat with Cubs' fans at the convention, the question that must be asked is what do you expect to hear from team chairman Tom Ricketts? At the last Cubs' Convention in 2020, Ricketts was booed heavily as he was unveiling the Marquee Sports Network and promised that fans wouldn't be booing in a year's time. Given the pandemic, the Marquee Sports Network, through no fault of their on-air talent, hasn't been deemed a success thus far.

The messaging that has originated from Ricketts and the Cubs' business side has been that money is available and the team is ready to contend. The actions from the Cubs' baseball department would suggest otherwise as the team has not pushed all their chips toward the middle of the table with the goal of contending in 2023. It will be interesting to see if the messaging from Ricketts and the Cubs' baseball department is aligned this weekend.

An interesting thread on Chicago Cubs' outfielder Nelson Velazquez

There was an interesting thread on Twitter regarding Cubs' outfielder Nelson Velazquez. Despite the numbers, the potential, through the way of advanced metrics, was still evident in Velazquez's run at the Major League level last season. The hope at the beginning of the 2023 season is that Velazquez can see more consistent playing time in order to continue his development.

Chicago Cubs infield prospect James Triantos ramping up for the season

More Chicago Cubs' prospect sightings

Chicago Cubs' prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong considered the best defensive prospect.