Rooting for Cuban

If you're a Cubs fan, whom would you like for an owner?

Would you like some bond trader/securities/holding company geek, undoubtedly a boring, rich middle age white guy (or guys), or would you want Mark Cuban, who, it turns out, is currently the high bidder?

Double duh.

No, Mark Cuban has yet to accept a championship trophy from David Stern, but it's not because he hasn't made an honest effort. He has completely energized what was a 99 percent dead franchise, and he has brought a lot of energy to the NBA. He has also been a constant irritant to the commish, and I'm sure there has been a conversation or two between Stern and Bud Selig on that topic.

I don't like everything Cuban does. He is completely obsessed with officiating. He seems to think it is quantifiable and not hopelessly objective. And, of course, he looks good right now in light of the Tim Donaghy situation, which, if nothing else, should remind people just how important referees really are. But I think he hurt his team in the 2006 Finals by creating a distraction concerning the officials his team and coach didn't need.

But on that subject we can agree to disagree. To argue anything other than the fact that Mark Cuban has been a dream owner for the players and fans of the Mavericks would be completely foolish and inaccurate.

Bill Veeck is dead. Baseball needs a stir-the-pot owner as it settles into the 21st century. And, unlike Veeck, Cuban really has serious money. My colleague Nick Cafardo says he doubts Cuban could ever muster the 75 percent approval he'd need from the owners, that there is no way they will allow someone they fear would be a Big Spender into the club.

Worse yet, Mark Cuban would automatically be the smartest kid in the class. That might also bother some of those baseball people, including our own.

Nick is probably right. But there is no doubt who would be the best owner for a very important franchise.

If you just happen to love baseball, you now have a horse in this race. Root for Mark Cuban!