The Cubs are pushing back against the other 14 Cactus League team owners who object to the "Cubs tax" on all league tickets to pay for the new spring training facility in Mesa. In doing so, however, team president Crane Kenney demonstrates he doesn't understand how the tax (or surcharge) works:

"They have other thoughts on how to finance it," he said. "I encourage Jerry (Reinsdorf) to make those thoughts known to the legislators. I'm sure they've got an open-door policy and would be happy to hear from him."

Kenney said the surcharge was not the Cubs' idea, despite the public perception. He said he did not know who came up with the plan.

"We did not come up with the tax where we are the largest payer," he said.

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Who is this "we" you speak of, Mr. Kenney? I'm guessing you and the Ricketts aren't getting charged to attend spring training games.

No, the fans pay this surcharge. Yes, Cubs fans would pay the most, but that's only because they are the biggest draw in Arizona (and that certainly doesn't constitute "we" when Kenney is speaking).

While I'm largely agnostic about the financing plan (because all teams benefit from the presence of the Cubs), out-of-touch and arrogant statements like this from Kenney won't do the Cubs any favors.