Imediately after this thrill ride of a Cubs season ends, some heavy-duty construction will commence again at Wrigley Field that will make the Friendly Confines that much friendlier — and more expensive — to fans with season tickets behind home plate. As part of the 1060 Project, an overhaul to the stadium and the area surrounding the venerable ballpark, the Cubs revealed plans for the first of four “premier experiences” and launched a priority list for those interested in plopping down a $500 deposit to secure their spot for the right to some exclusive amenities.

The Athletics’ search for a new ballpark will be confined to Oakland, and Major League Baseball will put off any expansion talks until it solves its two outstanding stadium issues. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday the exact site is up to the team’s owners, but he made clear the sport has no intention to allow a move outside the city. ”I am committed to Oakland as a major league site,” he told the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Tuesday. ”I think that if we were to leave Oakland, I think 10 years from now we would be more likely than not looking backwards saying we made a mistake.”

Major League Baseball’s 87th All-Star Game comes to San Diego this week. It is, without question, the biggest national sporting event to hit the self-proclaimed America’s Finest City since … well, since San Diego’s last Super Bowl. That was Super Bowl XXXVII in late January 2003, Tampa Bay’s victory over Oakland. It could be considered last as in most recent, or it could be considered last as in final, forever. That helps explain the Chargers’ stadium envy. The point?