By David Schuster-

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) — Cubs owner Tom Ricketts would make an excellent politician because he can talk a long time without saying much. That was the case Sunday when Ricketts met the media and pretty much brushed away all questions regarding a deal with both the city and the neighborhood involving Wrigley Field.

All Ricketts would offer is that talks were ongoing but he became silent when it came to details. The gist is that the Cubs need to work out a deal with the neighborhood and the city so that the city can loosen restrictions on the Cubs who would then sink their own money into the planned renovation project for Wrigley.

Ricketts did say that the plan is still to renovate the aging stadium over a five-year period and brushed aside queries about turning up the process into a two-year construction project which would necessitate a move into another ball park.

He also stated that if, or when, a deal is reached no extra night games will be part of any request by the Cubs for this season. But he insinuated that would likely be part or requests by the Cubs going forward.

Ricketts also stated that he feels the Cubs will be much improved this season over last, but honestly how can they not? There usually is only one way to go from 101 losses and that’s up. The team owner pointed to better pitching and more depth on the roster.

And he didn’t really answer the question on a possible Cubs TV network going forward, but you can bet they are definitely thinking that after watching the Dodgers and Rangers break the back after setting up their own.

For more Cubs spring training coverage from Mesa, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).