The seemingly never-ending conversation surrounding Wrigley Field renovations may be close to ending.

"There's improvements that have to happen at Wrigley Field, and there's things that Wrigleyville also needs, and I think we're, in my own view personally, kind of in the bottom of the ninth in that process," Emanuel told reporters Thursday. 

It's still not clear when a final decision will be made, but fans and Cubs officials alike seem hopeful talks are nearing the end.

"I think the talks are moving along," Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts said, "and I want to thank the mayor for his comments. Tom [Ricketts] is working very, very hard as are all the other people that are involved in the negotiations, and I think everyone is doing all they can to make sure we get there."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times there's talk that the right and left field walls of 99-year-old Wrigley Field would be extended as much as 10-feet outward. To do this, it would require taking out the sidewalk on Sheffield and a lane of traffic on Waveland.

Apparently the reason for the expansion depends on who you ask. It could be to give the Cubs more interior space for wider concourses and additional concession space or solely to preserve the rooftop views or, according to a city source, to expand the park even though Wrigley is in a landlocked situation.

Whatever the motive, there are still decisions to be made. Emanuel said they are getting closer.

"The broad outlines of a framework are there," Emanuel said. "We're just working on the details. We're making very good progress now ... so we can take it to the second stage which is a submission to the Planning and Development process."