Why all the Hendry bashing?

[CubfaninCA]

I prefer to wait until I see the opening day roster before I comment on Hendry....at least which direction I'll go. I'm positive that I will lean one way or another on that day and he has until then to prove to me that he can put together a winning team. Hendry has many strikes against him with the biggest being the hiring of Baker and he has many plusses like Lee and Ramirez. So until then I'll complain about the re-signing of Perez possibly Macias and applaud any good trade or signing.

 

Very reasonable. The only player Hendry has really missed out on this offseason is Luis Castillo.

 

Giles wasn't leaving SD. Burnett's signing for too much and so did Furcal. The Cubs have no need for Konerko, LoDuca or Delgado. Dempster, Eyre and Howry make about as much as BJ Ryan. Same goes for Wagner.

[davecubsfan]

I think Cubs fans are a frustrated lot of people right now. A lot of us are frustrated with Baker, we're frustrated with Hendry, and we're frustrated to a point with MacPhail. What has brought about this frustation? Just look around the league. In the last two years, we've seen the Red Sox end their long drought without a World Series win and we've seen our cross town rivals end their long drought without a World Series as well. We've seen the Astros and Cardinals both make a World Series, while we've languished down in the division. We've gone from the cusp of greatness in 2003 to this now.. 2003 was probably the worst thing that could happen for Cubs fans. 2003 was the year that we lost the "lovable losers" tag and got the "contender" tag hung upon us and we've not been competitive since then. I'm tired of seeing spare parts signed just to make this a team. I'm tired of seeing second and third rate free agency signings to put this team together. I don't want to see Neifi Perez at short, or Jose Macias getting even one start. I can't honestly say that my frustration extends to the Tribune company (although it used to) because they've opened up the purse strings the last few years. I just want management to use common sense and put together a team that can win, not just put a team together for the sake of doing so. Hendry strikes me as being so "gunshy" in the offseason and completely opposite at the trading deadline. He won't make moves now, but chooses to wait for the trading deadline when overpayment becomes more obvious than now.

[Careless]

A lot of people say that even the best GMs make bad signings and moves. Well, the flip side to that is, even bad GMs make signings or trades that work out for them.

 

Overall, Hendry has done little to impress me, and the results speak for themselves. What pushed me over the edge is his absolute refusal to see Walker's worth. It's idiotic that he's getting rid of one of the best hitting 2nd baseman in the game and one of the bright spots in our lineup because last year's champions won only because of their speed and defense. I don't think he's a very bright GM. Sorry. And just because you think differently, it doesn't make you some sort of renegade, or someone who sees the light while everyone has no legit reason for disliking him. And frankly, that line of thinking is way more tiresome than Hendry bashing.

 

First, I'm glad you know that the only reason Walker is being shopped is becasue the Sox won with speed and defense, even though they really won with pitching. Second, there may be legitimate reasons for not liking the job Hendry has done. However, I get the feeling that the reason many on this board bash him regularly is because he may have a different approach to valuing players than do many here. In other words, there may be philospohical differences. And instead of calling it that and reasonably acknowledging that there's a chance Hendry might know what he's doing, some posters call him names. God knows none of the posters here who disagree with Hendry can be wrong in evaluating a player or mistaken in their approach. Finally, if Hendry refuses to see Walker's worth he's got a ton of company, ie all the other GMs who gave up on the guy. There's no chance none or all of those guys are right, is there? I guess not. That's why they are GMs and we are sitting around posting on a message baord playing at being a GM.

Saying that something is a result of "philosophical differences" doesn't preclude the possibility of one side being wrong. The world isn't flat. People who practice faith healing die of curable diseases. Walker helps the team score runs.

[fearthecubs]

It's more than tiresome, I can't stand it. Some people have the memory of a goldfish, and have the art of knee-jerk reactions mastered.

Some people like to hurl blanket insults about to make their points. I can't stand it either.

 

Hey, we're only talking about baseball here. It's up to you if you take things personally.

[fearthecubs]

I can't respond to all these replies at once, did I stir up the hornets nest with people or what? It's like you're hunters, ready to fire, just WAITING and PRAYING for someone optomistic to come along, so you can destroy them as quickly and as effeciently as possible.

 

 

Let me ask you this, what have the Cardinals done this offseason?

[sethuel1]

I can't respond to all these replies at once, did I stir up the hornets nest with people or what? It's like you're hunters, ready to fire, just WAITING and PRAYING for someone optomistic to come along, so you can destroy them as quickly and as effeciently as possible.

 

 

Let me ask you this, what have the Cardinals done this offseason?

started out a lot better than us

[fromthestretch]

It's more than tiresome, I can't stand it. Some people have the memory of a goldfish, and have the art of knee-jerk reactions mastered.

Some people like to hurl blanket insults about to make their points. I can't stand it either.

 

Hey, we're only talking about baseball here. It's up to you if you take things personally.

 

How exactly is saying "some people have the memory of a goldfish, and have the art of knee-jerk reactions mastered" talking baseball?

[1908]

It's more than tiresome, I can't stand it. Some people have the memory of a goldfish, and have the art of knee-jerk reactions mastered.

Some people like to hurl blanket insults about to make their points. I can't stand it either.

 

Hey, we're only talking about baseball here. It's up to you if you take things personally.

Now that was a good idea.

[imb]

Let me ask you this, what have the Cardinals done this offseason?

 

You mean, besides resting up for another NL Central Crown?

[brfahey]

A lot of people say that even the best GMs make bad signings and moves. Well, the flip side to that is, even bad GMs make signings or trades that work out for them.

 

Overall, Hendry has done little to impress me, and the results speak for themselves. What pushed me over the edge is his absolute refusal to see Walker's worth. It's idiotic that he's getting rid of one of the best hitting 2nd baseman in the game and one of the bright spots in our lineup because last year's champions won only because of their speed and defense. I don't think he's a very bright GM. Sorry. And just because you think differently, it doesn't make you some sort of renegade, or someone who sees the light while everyone has no legit reason for disliking him. And frankly, that line of thinking is way more tiresome than Hendry bashing.

 

First, I'm glad you know that the only reason Walker is being shopped is becasue the Sox won with speed and defense, even though they really won with pitching. Second, there may be legitimate reasons for not liking the job Hendry has done. However, I get the feeling that the reason many on this board bash him regularly is because he may have a different approach to valuing players than do many here. In other words, there may be philospohical differences. And instead of calling it that and reasonably acknowledging that there's a chance Hendry might know what he's doing, some posters call him names. God knows none of the posters here who disagree with Hendry can be wrong in evaluating a player or mistaken in their approach. Finally, if Hendry refuses to see Walker's worth he's got a ton of company, ie all the other GMs who gave up on the guy. There's no chance none or all of those guys are right, is there? I guess not. That's why they are GMs and we are sitting around posting on a message baord playing at being a GM.

Saying that something is a result of "philosophical differences" doesn't preclude the possibility of one side being wrong. The world isn't flat. People who practice faith healing die of curable diseases. Walker helps the team score runs.

 

Your first sentence is absolutely correct. All the Hendry bashers could be wrong.

[adamb0719]

If not for Dusty's mishandling of the great players that Hendry has acquired, the results should have been even better

 

Who appoints the manager?

 

Exactly, you can't blame Dusty for the way things have gone, without looking at why is there. If Hendry had fired Dusty after the season, I would not have the same feeling I have towards in right now.

 

I'm NOT getting into this argument, but I will say that while Baker was hardly impressive last year - his main problem was just pitching management. Losing Prior and Wood to injuries, and Corey imploding upon himself like the sun - that's what made us lose. He got signed to a three year deal, let him finish it. If we suck this year, can him. Hard to blame him for last year though. Bobby Cox himself couldn't help Hollandsworth either if you noticed.

 

Funny you mention Bobby Cox, he seemed to do pretty well with some young players this year.

[YearofDaCubs]

I can't respond to all these replies at once, did I stir up the hornets nest with people or what? It's like you're hunters, ready to fire, just WAITING and PRAYING for someone optomistic to come along, so you can destroy them as quickly and as effeciently as possible.

 

 

Let me ask you this, what have the Cardinals done this offseason?

Does it really matter? They made the playoffs last year and also made the WS in 2004. They already have a good offense including a leadoff hitter and two pretty good starting pitchers. Bottome line, I can care less what the Cardinals do, I just want to see the Cubs improve.

[BigbadB]

It's more than tiresome, I can't stand it. Some people have the memory of a goldfish, and have the art of knee-jerk reactions mastered.

Some people like to hurl blanket insults about to make their points. I can't stand it either.

 

Hey, we're only talking about baseball here. It's up to you if you take things personally.

 

Oh, just wow. :shock:

 

I guess lessons will have to be learned the hard way. [-(

[fromthestretch]

I can't respond to all these replies at once, did I stir up the hornets nest with people or what? It's like you're hunters, ready to fire, just WAITING and PRAYING for someone optomistic to come along, so you can destroy them as quickly and as effeciently as possible.

 

You've done similar things to those who don't express optimism.

 

Let me ask you this, what have the Cardinals done this offseason?

 

I'd be more worried about what the Cubs have/haven't done considering how far behind the Cardinals they've been the past two seasons. The Cubs have some catching up to do.

[CubinNY]

I can't respond to all these replies at once, did I stir up the hornets nest with people or what? It's like you're hunters, ready to fire, just WAITING and PRAYING for someone optomistic to come along, so you can destroy them as quickly and as effeciently as possible.

 

Cut the self-rightious indignation stuff out.

 

Optimism is saying, "I think Hendry has a chance at Abreu"

 

Trolling is saying, "some people have the memory of a goldfish"

 

Which one did you say?

Edited December 6, 2005 by CubinNY

[Warren Brusstar]

In short:

 

You can't judge a GM on a deal by deal basis. You have to take into account the hole team's performance. The Cubs have won 88, 89 and 79 games under Jim's watch as GM. And it's not like he came into this team blind, having been asst GM for a while and working elsewhere in the organization prior to that gig. He has had a top 5 payroll throughout his time as well, so the sub par finishes are inexcusable.

 

The Cubs have had consistent problems holdings this team back for several years, primarily, the hitters don't take walks, which keeps down their OBP, which keeps down their runs scored, which keeps down their win totals. And Jim hasn't done much to improve that glaring weakness.

 

Also, he's focused on positions that are not glaring holes, while seemingly ignoring the one position on the team that does not currently have 1 potential in house candidate to fill the spot and possibly provide adaquate production, RF.

 

I don't like Jim's methods or results. This team is terribly inefficient.

 

Can I hug you? That is a tremendously concise and accurate assessment of the "state of the Cubs" under Hendry.

[fromthestretch]

Saying that something is a result of "philosophical differences" doesn't preclude the possibility of one side being wrong. The world isn't flat. People who practice faith healing die of curable diseases. Walker helps the team score runs.

 

Your first sentence is absolutely correct.

 

Far as I can tell, so are the other three sentences.

[Warren Brusstar]

In short:

 

You can't judge a GM on a deal by deal basis. You have to take into account the hole team's performance. The Cubs have won 88, 89 and 79 games under Jim's watch as GM. And it's not like he came into this team blind, having been asst GM for a while and working elsewhere in the organization prior to that gig. He has had a top 5 payroll throughout his time as well, so the sub par finishes are inexcusable.

 

The Cubs have had consistent problems holdings this team back for several years, primarily, the hitters don't take walks, which keeps down their OBP, which keeps down their runs scored, which keeps down their win totals. And Jim hasn't done much to improve that glaring weakness.

 

Also, he's focused on positions that are not glaring holes, while seemingly ignoring the one position on the team that does not currently have 1 potential in house candidate to fill the spot and possibly provide adaquate production, RF.

 

I don't like Jim's methods or results. This team is terribly inefficient.

 

You've really convinced yourself that you'd make a better GM, haven't you?

 

I would make a better GM. And I am absolutely sure of it.

[sethuel1]

Saying that something is a result of "philosophical differences" doesn't preclude the possibility of one side being wrong. The world isn't flat. People who practice faith healing die of curable diseases. Walker helps the team score runs.

 

Your first sentence is absolutely correct.

Far as I can tell, so are the other three sentences.

blasphemy

[CubinNY]

I feartheboard won't be seeing such optimistic posts for a while

[Careless]

Saying that something is a result of "philosophical differences" doesn't preclude the possibility of one side being wrong. The world isn't flat. People who practice faith healing die of curable diseases. Walker helps the team score runs.

 

Your first sentence is absolutely correct.

Far as I can tell, so are the other three sentences.

blasphemy

Quite literally.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

There's a difference between saying, "Hendry hasn't done a good job thus far" and "I can't wait to finish in 5th place". The former is an evaluation, and leaves the possibility for improvement. The latter is overly pessimistic, and adds nothing to discussion. Am I expecting Hendry to make this a dynamite club? Not particularly. Could he improve the team and make them better this offseason? Most certainly.

[CubfaninCA]

A lot of people say that even the best GMs make bad signings and moves. Well, the flip side to that is, even bad GMs make signings or trades that work out for them.

 

Overall, Hendry has done little to impress me, and the results speak for themselves. What pushed me over the edge is his absolute refusal to see Walker's worth. It's idiotic that he's getting rid of one of the best hitting 2nd baseman in the game and one of the bright spots in our lineup because last year's champions won only because of their speed and defense. I don't think he's a very bright GM. Sorry. And just because you think differently, it doesn't make you some sort of renegade, or someone who sees the light while everyone has no legit reason for disliking him. And frankly, that line of thinking is way more tiresome than Hendry bashing.

 

First, I'm glad you know that the only reason Walker is being shopped is becasue the Sox won with speed and defense, even though they really won with pitching. Second, there may be legitimate reasons for not liking the job Hendry has done. However, I get the feeling that the reason many on this board bash him regularly is because he may have a different approach to valuing players than do many here. In other words, there may be philospohical differences. And instead of calling it that and reasonably acknowledging that there's a chance Hendry might know what he's doing, some posters call him names. God knows none of the posters here who disagree with Hendry can be wrong in evaluating a player or mistaken in their approach. Finally, if Hendry refuses to see Walker's worth he's got a ton of company, ie all the other GMs who gave up on the guy. There's no chance none or all of those guys are right, is there? I guess not. That's why they are GMs and we are sitting around posting on a message baord playing at being a GM.

 

It's alright to call HendryBall (Strong pitching, defense, , speed, and average offense) stupid. Although, it won a title several times in the 2000's. Just don't call hardcore Moneyball stupid. That's offensive.

[goonys evil twin]

It's alright to call HendryBall (Strong pitching, defense, , speed, and average offense) stupid. Although, it won a title several times in the 2000's. Just don't call hardcore Moneyball stupid. That's offensive.

 

Hendry won several titles in the 2000s? I take back my complaint, I was under the impression that the team Hendry put together actually came up well short.

[YearofDaCubs]

A lot of people say that even the best GMs make bad signings and moves. Well, the flip side to that is, even bad GMs make signings or trades that work out for them.

 

Overall, Hendry has done little to impress me, and the results speak for themselves. What pushed me over the edge is his absolute refusal to see Walker's worth. It's idiotic that he's getting rid of one of the best hitting 2nd baseman in the game and one of the bright spots in our lineup because last year's champions won only because of their speed and defense. I don't think he's a very bright GM. Sorry. And just because you think differently, it doesn't make you some sort of renegade, or someone who sees the light while everyone has no legit reason for disliking him. And frankly, that line of thinking is way more tiresome than Hendry bashing.

 

First, I'm glad you know that the only reason Walker is being shopped is becasue the Sox won with speed and defense, even though they really won with pitching. Second, there may be legitimate reasons for not liking the job Hendry has done. However, I get the feeling that the reason many on this board bash him regularly is because he may have a different approach to valuing players than do many here. In other words, there may be philospohical differences. And instead of calling it that and reasonably acknowledging that there's a chance Hendry might know what he's doing, some posters call him names. God knows none of the posters here who disagree with Hendry can be wrong in evaluating a player or mistaken in their approach. Finally, if Hendry refuses to see Walker's worth he's got a ton of company, ie all the other GMs who gave up on the guy. There's no chance none or all of those guys are right, is there? I guess not. That's why they are GMs and we are sitting around posting on a message baord playing at being a GM.

 

It's alright to call HendryBall (Strong pitching, defense, , speed, and average offense) stupid. Although, it won a title several times in the 2000's. Just don't call hardcore Moneyball stupid. That's offensive.

Ok, when "Hendryball" actually starts working for the Cubs we can start praising it. In the meantime "Hendryball" to me = average defense, high K's, lack of leadoff hitter, enormous amount of power, and low OBP.