Baker and Hendry...back for more?

[UK1679666180]

That's his major flaw, hanging onto to people too long like Lynch. I'll be critical of him if he offers an extention to Hendry before the season takes place.

 

At this point, I have no problem with Hendry or Baker being here, they haven't earned the right to have their contracts extended though.

 

If you look at it from the Trib's standpoint as you state, the Cubs are much more profitable in '06 than they were before Andy came to the Cubs.

[abuck1220]

i love hearing hendry throw out francoeur's name...as if a guy like that would EVER get the shot in chicago that he did in atlanta. comedy.

[goonys evil twin]

The Bottom line is that one fluky 88 win division title in 10 years doesn't cut it. If the Tribune Corp cared as much about winning as they do about being profitable, MacPhail would be gone.

 

If Andy cared about winning, Hendry and Baker would be gone. But the Trib has very little justification for firing Andy yet. He has done what they hired him to do, which was turn the Cubs from a joke into a team that people took seriously, while staying profitable. For all my complaints about his regime, I will acknowledge that Andy's direction as led the team to at least be in the discussion of potential winners. This team is in position to be in the race for several years. My problem is with Andy's decision that "contending within the division" would be the goal, as opposed to fielding the best team they possibly can.

 

If Andy gives big extensions to Jim and Dusty, but the team collapses, then I could see the Trib thinking about cuts, because attendance and ratings will fall, and they will be on the hook for millions to guys they probably want to get rid of. But these people aren't baseball savants, they don't spend the amount of time and effort a lot of others do dissecting every aspect of the team. Upper management types don't micromanage in successful companies. They aren't going to say "Jacque Jones is a terrible option for RF, therefore I'm going to get rid of everybody". They trust their baseball people to get the job done, and their baseball people think the team is going in the right direction. It's the baseball people who have screwed up this team for so long.

[The Voice of Reason]

The fact that MacPhail is on the record as saying that he would never commmit the $'s necessary to sign a top tier free agent or would the Cubs ever pay a luxury tax (currently budget ovet $117 million) IMHO confirms he's more concerned about the bottom line and keeping the suits happy than winning.

[Magnetic Curses]

The fact that MacPhail is on the record as saying that he would never commmit the $'s necessary to sign a top tier free agent or would the Cubs ever pay a luxury tax (currently budget ovet $117 million) IMHO confirms he's more concerned about the bottom line and keeping the suits happy than winning.

 

he should be concerned about the bottom line, that's part of his job description. you see, a baseball team should run at a profit, or else it's just financially unfeasible to continue running it.

 

the trib will not divert money from other holdings to bankroll the cubs, nor should they have to. the moment that they start to run in the red, they'll sell--which is understandable. the trib is doing what they're obligated to do, make money for their shareholders while allowing the cubs a large enough payroll to acquire the pieces that it needs.

 

if the cubs don't compete, it's not the fault of the trib, it's the fault of the GM and manager.

[frostwyrm]

Sometimes I think the entire world has forgotten the Cubs won 88 games in 2001. If fate had flip-flopped the luck of the draw regarding the strength of the division between 2001 and 2003 then we would remember Baylor/MacPhail as the men who won our last pennant and we'd still be waiting for Baker/Hendry to get us to the playoffs.

[goonys evil twin]

Sometimes I think the entire world has forgotten the Cubs won 88 games in 2001. If fate had flip-flopped the luck of the draw regarding the strength of the division between 2001 and 2003 then we would remember Baylor/MacPhail as the men who won our last pennant and we'd still be waiting for Baker/Hendry to get us to the playoffs.

 

I agree. And I think it goes to show you that 88/89 wins should not be the goal of a top payroll team like the Cubs. A string of 88/89 win seasons does not equal success, it equates to above averageness. They need 95 win seasons. They need to be in position to withstand strong competition, and compete with the best of the best.

[The Voice of Reason]

The fact that MacPhail is on the record as saying that he would never commmit the $'s necessary to sign a top tier free agent or would the Cubs ever pay a luxury tax (currently budget ovet $117 million) IMHO confirms he's more concerned about the bottom line and keeping the suits happy than winning.

 

he should be concerned about the bottom line, that's part of his job description. you see, a baseball team should run at a profit, or else it's just financially unfeasible to continue running it.

 

the trib will not divert money from other holdings to bankroll the cubs, nor should they have to. the moment that they start to run in the red, they'll sell--which is understandable. the trib is doing what they're obligated to do, make money for their shareholders while allowing the cubs a large enough payroll to acquire the pieces that it needs.

 

if the cubs don't compete, it's not the fault of the trib, it's the fault of the GM and manager.

 

I'm not saying divert money from their affiliates or run in the red. How about using the money from the additional bleacher seats, their ticket scalping business, their dot.com business, the $ from the rooftops owners and all their other cub related businesses that they don't include when discussing their "bottom line" with us lowly fans.

 

The cubs were purchased for 20 million in 1981 and are now worth over $500 million - not a bad unrealized (for now) gain for their shareholders. We can only hope that someday soon the Tribune corp. will realize the huge profit they've made on the Cubs and sell to an owner committed to winning.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Just what has he accomplished? One lucky 89 win Division title?

 

Um, MacPhail was still in Minnesota in 89.

 

Um, in 2003 the Cubs won the Division by a small margin with 89 wins.

 

My point was that 89 wins usually doesn't win a division and the Cubs were lucky because the Cards had injury issues.

 

My bad, I missed the word "win" in your post. Thought you were referring to 1989. :oops:

[Magnetic Curses]

The fact that MacPhail is on the record as saying that he would never commmit the $'s necessary to sign a top tier free agent or would the Cubs ever pay a luxury tax (currently budget ovet $117 million) IMHO confirms he's more concerned about the bottom line and keeping the suits happy than winning.

 

he should be concerned about the bottom line, that's part of his job description. you see, a baseball team should run at a profit, or else it's just financially unfeasible to continue running it.

 

the trib will not divert money from other holdings to bankroll the cubs, nor should they have to. the moment that they start to run in the red, they'll sell--which is understandable. the trib is doing what they're obligated to do, make money for their shareholders while allowing the cubs a large enough payroll to acquire the pieces that it needs.

 

if the cubs don't compete, it's not the fault of the trib, it's the fault of the GM and manager.

 

I'm not saying divert money from their affiliates or run in the red. How about using the money from the additional bleacher seats, their ticket scalping business, their dot.com business, the $ from the rooftops owners and all their other cub related businesses that they don't include when discussing their "bottom line" with us lowly fans.

 

The cubs were purchased for 20 million in 1981 and are now worth over $500 million - not a bad unrealized (for now) gain for their shareholders. We can only hope that someday soon the Tribune corp. will realize the huge profit they've made on the Cubs and sell to an owner committed to winning.

 

ain't inflation good for investments?

 

regardless of what they bought the team for, their costs of running the team aren't the same that it was in 81 either. their profit can't be measured by 1981 standards. and neither can the costs for running the team. if the cubs went over the luxury limit, it's a pretty good assumption that they'd be running in the red.

[marc_foust]

I realize that we missed out on a couple of signings this winter but overall I think Hendry has done a pretty good job this off season.

 

He gave Furcal a heck of a run and decided not to pay 13 mil a year with Cedeno in the org. Giles was never really a possibility and I think that Hendry knew that. He resigned Dempster at a very reasonable price when you look at the rest of the market (Ryan, Wagner, Farnsworth). He signed two dependable relievers for market value which should keep our starters fresher throughout the year. He cut Macias. He improved in right field (Jones is better than Burnitz with a much higher ceiling) even though 3 years is excessive. He overpayed for Neifi but Neifi is a premiere bench SS. There is no one on this board that has a problem with Neifi as long as he is a bench guy. He let Nomar go, he cut ties with Burnitz, he was going hard for Tejada, he brought one of the premier lead off men to chi town, went hard after Bradley, was linked to talks for Wilkerson, Huff, Lugo. He improved our bench with the addition of Mabry. He has named Cedeno and Murton opening day starters. He cut Macias. He resigned Rusch to fill in whenever Wood goes down. And he held onto Williams. If he doesnt get rid of Walker I call this one the better off seasons in recent memory. Oh yeah, did I mention he cut Macias?

[goonys evil twin]

I realize that we missed out on a couple of signings this winter but overall I think Hendry has done a pretty good job this off season...........

 

Oh yeah, did I mention he cut Macias?

 

His job is to continually make this team better. I don't think this team is any better than it was going into 2004 or 2005. I don't see any reason to give him credit for "going hard after guys", and I don't give him any credit for getting rid of guys that sucked, who he got in the first place even though they already sucked and he gave a raise to even though they sucked.

 

This is still a deeply flawed team that had several glaring weaknesses that have been around for a few years that management refuses to either admit are weaknesses, or address them properly.

[marc_foust]

I realize that we missed out on a couple of signings this winter but overall I think Hendry has done a pretty good job this off season...........

 

Oh yeah, did I mention he cut Macias?

 

His job is to continually make this team better. I don't think this team is any better than it was going into 2004 or 2005. I don't see any reason to give him credit for "going hard after guys", and I don't give him any credit for getting rid of guys that sucked, who he got in the first place even though they already sucked and he gave a raise to even though they sucked.

 

This is still a deeply flawed team that had several glaring weaknesses that have been around for a few years that management refuses to either admit are weaknesses, or address them properly.

 

He went after all of the players we said he should of, offered the right amounts, but other teams over paid. I dont fault Hendry for Giles or Furcal at the numbers they signed for. He addressed needs in the pen and a lead off hitter, and bolstered the bench by adding Mabry and dropping Macias. He uprgraded in RF and LF (By getting rid of veteran outfielders to platoon him Murton). He aquired a 5th starter in Williams last year. We have a team that can contend for the division. We could add another starter and a platoon mate for Jones, but both of which may not be necessary. What holes are left to be filled? Jones may turn out to be the OF we all want him to be and the pitching should be improved from last year with Williams getting a full year plus the revamped pen.

[Magnetic Curses]

We have a team that can contend for the division.

 

oh man, now you're in for it.

[muntjack]

I realize that we missed out on a couple of signings this winter but overall I think Hendry has done a pretty good job this off season...........

 

Oh yeah, did I mention he cut Macias?

 

His job is to continually make this team better. I don't think this team is any better than it was going into 2004 or 2005. I don't see any reason to give him credit for "going hard after guys", and I don't give him any credit for getting rid of guys that sucked, who he got in the first place even though they already sucked and he gave a raise to even though they sucked.

 

This is still a deeply flawed team that had several glaring weaknesses that have been around for a few years that management refuses to either admit are weaknesses, or address them properly.

 

First off, let me state that I agree with your assessment of management's failure completely.

 

Unfortunately many here (myself included) have let these failures obscure the fact that we may very well have the best team in the NL Central.

 

Among Central qualifiers:

 

1B- DLEE - #2

2B-TWALK- #1 or 2

3B-ARAM- #1 (Rolen coming off injury/Ensberg not quite as good)

SS- Cedeno- #2 or 3 (assuming .278 .330 .400)

C- Barrett-#1

RF-JJ- #3

CF- Pierre- #2 or 3

LF- Murton - #2 (assuming .280 .340 .440)

 

SP1- Z- #1 or 2

SP2- Prior- #1

SP3-Wood- #1 (I know, I know)

SP4- Maddux- #1

SP#5- Rusch/Williams/Guzman- #1

 

These are close if not exact. Our bullpen should also be our best in a very long time.

 

If we had competent management, and a real bat in LF, we would be the easy favorites in the central, IMO.

[Magnetic Curses]

What holes are left to be filled?

 

looking at positional holes is primitive and too conventional. you must look at what team holes he needed to fill, mostly OBP, which he did not come anywhere near upgrading enough. this is a team that will hit for a decent average, not get on base any other way besides hitting the ball, and finish in the bottom half of the league in runs scored.

 

did he upgrade the bullpen? maybe, but that wasn't the area we needed to upgrade.

 

a team that leads the NL in hitting should not finish 9th in runs scored, that's pitiful and hendry's a freaking blind man if he can't connect the dots.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Sorry i can't agree on your starting rotation. I would take Petit and possibly Oswalt over Prior Wood and Maddux. I like Z as much as any of them and i also like Prior but he needs to have a full season. Wood is a right off and i would take Sheets, Duke, Carpenter, Mulder over Maddux or Guzman. On an off note how much chance is thier on Hill or guzman making the majors this season?.

[RynoRules]

What holes are left to be filled?

 

looking at positional holes is primitive and too conventional. you must look at what team holes he needed to fill, mostly OBP, which he did not come anywhere near upgrading enough. this is a team that will hit for a decent average, not get on base any other way besides hitting the ball, and finish in the bottom half of the league in runs scored.

 

did he upgrade the bullpen? maybe, but that wasn't the area we needed to upgrade.

 

a team that leads the NL in hitting should not finish 9th in runs scored, that's pitiful and hendry's a freaking blind man if he can't connect the dots.

 

I know you and I have disagreed on that issue before, but for the record, let me just restate that I disagree with you. O:)

 

And I think he/she meant that the team is good enought to contend in our division, not that they are good enough to contend in a good division.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Totally disagree about the bullpen, how many leads have been blown late in games? we needed some veteran leadership in that pen. Guys like Ohman , Navoa and Weurtz were thrown to the wolves.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Totally disagree about the bullpen, how many leads have been blown late in games? we needed some veteran leadership in that pen. Guys like Ohman , Navoa and Weurtz were thrown to the wolves.

 

We've had veteran leadership over the past few years with disappointing results. Trying something different couldn't hurt.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Pedro, who would you consider a Vet? Rem? he spent most of his time on the DL and have dusty screw him up, Hawk? He was never a closer and became a broken man after dusty had finished. Merker? Guy was more upset with TV commentators than blowing leads on the field and supporting teammates. All i've read about Eyre and Howry leads me to believe they are quality guys. We now know that Ryan is as good a teammate as you get i see this unit fuctioning well nice mix.

[Guancous]

I think he/she meant that the team is good enought to contend in our division, not that they are good enough to contend in a good division.

 

I wouldn't mind taking the Padres route into the playoffs and hoping that Prior and Zambrano perform miracles.

[Ram1380]

Ohman, Novoa and Weurtz were not the problem with the pen last season at all.

 

Some boob deciding Rusch should start the season in the pen, while Dempster started it in the rotation(completely against what Hendry had said all along to that point), thus eventually forcing Hawkins to a role we all knew he couldn't handle was the start of the disaster.

 

The continued idiotic use of Remlinger, and over use of Wuertz didn't help matters either.

[Ram1380]

All i've read about Eyre and Howry leads me to believe they are quality guys. We now know that Ryan is as good a teammate as you get i see this unit fuctioning well nice mix.

 

 

I completely agree.

 

 

 

hope.

 

 

:x

[marc_foust]

What holes are left to be filled?

 

looking at positional holes is primitive and too conventional. you must look at what team holes he needed to fill, mostly OBP, which he did not come anywhere near upgrading enough. this is a team that will hit for a decent average, not get on base any other way besides hitting the ball, and finish in the bottom half of the league in runs scored.

 

did he upgrade the bullpen? maybe, but that wasn't the area we needed to upgrade.

 

a team that leads the NL in hitting should not finish 9th in runs scored, that's pitiful and hendry's a freaking blind man if he can't connect the dots.

 

I think he did improve this team in OBP as well.

 

Barrett, Lee, Walker, and ARam are pretty good in OBP. Murton is an improvement over anything we had in LF last year. Pierre is an improvement over CPatt and Hairston. Cedeno will at the very least meet Neifi's numbers. Jones has the potential to outdo Burnitz. Hendry did bring in players that could improve OBP( Pierre Jones) and name players starters who shoudl as well (Cedeno Murton).