Baker Not Worried About Extension

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to this article at Cubs.com, Baker hasn't been approached with an offer for an extension.

 

He ended up signing a four-year contract with the Cubs in November 2002. The 2006 season is the last year of that deal. Asked if anyone in the front office has brought up the topic of an extension this spring, Baker said no.

 

"It hasn't been mentioned," he said Saturday. "I don't mention it. My thing is I have work to do. Do my job, we win, and everything will take care of itself. If I'm approached, we'll deal with that. Right now, I can't be worried about that. I have to be worried about getting my team ready to play."

 

While the talk all winter was on an extension being done in the spring, it appears, at least for the time, one isn't forthcoming. It's possible the Cubs are waiting to see how the season plays out before re-upping with Hendry and Baker.

[NorthsideAvenger]

According to this article at Cubs.com, Baker hasn't been approached with an offer for an extension.

 

He ended up signing a four-year contract with the Cubs in November 2002. The 2006 season is the last year of that deal. Asked if anyone in the front office has brought up the topic of an extension this spring, Baker said no.

 

"It hasn't been mentioned," he said Saturday. "I don't mention it. My thing is I have work to do. Do my job, we win, and everything will take care of itself. If I'm approached, we'll deal with that. Right now, I can't be worried about that. I have to be worried about getting my team ready to play."

 

While the talk all winter was on an extension being done in the spring, it appears, at least for the time, one isn't forthcoming. It's possible the Cubs are waiting to see how the season plays out before re-upping with Hendry and Baker.

 

I fully expect Hendry to be re-signed, and I expect Dusty to be let go.

[Coach C]

I think this season will determine the future of probably both JH and DB. If the season is a success, the Cubs making it in the playoffs, and (I'm guessing) potentionally in the NLCS, then I'm sure it's more than a lock that they will be extended, per both JH and DB's agreement.

 

If this season repeats like 2004 and 2005, then more than likely they both may go.

 

I'd like to agree with NorthsideAvenger's comments at best. JH may make some questionable moves, but you can't deny the fact that he has addressed those needs in some way.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Right now, I'd say it's 60-70% likely Hendry is back, and 50-50 on Dusty. If the Cubs return to the play-offs, then Dusty likely returns. If the team is successful, but just misses like in 2004, who knows? If they end up like last season, he's gone.

[Neuby]

I don't see Hendry being let go, I don't think Dusty wants to stay in Chicago either way.

[MembersOnlyJacket]

I don't see Hendry being let go, I don't think Dusty wants to stay in Chicago either way.

 

Bummer

[stitchface]

I don't see Hendry being let go, I don't think Dusty wants to stay in Chicago either way.

 

Bummer

 

Didn't a certain writer say Hendry would almost definitely be back?

[srbin84]

I really like the approach the Cubs are taking with Hendry and Baker. I hate in sports how so often teams extend their GMs and coaches too early just because of a little success. Few could have really argued against extensions for these two after 2003, but the Cubs decided to wait things out and see what happens. As it turns out, they both have a lot to prove to earn new contracts this year just like Wood, Pierre and others on the team, and with that, I expect better efforts from both this year.

[stitchface]

I really like the approach the Cubs are taking with Hendry and Baker. I hate in sports how so often teams extend their GMs and coaches too early just because of a little success. Few could have really argued against extensions for these two after 2003, but the Cubs decided to wait things out and see what happens. As it turns out, they both have a lot to prove to earn new contracts this year just like Wood, Pierre and others on the team, and with that, I expect better efforts from both this year.

 

Why would you expect better efforts? That would imply they weren't really trying prior to this year.

[srbin84]

I really like the approach the Cubs are taking with Hendry and Baker. I hate in sports how so often teams extend their GMs and coaches too early just because of a little success. Few could have really argued against extensions for these two after 2003, but the Cubs decided to wait things out and see what happens. As it turns out, they both have a lot to prove to earn new contracts this year just like Wood, Pierre and others on the team, and with that, I expect better efforts from both this year.

 

Why would you expect better efforts? That would imply they weren't really trying prior to this year.

 

Well, I certainly don't believe they were because they are pretty incompetent if that has been the case, which certainly cannot be ruled out.

[stitchface]

I really like the approach the Cubs are taking with Hendry and Baker. I hate in sports how so often teams extend their GMs and coaches too early just because of a little success. Few could have really argued against extensions for these two after 2003, but the Cubs decided to wait things out and see what happens. As it turns out, they both have a lot to prove to earn new contracts this year just like Wood, Pierre and others on the team, and with that, I expect better efforts from both this year.

 

Why would you expect better efforts? That would imply they weren't really trying prior to this year.

 

Well, I certainly don't believe they were because they are pretty incompetent if that has been the case, which certainly cannot be ruled out.

 

welcoem to the forum - unfortunately I think that your incompetence conclusion is the correct one.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

This article has some interesting conclusions.

 

The perception is Hendry's deal is all but done and the Cubs are waiting for the right time to announce it because they are not sold completely on Baker. If that's the case, they are doing a disservice to Hendry, who should be able to decide Baker's fate on his own schedule.

 

This writer seems to believe that Hendry's deal is about done, but Baker is being watched this year before a decision on his deal is made.

[bc2k]

When Baker was hired, I was very pleased. I have since done a complete 180 on my opinion of John Baker.

 

Anything short of a World Series appearance and he will not return to the Cubs. I don't even expect preliminary negotiations to occur.

[Soul]

Baker doesn't really want to be here anymore. That's why he isn't discussing deal with anyone. His agent takes care of the negotiations anyway----this talk about "I'm too busy right now" is hogwash. People's agents negotiate multi-million-dollar contracts year-round. That's why people hire them.

 

Baker's just playing out the string.

[Monco]

Coming off a 79 win season at around 4 mil,why should it even be considered now?I'm afraid that they'll be 10 over 500 in June or July,hand out the extensions,then tank.

[UK1679666180]

I don't think he should be worried about it either, whether it was his 1st year of the 4yr deal or the final year, it shouldn't change how he manages the team.

 

This team doesn't need anymore distractions, it hasn't performed well when stressed. This team probably has a great deal of respect for Baker and any added pressure of "winning one for the skipper" will do more harm tham good.

[Monco]

This team doesn't need anymore distractions, it hasn't performed well when stressed. This team probably has a great deal of respect for Baker and any added pressure of "winning one for the skipper" will do more harm tham good.

 

I guess we better not remind them how many years its been since a World Series.

[UK1679666180]

They already know, now for the last two years they've been reminded of the Red Sox and now the White Sox winning it all.

[Monco]

Dustys been through this a few times with Frisco.I don't think he'll be feeling added pressure.I think hes more concerned with not getting to the playoffs the last 2 years.If he gets to the playoffs the contracts there.

[srbin84]

Looking at things purely from Hendry's position, it makes perfect sense to not extend Baker for now. If the team gets off to a rough start, he may need to do something to save his own job, in which case he can try to get the team rolling with a new manager (Lou Piniella?).