Jim Hendry on WGN

BigbadB · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

He totally brought all of this upon himself when he gave a mediocre outfielder a high priced 3 year contract. He also brought it upon himself by trading 3 young farm hands for a guy in the last year of his contract. A guy who was coming off a horrible season. He brought this upon himself by giving a mop up man a 2 year deal. He brought this upon himself for giving a no hit, all field utility player a 2 year deal.

This team needed a significant upgrade and he spent the necessary money to make a significant upgrade on guys who wouldn't start on most of the other major league teams (Rusch/Perez) and guys who aren't difference makers, one of which may not be here after this year (Pierre/Jones).

There were deals to be made. Plenty of good deals. Because the free agent market was fairly barren, teams were willing to discuss deals. Hendry set his sights on Rafael Furcal. He put all of his eggs in that basket. And he wasn't the guy they should have been targeting in the first place.

He attempted to trade one of the better players on the team (Walker). He kicked Nomar to the curb when he was offering to return at a discounted price. He traded Patterson (impatient hitter) for next to nothing, and basically replaced him with an identical player (Jones). Not only does Jones cost a lot more, but I believe it cost the team a draft pick as well.

The list goes on and on. And that's just from this offseason. Fans were screaming to get rid of Wavin' Wendell Kim. They did nothing. Fans are screaming for Baker and his coaching staff to go. I expect them to do nothing. And it's frustrating. And because of that, if they continue playing as bad as they are right now, they are getting what they deserve.

I hope the fans boo louder tomorrow. I hope they litter the field with trash. I hope it gets so bad that someone steps up does what needs to be done right now. Fire MacPhail, Hendry, Baker, Clines, Sarge, Pole and Rothschild. None of them have done an acceptable job. If they were operating on a 30m budget, that's one thing. This team is top 10 in baseball in annual salary. Act like it.

BigSlick · May 16, 2006

Jim hendry was just on sports central,

"Dusty Baker deserves the right to pull this team out of it"

"I look at the situation every day and try to find ways to make this team better"

"Didnt expect Prior to miss the first 2 months of the season and thought Williams and Rusch would perform like they did in the last month of last season"

expects Prior to be at least pitching in the minors within a week or 2 and there is "NO SIGNIFIGANT TEARAGE IN HIS ARM" Am i the only one reading between the lines with tat one?

there was a lot more, gave no time table as to when something would be done. said 37 games is too soon to make a change, gave examples of Houston the last 2 years and Florida in 2003.

Hendry is exactly right, 37 games is far too few to give up on the season...

But with his actions, he is guaranteeing that it is already over. (Changes must be made!)

sunnydoo · May 16, 2006

Hendry is exactly right, 37 games is far too few to give up on the season...

But with his actions, he is guaranteeing that it is already over. (Changes must be made!)

=D>

Ya, 9-5 to start the year. Only power hitter we have goes down and we go 6-17 and its the "manager's fault".

Nice job Jim. Go back to sleep.

Shilzzz · May 16, 2006

hendry doesn't remember that the astros in 04 changed managers before they turned it around, as did the 03 marlins? hmmmm

BigSlick · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

Unacceptable, its his job to guarantee a modicum of success when we go throw our "transitional" period. THere is no reason to blow money on sub-par players. Either go through a terrible transition period that low budget teams go through (A la the Marlins) or just load us up.

I don't like it. They tried to play off this season as a potential playoff team.

CubfaninCA · May 16, 2006

"Dusty Baker deserves the right to pull this team out of it.

"37 games is too soon to make a change, gave examples of Houston the last 2 years and Florida in 2003."

Hows that foot in your mouth taste Jim?

Make a trade!!!

BigSlick · May 16, 2006

He totally brought all of this upon himself when he gave a mediocre outfielder a high priced 3 year contract. He also brought it upon himself by trading 3 young farm hands for a guy in the last year of his contract. A guy who was coming off a horrible season. He brought this upon himself by giving a mop up man a 2 year deal. He brought this upon himself for giving a no hit, all field utility player a 2 year deal.

This team needed a significant upgrade and he spent the necessary money to make a significant upgrade on guys who wouldn't start on most of the other major league teams (Rusch/Perez) and guys who aren't difference makers, one of which may not be here after this year (Pierre/Jones).

There were deals to be made. Plenty of good deals. Because the free agent market was fairly barren, teams were willing to discuss deals. Hendry set his sights on Rafael Furcal. He put all of his eggs in that basket. And he wasn't the guy they should have been targeting in the first place.

He attempted to trade one of the better players on the team (Walker). He kicked Nomar to the curb when he was offering to return at a discounted price. He traded Patterson (impatient hitter) for next to nothing, and basically replaced him with an identical player (Jones). Not only does Jones cost a lot more, but I believe it cost the team a draft pick as well.

The list goes on and on. And that's just from this offseason. Fans were screaming to get rid of Wavin' Wendell Kim. They did nothing. Fans are screaming for Baker and his coaching staff to go. I expect them to do nothing. And it's frustrating. And because of that, if they continue playing as bad as they are right now, they are getting what they deserve.

I hope the fans boo louder tomorrow. I hope they litter the field with trash. I hope it gets so bad that someone steps up does what needs to be done right now. Fire MacPhail, Hendry, Baker, Clines, Sarge, Pole and Rothschild. None of them have done an acceptable job. If they were operating on a 30m budget, that's one thing. This team is top 10 in baseball in annual salary. Act like it.

There was something cathartic in reading that. Thank you.

CubfaninCA · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

last year was the transition year, as they had to replace someone who had carried the team for several years, sosa. they had to eat $17 million cause he was done.

this year dusty, prior and jwilliams have killed the team. Lee's injury & ARam going AWOL are killers too.

With that said, the longer Hendry sticks w/ Baker, the deeper Hendry's grave gets.

snoodmonger · May 16, 2006

He totally brought all of this upon himself when he gave a mediocre outfielder a high priced 3 year contract. He also brought it upon himself by trading 3 young farm hands for a guy in the last year of his contract. A guy who was coming off a horrible season. He brought this upon himself by giving a mop up man a 2 year deal. He brought this upon himself for giving a no hit, all field utility player a 2 year deal.

This team needed a significant upgrade and he spent the necessary money to make a significant upgrade on guys who wouldn't start on most of the other major league teams (Rusch/Perez) and guys who aren't difference makers, one of which may not be here after this year (Pierre/Jones).

There were deals to be made. Plenty of good deals. Because the free agent market was fairly barren, teams were willing to discuss deals. Hendry set his sights on Rafael Furcal. He put all of his eggs in that basket. And he wasn't the guy they should have been targeting in the first place.

He attempted to trade one of the better players on the team (Walker). He kicked Nomar to the curb when he was offering to return at a discounted price. He traded Patterson (impatient hitter) for next to nothing, and basically replaced him with an identical player (Jones). Not only does Jones cost a lot more, but I believe it cost the team a draft pick as well.

The list goes on and on. And that's just from this offseason. Fans were screaming to get rid of Wavin' Wendell Kim. They did nothing. Fans are screaming for Baker and his coaching staff to go. I expect them to do nothing. And it's frustrating. And because of that, if they continue playing as bad as they are right now, they are getting what they deserve.

I hope the fans boo louder tomorrow. I hope they litter the field with trash. I hope it gets so bad that someone steps up does what needs to be done right now. Fire MacPhail, Hendry, Baker, Clines, Sarge, Pole and Rothschild. None of them have done an acceptable job. If they were operating on a 30m budget, that's one thing. This team is top 10 in baseball in annual salary. Act like it.

There was something cathartic in reading that. Thank you.

I agree. Excellent post.

NorthsideAvenger · May 16, 2006

That's what they pay him the big bucks for. He should be earning his pay. Stone on the radio today said that he believes Maddux will get an extension soon to held solidify him as a Cub entering the Hall and to get people's focss off of the losing team.

I'd like Maddux to become the Cubs pitching coach whenever he retires. I'd even sign him next year as a player/coach (if that's allowed)

I don't. Maddux is in his career, has had the opportunity to help other "young pitchers" to develop thier talents, but he has refused (or the other pitchers refused to go to him, due to ego) to act the mentor.

In other words...Maddux will suck as a pitching coach, not because he doesn't know how to pitch, but moreso his ego would be hurt. You can teach other guys to throw certain pitches, but you can't teach them the "feel of the game." Some of the games best PC have been solid to downright journeymen type pitchers. Bud Black, Larry Dierker (if he was still coaching), Mike Maddux...etc...etc. The best pitcher that had a decent career as a PC was Dave Stewart, and that wasn't a long tenure for Stew.

When Greg's career is over as a player, I doubt he becomes a coach.

SouthSideRyan · May 16, 2006

Florida in '03, Houston in '04. Whatever could they have in common.

ManCrushOnNomar · May 16, 2006

That's what they pay him the big bucks for. He should be earning his pay. Stone on the radio today said that he believes Maddux will get an extension soon to held solidify him as a Cub entering the Hall and to get people's focss off of the losing team.

I'd like Maddux to become the Cubs pitching coach whenever he retires. I'd even sign him next year as a player/coach (if that's allowed)

I don't. Maddux is in his career, has had the opportunity to help other "young pitchers" to develop thier talents, but he has refused (or the other pitchers refused to go to him, due to ego) to act the mentor.

In other words...Maddux will suck as a pitching coach, not because he doesn't know how to pitch, but moreso his ego would be hurt. You can teach other guys to throw certain pitches, but you can't teach them the "feel of the game." Some of the games best PC have been solid to downright journeymen type pitchers. Bud Black, Larry Dierker (if he was still coaching), Mike Maddux...etc...etc. The best pitcher that had a decent career as a PC was Dave Stewart, and that wasn't a long tenure for Stew.

When Greg's career is over as a player, I doubt he becomes a coach.

I'm pretty sure a fella named Orel had a decent career.

sherwood921 · May 16, 2006

I am just suprised that Hendry actually went onto a radio talk show and answered some questions.

All he did was defend himself. The worst part is that he knows he screwed up and he won't admit it. Just come clean.

What do you want him to say?

"You know, I really thought Pierre was good, I didn't realize he was a bum, my bad."

He can't say stuff like that, have you ever heard a manager take accountability midseason? That'd be like a player saying, "you know, I just don't think we have the talent this year." No one's going to do that.

CubfaninCA · May 16, 2006

I am just suprised that Hendry actually went onto a radio talk show and answered some questions.

All he did was defend himself. The worst part is that he knows he screwed up and he won't admit it. Just come clean.

What do you want him to say?

"You know, I really thought Pierre was good, I didn't realize he was a bum, my bad."

He can't say stuff like that, have you ever heard a manager take accountability midseason? That'd be like a player saying, "you know, I just don't think we have the talent this year." No one's going to do that.

Yep, not a good idea to go negative. Might as well call it a season, if he says, "I screwed up."

Andy · May 16, 2006

I don't think Hendry remembers that Fla/Hou changed managers before having success.

I don't think he realizes he screwed up this team.

I honestly think that everyone currently in this organization, with the possible exception of a few players, is just as mind-numbingly stupid as they have been acting.

Shilzzz · May 16, 2006

I don't think Hendry remembers that Fla/Hou changed managers before having success.

I don't think he realizes he screwed up this team.

I honestly think that everyone currently in this organization, with the possible exception of a few players, is just as mind-numbingly stupid as they have been acting.

ding ding ding

we have a winner!

A New Era · May 16, 2006

I don't think anyone has mentioned Fla and Hous fired their managers in 03 and 04. :D

IWU_CUBS_FAN · May 16, 2006

funny he mentions the marlins and astros...the astros of two years ago had traded for beltran and fired jimy...so unless beltran is coming to town and dusty is exiting on the first thing smoking from O'Hare then i say this team won't be .500

Warren Brusstar · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

Are we actually excited about Pie and Eric Patterson, two more Cub farm products that have shown absolutely no command of the strike zone and whose value is tied almost entirely to batting average?

This organization -- and its worship of toolsy guys with no plate discipline -- disgusts me.

Warren Brusstar · May 16, 2006

I don't think Hendry remembers that Fla/Hou changed managers before having success.

I don't think he realizes he screwed up this team.

I honestly think that everyone currently in this organization, with the possible exception of a few players, is just as mind-numbingly stupid as they have been acting.

Yup. For three years, we've heard everyone involved -- including the radio announcers -- act like the entire problem is the inability to hit with runners in scoring position. They just don't get it.

RynoRules · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

Are we actually excited about Pie and Eric Patterson, two more Cub farm products that have shown absolutely no command of the strike zone and whose value is tied almost entirely to batting average?

This organization -- and its worship of toolsy guys with no plate discipline -- disgusts me.

I tend to agree, which is why I wouldn't blink if JH used those guys to get a an established hitter like a Dunn or Cabrera. Too late for Dunn now that they are contenders, but perhaps Cabrera could be had.

JWCUB · May 16, 2006

Let me play the Devil's Advocate here -

The 2006 Cubs, in some ways, is a transitional team. They have DLee, ARam, and Barrett as established players. Cedeno and Murton are going through growing pains, and Pie and EPatt are in the wings and may be starters next year.

As for pitching, the Cubs have Prior and Z as the foundation of the staff with three established veterans in the bullpen. Wood is in his last year, Mad Dog might be. You have Marshall, Guzman, and Hill who also are going through growing pains and could be starters next year.

At this point, there is no clear direction for Hendry to take. He can trade Wood, Miller, Jones, and Pierre to get the team younger and give the youngsters more experience this season. He can try to get a veteran bench player or two by trading away some promising prospects to compete for this year.

Not an easy situation to face.

Are we actually excited about Pie and Eric Patterson, two more Cub farm products that have shown absolutely no command of the strike zone and whose value is tied almost entirely to batting average?

This organization -- and its worship of toolsy guys with no plate discipline -- disgusts me.

I tend to agree, which is why I wouldn't blink if JH used those guys to get a an established hitter like a Dunn or Cabrera. Too late for Dunn now that they are contenders, but perhaps Cabrera could be had.

I have been saying this for awhile now. Make a move. A BOLD move. A big move. Cabrera is the man you want.

Transmogrified Tiger · May 16, 2006

Are we actually excited about Pie and Eric Patterson, two more Cub farm products that have shown absolutely no command of the strike zone and whose value is tied almost entirely to batting average?

This organization -- and its worship of toolsy guys with no plate discipline -- disgusts me.

Eric Patterson shows no command of the strike zone? Tied almost entirely to average? That's not true.

badger1679666666 · May 16, 2006

Why didn't anybody let the dufus know that the those teams fired their manager before making a run? That would have been great radio.

RynoRules · May 16, 2006

Why didn't anybody let the dufus know that the those teams fired their manager before making a run? That would have been great radio.

He said the same thing in this morning's Trib, and no one called him out on it. Rogers even endorsed Baker.

Jim Hendry on WGN

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