Hendry Article

[CubinNY]

Trading Ricky Nolasco for one season of Juan Pierre wasn't the best way to further the longterm success of the Cubs. Failing to trade Pierre for prospect(s) at the deadline didn't help either.

Agreed. That was a bad, desperate trade.

 

Not only Nolasco, but Pinto will more than likely end up being every bit as big a blunder. We have a ton of question marks at the #5 starter slot with Prior, Miller, Cotts or Marshall. For all I know Guzman will all of a sudden snap out of it and realize his potential. But I can guarantee we'd have had no problems worrying about the 5 hole or maybe even wouldn't have signed Marquis if not for they horrific lose/lose trade.

 

I can rattle off a lot of Hendry moves that i liked and until that Pierre mess i always thought protecting Macias insrtead of Sisco was his worst move, but nope. Losing those 3 young arms for NOTHING was simply awful.

 

I am actually quite pleased that we spent money rather than leveraged away any more siginificant farm pieces, but I still await with baited breath to see what is done about an impact CF. I don't think some unfilled potential, claimed off the scrap heap type gets it done. There are few options out there, but someone out of perhaps the Dodger or Brewer orgs may be helpful. Both seem to have a surplus of OF's with good upside. Repko or Corey Hart would be awesome--i'd even be happy with Brady Clark for a short term--he's 33--but very serviceable. Maybe a 3-way with another team could land him...the Brewers look loaded in the OF with T Gwynn Jr, Laynce Nix, Mench, Hart, Clark, Jenkins, Anderson and Gross. Even Nix would work for me--saw him in AAA for a couple games right after TX traded him and he flat killed the ball. Bill Hall will more than likely land in the OF as well...

 

 

 

Pie needs a lightning bolt miracle to be ready before 2008...he doesn't seem to be even close right now.

 

Lets wait to see who the Cubs get in the Supplemental Draft for Pierre before we bash Hendry for failing to trade him before the deadline. I would rather have a first round pick than a C level prospect.

 

I don't think Slappy was a Type A free agent. I believe he is a Type

B so the pick the Cubs get for him will likely be after the 2nd round.

 

I think the Cubs could have done better if they would have traded him at the deadline. However, "better" might mean closer to MLB ready than a draft pick.

 

Nevertheless, the initial trade was very, very bad, but not as bad as the contract he got with the Dodgers. He's going to block some young talent for a few years.

[illiniguy]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

Who?

Kemp or Either?

I hope you say no so I don't throw up.

[cubfever7]

Pie needs a lightning bolt miracle to be ready before 2008...he doesn't seem to be even close right now.

 

That's not true at all. There's debate on how ready he is for this year, but after a second year at AAA there's an extremely high likelihood of him being ready to contribute for the big club.

 

I admit the bolt of lightning miracle line is a bit of hyperbole on my part, but essentially it looks like we agree. You're saying he needs 1 more year at AAA and I'm saying not ready before 2008....they're the same thing..no? I saw him play over a 1/2 dozen games in person in 2006 and it was toward the first part of the season, but he wasn't really close to ready. He played better in the 2nd half, but i think is right at about a .200 BA in winter ball. Not a good sign for a young latin player hitting against less than MLB quality pitching.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Pie needs a lightning bolt miracle to be ready before 2008...he doesn't seem to be even close right now.

 

That's not true at all. There's debate on how ready he is for this year, but after a second year at AAA there's an extremely high likelihood of him being ready to contribute for the big club.

 

I admit the bolt of lightning miracle line is a bit of hyperbole on my part, but essentially it looks like we agree. You're saying he needs 1 more year at AAA and I'm saying not ready before 2008....they're the same thing..no? I saw him play over a 1/2 dozen games in person in 2006 and it was toward the first part of the season, but he wasn't really close to ready. He played better in the 2nd half, but i think is right at about a .200 BA in winter ball. Not a good sign for a young latin player hitting against less than MLB quality pitching.

 

I don't put much stock in his winter ball numbers. He's been playing with Licey for several years and hasn't done particularly well there, yet he continues to progress well through the farm system. Pie has shown an ability to adjust when he doesn't perform well, and that's what last year was. He dominated AAA in the second half to the tune of an over .900 OPS, he clearly was a different player than the first half. I'd be fine with giving the Pie the CF job this year. It wouldn't be best for the offense considering the other 7 spots, but that's going to be the case just about any year so I'd rather Pie go through any growing pains sooner rather than later.

[cubfever7]

It looks like we'll all get a chance to find out this ST on Felix. I knew his 2nd half in 2006 was much improved but had no idea it was to the tune of a .900 OPS.

 

My fear would still be that he faced inferior AAA pitching in the 2nd half as the creme da la creme pitchers had been called up to MLB and that he'll be embarassed by a steady diet of great breaking stuff at the next level.

 

He reminds me of Soriano a little as far as the body type, bat speed and the 5 tools. It'll fall to Sweet Lou probably to see if he's being rushed or not.

 

I wonder what Ernie would say on New Year's Day--"Cub fans will be in heaven, in the year 2007."

[frostwyrm]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

 

He was also on an impressive hot streak going into trading season, and he's won a World Series, dude. I'm certain we could have gotten something decent for him.

[BigbadB]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

Who?

Kemp or Either?

I hope you say no so I don't throw up.

 

I don't really believe naming names will accomplish much. It would depend on who would have needed a CF/lead off hitter enough to give up a decent prospect to get Pierre.

 

Julio Lugo was traded for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.

 

Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall were traded for Dioner Navarro and Jae Wong Seo.

 

David Wells was traded for George Kotteras.

 

I can sit here and make speculations, but Hendry and/or Dusty felt it was much more important to attempt to salvage a horrible season by not trading some guys who had value on the market at the trade deadline. It was another poor decision piled on top of poor decisions.

[NoDak]

He reminds me of Soriano a little as far as the body type, bat speed and the 5 tools. It'll fall to Sweet Lou probably to see if he's being rushed or not.

 

Isn't one of the "5 tools" defense. I don't think Soriano really has much of that tool. My understanding is he is a trainwreck at 2B and serviceable in the outfield.

[LeftCoastCubFan]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

Who?

Kemp or Either?

I hope you say no so I don't throw up.

 

I don't really believe naming names will accomplish much. It would depend on who would have needed a CF/lead off hitter enough to give up a decent prospect to get Pierre.

 

Julio Lugo was traded for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.

 

Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall were traded for Dioner Navarro and Jae Wong Seo.

 

David Wells was traded for George Kotteras.

 

I can sit here and make speculations, but Hendry and/or Dusty felt it was much more important to attempt to salvage a horrible season by not trading some guys who had value on the market at the trade deadline. It was another poor decision piled on top of poor decisions.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Hendry made the trade for Pierre on the assumption that he would sign a reasonable extension; just to have him come back and say he wanted Furcal money because leadoff men were so valuable. At that point he was not going to be here for 2007, as evidenced by Hendry’s lack of pursuit this off season.

 

I also don’t recall any serious pursuit by any team for him mid-season. He came into July with a .303 obp (granted a better June and July).

 

What would we have received better then the #31 in this years draft? Who would we have received it from?

[Fred Hornkohl]

 

I wonder what Ernie would say on New Year's Day--"Cub fans will be in heaven, in the year 2007."

 

It was just 40 years ago that Ernie told us, "The CUBS will be heavenly in sixty sevenly." :wink:

[nilodnayr]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

Who?

Kemp or Either?

I hope you say no so I don't throw up.

 

I don't really believe naming names will accomplish much. It would depend on who would have needed a CF/lead off hitter enough to give up a decent prospect to get Pierre.

 

Julio Lugo was traded for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.

 

Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall were traded for Dioner Navarro and Jae Wong Seo.

 

David Wells was traded for George Kotteras.

 

I can sit here and make speculations, but Hendry and/or Dusty felt it was much more important to attempt to salvage a horrible season by not trading some guys who had value on the market at the trade deadline. It was another poor decision piled on top of poor decisions.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Hendry made the trade for Pierre on the assumption that he would sign a reasonable extension; just to have him come back and say he wanted Furcal money because leadoff men were so valuable. At that point he was not going to be here for 2007, as evidenced by Hendry’s lack of pursuit this off season.

 

I also don’t recall any serious pursuit by any team for him mid-season. He came into July with a .303 obp (granted a better June and July).

 

What would we have received better then the #31 in this years draft? Who would we have received it from?

 

Considering Pie has been the prize of the org and Hendry said this offseason that he didn't want to acquire anyone long term for the CF hole, either Hendry is a complete idiot or he didn't intend to keep Pierre.

[Illini Iceman]

Pierre could have netted something better than a "C" prospect at the trade deadline. Teams value him. Why, I'm not sure. But, look at the contract he signed this year.

Who?

Kemp or Either?

I hope you say no so I don't throw up.

 

I don't really believe naming names will accomplish much. It would depend on who would have needed a CF/lead off hitter enough to give up a decent prospect to get Pierre.

 

Julio Lugo was traded for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.

 

Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall were traded for Dioner Navarro and Jae Wong Seo.

 

David Wells was traded for George Kotteras.

 

I can sit here and make speculations, but Hendry and/or Dusty felt it was much more important to attempt to salvage a horrible season by not trading some guys who had value on the market at the trade deadline. It was another poor decision piled on top of poor decisions.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Hendry made the trade for Pierre on the assumption that he would sign a reasonable extension; just to have him come back and say he wanted Furcal money because leadoff men were so valuable. At that point he was not going to be here for 2007, as evidenced by Hendry’s lack of pursuit this off season.

 

I also don’t recall any serious pursuit by any team for him mid-season. He came into July with a .303 obp (granted a better June and July).

 

What would we have received better then the #31 in this years draft? Who would we have received it from?

 

Considering Pie has been the prize of the org and Hendry said this offseason that he didn't want to acquire anyone long term for the CF hole, either Hendry is a complete idiot or he didn't intend to keep Pierre.

 

It is true that THIS offseason Hendry has been saying that Pie is the long term CF plan, but last year there was a lot of talk about him being a corner outfielder due to his developing power. I really think Hendry thought he could extend Pierre and envisioned a 2007 outfield of Pie, Pierre and Jones/Murton.

 

I don't think the Pierre trade turned out too well, but really don't see it as a catastrophe. To me, Nolasco is about equal with Marshall and most here are not thrilled with the idea of Marshall going into the season as the 5th starter. It is also worth considering that Hendry really needed to clear out the 40 man roster of pitching. If he would have still had Nolasco and Pinto to protect this year the Cubs definitely would have lost someone of value.

 

Personally I would rather Hendry takes some risks with his stockpile of "prospects" rather than let them rot on the vine by not trading them and not promoting them. This one was not such a great idea, but at this point I don't see Nolasco or Pinto as developing into anything more the 4 or 5 type starters.

[UK1679666180]

 

It is true that THIS offseason Hendry has been saying that Pie is the long term CF plan, but last year there was a lot of talk about him being a corner outfielder due to his developing power. I really think Hendry thought he could extend Pierre and envisioned a 2007 outfield of Pie, Pierre and Jones/Murton.

 

I don't think the Pierre trade turned out too well, but really don't see it as a catastrophe. To me, Nolasco is about equal with Marshall and most here are not thrilled with the idea of Marshall going into the season as the 5th starter. It is also worth considering that Hendry really needed to clear out the 40 man roster of pitching. If he would have still had Nolasco and Pinto to protect this year the Cubs definitely would have lost someone of value.

 

Personally I would rather Hendry takes some risks with his stockpile of "prospects" rather than let them rot on the vine by not trading them and not promoting them. This one was not such a great idea, but at this point I don't see Nolasco or Pinto as developing into anything more the 4 or 5 type starters.

 

I think that would be more valid if they didn't allocate 3 years and 21 mil towards a 4-5 starter instead of going with someone like Marshall.

[BigbadB]

I also don’t recall any serious pursuit by any team for him mid-season. He came into July with a .303 obp (granted a better June and July).

 

What would we have received better then the #31 in this years draft? Who would we have received it from?

 

There generally isn't any serious pursuit for guys who are not made available in trade during the trade deadline.

[cubfever7]

He reminds me of Soriano a little as far as the body type, bat speed and the 5 tools. It'll fall to Sweet Lou probably to see if he's being rushed or not.

 

Isn't one of the "5 tools" defense. I don't think Soriano really has much of that tool. My understanding is he is a trainwreck at 2B and serviceable in the outfield.

 

Yea that was a liberal application of 5 tools from what i know of Soriano's D as well. They both have great arms and foot speed..fast bats and in Alf's case power. We can only hope/assume that the power will come for Felix, but he does have a real nice glove in the OF. I did see him make an Alou/Sosa type poor decison on a cutoff man one time in trying to show off his gun, but he's quite young.

[nilodnayr]

It is true that THIS offseason Hendry has been saying that Pie is the long term CF plan, but last year there was a lot of talk about him being a corner outfielder due to his developing power. I really think Hendry thought he could extend Pierre and envisioned a 2007 outfield of Pie, Pierre and Jones/Murton.

 

I don't think the Pierre trade turned out too well, but really don't see it as a catastrophe. To me, Nolasco is about equal with Marshall and most here are not thrilled with the idea of Marshall going into the season as the 5th starter. It is also worth considering that Hendry really needed to clear out the 40 man roster of pitching. If he would have still had Nolasco and Pinto to protect this year the Cubs definitely would have lost someone of value.

 

Personally I would rather Hendry takes some risks with his stockpile of "prospects" rather than let them rot on the vine by not trading them and not promoting them. This one was not such a great idea, but at this point I don't see Nolasco or Pinto as developing into anything more the 4 or 5 type starters.

 

Has Pie's power potential suddenly decreased? If the cubs wanted him to be a corner OF last year, then they would put Soriano in CF this year and would have found a suitable corner OF. They didnt do that because they promised Soriano that they wouldn't move him around.

 

And if Hendry did envision resigning Pierre, then surely he would have made more of a play for him. Pierre didn't do anything in 2006 that we didn't expect of him. We really never seemed interested in him. Although that could just be because Soriano was our #1 and we got him.

 

If we still had Nolasco and Pinto we would have been much more comfortable trading some of our prospects and most likely Nolasco would have received starts last year and significantly increased his value.

 

Its all fine and good to take risks and trade prospects, but for garbage like Pierre, theres very little reward.

[cubfever7]

"It is also worth considering that Hendry really needed to clear out the 40 man roster of pitching. If he would have still had Nolasco and Pinto to protect this year the Cubs definitely would have lost someone of value. "

 

 

WOW--great point Iceman. I had never considered the size of the 40 man in the long term equation. I have a soft spot for Nolasco and will differ with you for now on his long term outlook. Pinto's rep in my view is only by what I've heard; we sort of talked last summer with the limitations of his command of English and mine of Spanish, but he is truly a character. He didn't get in the game when i saw him though.

 

Are you also known in UFC circles as Chuck Liddell?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Not trading Nolasco and Pinto does not relegate you to losing them or others in Rule V. They could have been used in a deal where we got someone better than an offensive wasteland that throws like a quadriplegic, for example.

[nilodnayr]

Not trading Nolasco and Pinto does not relegate you to losing them or others in Rule V. They could have been used in a deal where we got someone better than an offensive wasteland that throws like a quadriplegic, for example.

 

Other options were also to not have added others to the 40 man, wasting spots on crap players like Walrond, Bynum, Pagan, and Womack.

[Bruce Miles]

Not trading Nolasco and Pinto does not relegate you to losing them or others in Rule V. They could have been used in a deal where we got someone better than an offensive wasteland that throws like a quadriplegic, for example.

 

Other options were also to not have added others to the 40 man, wasting spots on crap players like Walrond, Bynum, Pagan, and Womack.

 

Pagan was the only one of these players on the 40-man at the start of spring training last year. Walrond was a non-roster invitee to spring training. They got Bynum in a trade at the end of spring training, and Womack showed up whenever he showed up during the season.