Jim Hendry candidly speaking at Bloggers Luncheon

[UMFan83]

This is a great read about Jim Hendry. He is candid, open honest and speaking like he's talking to long time buddies. Lots of interesting things he talks about her regarding former and current players for the Cubs. WARNING: A bit of language throughout the blog entry:

 

http://hirejimessian.com/index.php/2008/01/18/i-wish-i-could-say-its-a-pleasure-to-meet-you/#more-1476

[Mizzou]

Great read, I saw that earlier this morning. Pretty much confirms what most of us thought about the Prior situation.

[C.C.]

That was funny. Wood is a badass!!!

[anabiono]

thanks for posting this...that was AWESOME reading!!!

 

these two moves better be big...and if they are...i will be more than aroused for the upcoming season

 

 

=P~

[YearofDaCubs]

very good read. Man, crazy about the story of Hendry going to the 2nd hospital. As far as Prior is concerned, it was pretty obvious Hendry was fair with Prior and Prior didn't want any part of the Cubs anymore. I'm actually glad that Prior is gone, he's dead to me and I actually feel really good about it. I was so sick of the small little faith I had in him coming back and dominating, no longer. I've been fooled too many times by him and glad the Cubs parted ways and moved on. Edited January 18, 2008 by YearofDaCubs

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

As I walked into the luncheon, I was relieved to see that my table was far enough away from Hendry’s so that I was in no danger of getting hit with flying spittle or bits of food. Confident I was safe, I stowed my poncho and umbrella under my seat at Table 30.

 

After “paying him $7M to sit in a tub for two years” (Jim’s words; not mine), Jim wanted Prior to give the team an option year for 2009

- Amen Jim

 

=D> =D> =D>

 

Great read

Edited January 18, 2008 by GoCubsGo!!

[Tyrant]

That's a really cool article. Good work by the author.

 

I'm still not a Hendry fan, but it's cool to see him come across with some more honest comments instead of the typical stuff that he feeds to the media. I think it goes to show that we can't always take statements that are made to the press as 100 percent truth.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

this gets better as I read it

 

Jim also spoke about Aramis Ramirez. He said he felt Aramis gets a bad rap for not being a hustler. In Jim’s words, Aramis is just “not that good an athlete,” but was born to hit. He said he’s just plain slow, but he’s busted his ass to improve his defense.

 

Wow, I didn't realize how much I agree with Hendry on stuff.(outside of the hard on for Theriot thing, and the Tracschal nonsense...)

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I'd love to have Kevin Tapani back. You know, if he could knock 20 years off and suddenly become a good pitcher.

[pitchcs]

"Jim repeatedly used the word “knucklehead” in describing Ohman. Each time he did, I giggled and flapped my hands in hysterics."

 

Funny stuff. And informative too.

[jersey cubs fan]

Now if that was what the convention was like, I would be interested in attending.

 

Jim does seem like a pretty good guy, too bad he's not a pretty good GM (especially when you consider how backwoods stupid so many GMs are).

[WilcoFan]

As someone who is about as diametrically opposed to Jim Hendry's baseball philosophy as possible, I have to say at least it was nice to read his actual thoughts, instead of the distilled version he gives to the media. I would have to admit that some of the things he says make a lot more sense when he's candid about the entire set of circumstances that surround the story.

 

I will never, ever agree with his obvious love for guys like Theriot, but his handling of the Prior, Farnsworth, etc. situations have become much more understandable. The guy who wrote this did a really nice job.

[frostwyrm]

I wish the guy would have asked if Hendry had learned his lesson about multiyear commitments to relief pitchers. He's handed out so many of them and they've all been disastrous other than Howry. I'd also love to hear how he got the Tigers to take on all the $3M remaining on Neifi's contract.

[C.C.]

Hendry pulls a Kenny Williams.

[Sweet Swinging Billy]

Enjoyed the article, it was an excellent read but I didn't care too much for the constant use of the F-word. Nevertheless, I came away with a new appreciation for Hendry.

[Sweet Swinging Billy]

Enjoyed the article, it was an excellent read but I didn't care too much for the constant use of the F-word. Nevertheless, I came away with a new appreciation for Hendry.

 

---What's with NSBB for the second post?

[jiml60]

You were warned at the top, SSBilly. What's the big deal? JH knew it was mostly an off-the-record discussion and he opened up like a normal guy would talk.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

You were warned at the top, SSBilly. What's the big deal? JH knew it was mostly an off-the-record discussion and he opened up like a normal guy would talk.

I agree, who [expletive] cares.

[C.C.]

Enjoyed the article, it was an excellent read but I didn't care too much for the constant use of the F-word. Nevertheless, I came away with a new appreciation for Hendry.

 

---What's with NSBB for the second post?

 

I love the F-word in any manner of print. It doesn't get the props it deserves.

[Clem Fandango]

He did mention, though, that he doesn’t blame the kids for doing steroids. He said he’d do it if he were in the same situation. So, I went ahead and slipped some steroids into his drink.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Post Count Padder]

Someone asked Jim about specific GMs with whom he has a good relationship. He specifically mentioned John Schuerholz and Billy Beane. He said that he didn’t particularly want to give up Jerry Blevins for Jason Kendall, but he felt that Beane asked for the high end of what he could reasonably get, and there was basically no negotiation. Beane simply asked for Blevins, and Jim said yes.

 

So he's a push over? :?

 

Anyway, that was a pretty good read. I still won't say he's great at his job, but I like him a tad more after reading that, especially after his Wood and Prior comments.

[Banedon]

Really sheds some light on a few individuals...Prior, Jacque, Farnsworth and Hundley on the negative side. And Aramis and Wood on the positive side.

 

I still don't like Hendry as a GM (Theriot sucks) but I'd love to hear more of his thoughts like this.

[Abe Frohman]

This was a great read.

[cbbryan]

Wonderful, wonderful read! I can't believe Farnsworth hadn't discovered beer and that other thing until he got to the majors!

[frostwyrm]

I'd like to ask Hendry how or if opportunity cost figures into his thinking. For example, if you have tradable players like Murton and Marshall whom your manager refuses to use much, a good GM should ask himself if the opportunity cost of NOT trading these guys outweighs what they contribute on the field. I've never seen any evidence that Jim thinks that way. To me it's a no-brainer that Murton/Marshall are more valuable as trading chips than as players, at least while Lou is here.