Hendry Fired (p. 2)

[PackLandVA]

 

Ricketts would be a complete and total moron if he decided not to hire Hahn on the basis that Hahn works for the White Sox.

 

This is exactly what I would do! I hate the White Sox so much and am so jealous of their WS in 2005[edited], I wouldn't even interview Hahn. I would love a WS for the Cubs in my lifetime, but deep down inside would feel that it took a White Sox front office guy to get the Cubs to the promised land. Don't think I could live knowing that!

 

Of course, I have no where near the business acumen that Tom Ricketts does. He would most likely not even consider the pettiness of this thought, and therefore would make a decision based on things that actually matter.

 

Tom Ricketts own the Chicago Cubs. I occasionally visit message boards and post thoughts hoping not to embarrass myself!

 

Go Tom Go!!

Edited August 21, 2011 by PackLandVA

[Vinestal]

I really wonder how long it will be before they they start talking about interviews (if not ownership then press via leaks). if Ricketts has known since July 22 that he's going to be hiring a new GM he's got to have a list of potential people already whittled down somewhat. When does the interview process begin? Gotta think he'd want someone in place and somewhat comfortable by the end of the season, or do you guys think this process will drag into the offseason a bit?

I realize they just announced the firing but I'm really beyond ready to start hearing some names thrown out as very realistic possibilities. I'm ready to get excited about the new guy. How secretive can they keep this process? I guess if they managed to keep the firing a secret for this long, for all we know they may have already interviewed some people.

 

I doubt we'll be able to fill the position before the end of the season simply because I tend to think we won't be able to interview any candidates during the season. In order to interview anybody, we'd have to get permission from the current team and most of the names we've heard bandied about are with organizations that will be in contention the rest of the year (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Braves - the White Sox being the only exception).

 

I asked the question a page ago whether we might be able to start some interviews in-season, but even if we can I doubt contending teams would grant permission until after the season. My guess is this drags on around a couple weeks after the World Series, Ricketts will knock out the remaining interviews then and we'll have somebody in place a little before free agency begins.

 

Damned! Its going to be an excruciatingly long wait then.

[Little Slide Rooter]

 

Ricketts would be a complete and total moron if he decided not to hire Hahn on the basis that Hahn works for the White Sox.

 

This is exactly what I would do! I hate the White Sox so much and am so jealous of their WS in 2006, I wouldn't even interview Hahn. I would love a WS for the Cubs in my lifetime, but deep down inside would feel that it took a White Sox front office guy to get the Cubs to the promised land. Don't think I could live knowing that!

 

 

 

 

 

Was this intended to be in green font or just stupidity?

 

For one, you make it sound as though you are agreeing with O_o, but are implying the exact opposite.

[UMFan83]

 

Ricketts would be a complete and total moron if he decided not to hire Hahn on the basis that Hahn works for the White Sox.

 

This is exactly what I would do! I hate the White Sox so much and am so jealous of their WS in 2006, I wouldn't even interview Hahn. I would love a WS for the Cubs in my lifetime, but deep down inside would feel that it took a White Sox front office guy to get the Cubs to the promised land. Don't think I could live knowing that!

 

 

 

Would it help to know that the White Sox didnt win the World Series in 2006?

 

OK would it help to know that Hahn is a diehard Cub fan, grew up one, and still roots for the Cubs when they arent playing the White Sox (and probably would root for the Cubs over the White Sox but can't admit that), and because of this story it would be completely forgotten almost immediately that he had a tie to the White Sox?

[Little Slide Rooter]

To be honest, I don't see the difference between hiring a guy who worked for you rival vs. a guy who worked for any other team. It's not like someone's going to come over just to sabotage his new team. Keep in mind, this is a dream opportunity, and whoever can finally bring the Cubs to the promised land will become an instant legend, and I can't imagine anyone not wanting that opportunity.

[Guest]

There is no difference and it's embarrassing that there is even a conversation being had about it.

[WilcoFan]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

[UMFan83]

That would be a huge [expletive] story if Theo left the Red Sox to come to the Cubs. I guess he leave the Red Sox for a couple of days a few years ago so its not impossible.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

 

If a buzz builds up that all the Friedmans of the world want to be here and that this is a marquee destination, I feel like Ricketts has already won half the battle.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

 

In today's Daily News Cashman shot down the idea of going to Chicago and said he'd like to stay in the Bronx. Could be posturing. I hope it's posturing, because he'd be a legit coup here IMO.

[WilcoFan]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

 

In today's Daily News Cashman shot down the idea of going to Chicago and said he'd like to stay in the Bronx. Could be posturing. I hope it's posturing, because he'd be a legit coup here IMO.

 

 

Just the fact that he's being asked about it is a good indicator of the perceived quality of the Cubs' job.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

 

In today's Daily News Cashman shot down the idea of going to Chicago and said he'd like to stay in the Bronx. Could be posturing. I hope it's posturing, because he'd be a legit coup here IMO.

 

 

Just the fact that he's being asked about it is a good indicator of the perceived quality of the Cubs' job.

 

Completely agreed. It really shouldn't be surprising how high profile this job is though. Chicago is really the only city anyone cares about between NY and LA (stfu Philly), this franchise is one of the game's oldest, there's the whole haven't won a WS in forever thing, and we're one of the few teams who's shown a willingness to spend some of the ridiculous amount of money an MLB franchise makes its owners. It's a huge opportunity for anyone, and with success they'd become stars themselves.

 

So I just thought....what if Ricketts missed on this hire? I get the feeling it'd be devastating in a tone-setting kind of way.

[WilcoFan]

Lots of big talk from the national guys. Rosenthal talked about Epstein...even though he dismissed the idea, he did so because Theo is under contract until 2012. Friedman seems to be a shoo-in for an interview, at least.

 

While it may be irrelevant, I like the fact that major media members agree that the Cubs job would be the premier GM job to have.

 

In today's Daily News Cashman shot down the idea of going to Chicago and said he'd like to stay in the Bronx. Could be posturing. I hope it's posturing, because he'd be a legit coup here IMO.

 

 

Just the fact that he's being asked about it is a good indicator of the perceived quality of the Cubs' job.

 

Completely agreed. It really shouldn't be surprising how high profile this job is though. Chicago is really the only city anyone cares about between NY and LA (stfu Philly), this franchise is one of the game's oldest, there's the whole haven't won a WS in forever thing, and we're one of the few teams who's shown a willingness to spend some of the ridiculous amount of money an MLB franchise makes its owners. It's a huge opportunity for anyone, and with success they'd become stars themselves.

 

So I just thought....what if Ricketts missed on this hire? I get the feeling it'd be devastating in a tone-setting kind of way.

 

 

Given the candidates that have been discussed in the media, almost all would be defensible, regardless of how they actually perform. From Hahn to Cherington to Friedman or Cashman, every one of those choices would be logical and solid candidates.

 

The only true "miss" would be Ned Coletti, but I think he is more of a media creation than an actual candidate. He'd be a miss mostly because of the fact that it would be a continuation of the Hendry style of GM, which is rooted in 1980s baseball.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

The only true "miss" would be Ned Coletti, but I think he is more of a media creation than an actual candidate. He'd be a miss mostly because of the fact that it would be a continuation of the Hendry style of GM, which is rooted in 1980s baseball.

 

I assume you mean Logan White? Even then, with either name I completely agree. It'd be switching Hendry for a lesser known version of Hendry.

[WilcoFan]

The only true "miss" would be Ned Coletti, but I think he is more of a media creation than an actual candidate. He'd be a miss mostly because of the fact that it would be a continuation of the Hendry style of GM, which is rooted in 1980s baseball.

 

I assume you mean Logan White? Even then, with either name I completely agree. It'd be switching Hendry for a lesser known version of Hendry.

 

 

No, I was thinking of Coletti--his name's been thrown out there by some local media (Wittenmeyer, et. al.), mostly because of his Chicago ties and his former work with the Cubs. He'd be a terrible hire.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Any chance Billy Beane leaves Oakland to come to the Cubs?

[Backtobanks]

I expect some of the best and brightest GM candidates from teams that have a winning tradition to apply for the job. Using Ricketts' criteria, I would expect Hahn to be no better than the 5th or 6th best candidate. The WS don't have the winning tradition or the farm system that the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, or Braves have. Assuming a qualified candidate (or candidates) applies from one of those teams (very likely), he (they) would have to be considered over Hahn. In addition to fitting the criteria better than Hahn, it would avoid the potential of poor PR.

 

What exactly do you mean by "winning tradition"? The Rays have never won a WS and the Braves' last one was in 1995; at least the White Sox won back in 2005. Plus, the White Sox have only had two losing seasons since 2000. I'll grant you that they've only made three playoff appearances since 2000, but it seems kind of strange that you'd discount the White Sox like they haven't done anything of note recently.

 

Also, regarding the White Sox farm system, the White Sox do not spend a whole lot on the draft or international signings. That really puts a damper on a team's ability to build a farm system. Plus, let's not forget Kenny Williams' propensity to trade prospects rather than building his teams from within.

 

The Rays have done a great job of winning in the toughest division in baseball while spending next to nothing. They have developed a ton of young players along the way. The Braves have won and/or been in contention in a tough division consistently for decades while developing many young players. The WS have winning seasons in one of the weakest divisions in baseball while having a horrible farm system and trading away many of the few prospects they've had. Hahn is talented, but I would expect better candidates to be applying that seem to better fit the criteria that Ricketts has stated.

[Outshined_One]

Adding onto a previous point, here's a list of team total bonus expenditures in the MLB Draft from 2007-2011:

 

Link

 

The White Sox rank dead last by a large margin at a little over $18m. Of course their farm system sucks.

[NCCubFan]

did you guys know the cubs are 1-0 without an active general manager?

Make that 2-0.

[Backtobanks]

Adding onto a previous point, here's a list of team total bonus expenditures in the MLB Draft from 2007-2011:

 

Link

 

The White Sox rank dead last by a large margin at a little over $18m. Of course their farm system sucks.

 

Exactly my point. Ricketts wants a GM that has built a winning tradition by developing their own players (i.e. the Red Sox). It's certainly not his fault, but Hahn falls short in that category.

[PackLandVA]

 

Ricketts would be a complete and total moron if he decided not to hire Hahn on the basis that Hahn works for the White Sox.

 

This is exactly what I would do! I hate the White Sox so much and am so jealous of their WS in 2006, I wouldn't even interview Hahn. I would love a WS for the Cubs in my lifetime, but deep down inside would feel that it took a White Sox front office guy to get the Cubs to the promised land. Don't think I could live knowing that!

 

 

 

Would it help to know that the White Sox didnt win the World Series in 2006?

 

OK would it help to know that Hahn is a diehard Cub fan, grew up one, and still roots for the Cubs when they arent playing the White Sox (and probably would root for the Cubs over the White Sox but can't admit that), and because of this story it would be completely forgotten almost immediately that he had a tie to the White Sox?

 

Fixed it to read "2005".

 

Not familiar with the whole "green means sarcasm", but it really wasn't sarcasm. It was more of the irrational Cub fan not wanting anyone from the White Sox Org to be part of the Cubs winning a WS. The rational side of me says to get the best people available, regardless of their background, etc.

 

Poor attempt at levity. Maybe I should post less and lurk more!

[Illini Iceman]

In fact, according to reliable sources, the Cubs' chairman privately was feeling out the postseason availability of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman sometime around the All-Star break, which is when Hendry originally was "fired."

 

Enter Cashman, who is a mix of old and new schools. (And, yes, "free agent" Cashman might be ready to leave New York as might manager Joe Girardi. One scout says they would make a very intriguing successful combination.)

 

Ricketts is definitely thinking big.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0821-next-gm-cubs-future-chica20110821,0,7572084.story

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

In fact, according to reliable sources, the Cubs' chairman privately was feeling out the postseason availability of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman sometime around the All-Star break, which is when Hendry originally was "fired."

 

Enter Cashman, who is a mix of old and new schools. (And, yes, "free agent" Cashman might be ready to leave New York as might manager Joe Girardi. One scout says they would make a very intriguing successful combination.)

 

Ricketts is definitely thinking big.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0821-next-gm-cubs-future-chica20110821,0,7572084.story

 

I have a small suspicion that Girardi would leave with Cashman if Cashman actually left. I hope Ricketts is thinking this big. Maybe crazy big...like include CC in a Yankee pillaging, and STILL sign Fielder (ala the Yankees' '08-'09 offseason with CC/Tex/Burnett).

 

 

 

 

 

 

^^ Wishful thinking.

[UMFan83]

Can we take Rothschild back too?

[Tyrant]

I don't actually know much about Cashman as a GM. I just assumed the Yankees success was due mostly to the gobs of $$$ spent, not as much because of Cashman's brilliance. This is probably not entirely fair.