Larry Walker retires

[Tim]

Last year, there was all kinds of news about the Cubs wanting to go after Beltran. This year, the news has been Furcal. Do they pick and choose their spots to drop a bomb on the media?

 

I agree, Hoops. I need to be patient and let things materialize the way Hendry prefers to do it. But, why can't he at least address what the problems with this team are, so that we know that he knows what those problems are?

 

For example, "we need to improve OBP throughout the line up". Or, "we need to reduce the pitch counts and walks from our pitching staff."

 

This isn't naming names. It's telling your fan base what problems will help fix this team. That's all I really want. I don't want this "we know what we need to do to right the ship" crap.

Making those statements lowers his leverage when negotiating with any player that fits that description. Making that statement would add $1M per year to the cost of Giles!

 

I may be exaggerating a bit, but what agent wouldn't throw that back in Jim's face when doing negotiations?

[BigbadB]

I suppose I can see that argument. However, how do we know they have a clue what the real problems are? They didn't address them during the season last year when there was time to address them.

[Illini Iceman]

Another thread turns into Giles discussion. :P

[stitchface]

That may be hoops, but hendry should be active in preventing this - Giles will go where he wants but the Cubs cannot sit back and not do anything.

 

From all indications, Jim Hendry is a fairly private individual when it comes to player dealings/negotiations. None of us can say with any certainty that he isn't interested in Giles. All we can say is that the press hasn't reported it (yet). I will remind you that there weren't any tangible reports about Hendry chasing Nomar or Derrek Lee either until literally 24-36 hours before the deals went down. We all just have to show some patience - difficult task, I know.

 

Hoops

 

I'm not saying he needs to announce it, just do it. I don't disagree with you here. And I know you must be kidding about Nomar because I was reading about that for months before it happened.

[UBlink]

I'm not saying he needs to announce it, just do it. I don't disagree with you here. And I know you must be kidding about Nomar because I was reading about that for months before it happened.

 

My point also. I don't want to hear about his strategy, I want to hear results. Maybe his public statements or friendly leaks go in a different direction, but if his hirings and firings go in the right direction I'll be happy.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I think the Cubs likely passive interest in Giles will factor in Giles going elsewhere rather than a bidding war or preference between the two teams.

 

Doesn't mean I can't hope, though. :D

 

If the Cubs only show passive interest and St. Louis signs Giles, I would think it safe to say Jim Hendry is not interested in competing in the NL Central.

 

quote of the night.