Hendry makes move that doesn't fit, something isn't right

[LuvChicagoSports]

Ok, we all obviously don't like the signing of Perez. It's not that I dislike what Perez is as much as I am not going to like the way he is used. Hendry has already been quoted as saying how high he is on Cedeno, and he knows the tendancies of his manager to play veterans over young guys. That is why I believe he is so set on trading Walker. He feels a lead-off hitter with the ability to cause some havoc on the bases is necessary and that player is available in Furcal. Hendry also seems to covet a team that plays great defense up the middle.

 

With the way Dusty manages, and Hendry being fully aware that Cedeno isn't going to get the shot that JH wants because of the Neifi signing, something just doesn't add up to me. Here's a possible explanation that I have heard a few times, but not too sure where. I think some on the radio and other views coming from friends and co-workers, and I am starting to believe that this is actually the truth. I think that Hendry is actually not a supporter of Dusty Baker and would have gotten rid of him this season especially after the Dempster, DuBois, Murton, and Cedeno situations. Someone higher than Hendry, most likely MacPhail, wouldn't let him get rid of Baker because it is too expensive and won't look good to the Tribsters. Obviously, Hendry is going to try to win this year, but I believe his real vision is for the '07 season when he can bring in a capable manger.

 

Neifi really isn't that bad of a player if used correctly. He plays superb defense and could be used late in games as a defensive sub. Also, while he definately lacks in obp., he has decent pop in his bat and can bat from both sides of the plate which makes him a valuable as a pinch hitter. JH HAD to know that this signing won't be used correctly by the current manager and would not support JH's views that Cedeno is ready to be an every day player.

 

Like I said if you just look at it and look at past quotes, something just does not make sense. JH likes Cedeno and all signs indicate that he would be willing to deal a good player in Todd Walker to give Cedeno the shot. The latest move just does not make sense with everything else Hendry has done. He also would not come out and say that Baker isn't his guy, it just would be a bad PR move and a classless move.

[SAMMYWHO]

The problem with your theory is if Hendry doesn't do something big to make this team a contender both him and Baker are gone after 06. I think if Hendry builds a winner than Dusty will be around with him. That is truly a sad statement to. If this organization can't even recognize Neifi will start over Cedeno because of Baker than how are we going to recognize Dusty is an incompetent manager for playing Neifi everyday.

[Guest]

Neifi really isn't that bad of a player if used correctly. He plays superb defense and could be used late in games as a defensive sub. Also, while he definately lacks in obp., he has decent pop in his bat and can bat from both sides of the plate which makes him a valuable as a pinch hitter.

Despite spending over half of his career in Colorado, Neifi's career IsoP is a rather anemic .110. Even with the career year he had in 2005 his IsoP was near the bottom 10% of qualified hitters. In other words, I'm not seeing anything even remotely close to "decent pop"in any bat owned by Neifi.

[Scott G. F.]

Signing Neifi was a good move. Last year he was signed to give Nomar a break once and a while. Nomar went down and Neifi played out of his mind the first half of the season. Check some of the threads in here and you'll see Neifi for the All star team etc... So off the bench he is valuable. But everyday. Not very good. Hendry will sign a SS (Furcal I'm guessing) and we'll trade Walker and might put Ronny C at 2nd. I'd be real happy with this.

 

Neifi is a decent player. He hit a game winning Granny vs. the Cards so he can stay around for a little longer.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I wonder what Hendry's take on the Dubois saga is? It certainly wasn't Dusty who wanted to platoon him in LF. You'd think the scout in Hendry has to be a little worried by Baker's love for vets. Why even have a farm system with Baker around? Trade pieces only?

[LuvChicagoSports]

That's what I am saying. Hendry is really a scout at heart. He has an eye for talent be it young or old. Not saying I always agree with the type of talent he looks for, but you can't argue with D Lee, Ramirez, and at least offensively Barrett. Those moves have turned out very well.

 

I also disagree that if the team doesn't show drastic improvement this year then Hendry is gone with Baker. I think the organization likes Hendry and would be willing to let him choose another manager. I think Hendry would be willing to admit he made a mistake with Dusty, but that he might have been the right guy to get the ball rolling in the right direction, just that he isn't the guy to take it to the house. Ultimately if Hendry stays or not is McPhails call and we know that Hendry is McPhails guy, so unless management gets rid of MacPhail which I doubt they do because of the insane profits they make from the Cubs organization, Hendry should return.

 

Sometimes I think stats can be looked too far into. I think that is the case with Neifi. He hit 9 home runs last season, which isn't a lot, but it isn't all that bad for a guy who was supposed to be a backup player with a good glove. He has the ability to put the ball in the gaps or in the bleachers and while he won't consistently do that, his ability to is why I am saying he has decent pop. I wouldn't argue for a second that Neifi should be a starter on any team in baseball, but if properly used he could be a valuable piece to a team. Look at Geoff Blum. Who expected him to come up and hit a huge home run in one of the biggest situations of his life. For that matter who expected Neifi to hit a grand slam against the Cards. I know I didn't but his ability to do that is a nice thing to have off the bench. And it's not like Podsednik who hit a couple dingers all season. Perez can put the ball in the seats it is that simple.

[CubinNY]

Hendry and Dusty are of the same mindset. I see nothing to indicate otherwise. Hendry hired Dusty and Hendry will go down with Dusty when the time comes. And I hope the time comes soon.

 

Leave the conspiracy theories to the UFO nuts.