Or maybe the Cubs should change their philosophy on Hendry as their GM. I'm not saying..... Ok, yes I am. I think we're stuck with him through this season at least. Can anyone explain to me his, "be patient, it's a long season" comment? Does he really think that all of a sudden guys like Jones, Floyd, Murton, Pagan, Izturis and the bullpen will suddenly turn it on? The only reason why there is any hope for this season is because we're in the NL Central. I think you're right. The teams organizational philosophy really is the issue. There are so many faults in this team's construction it is almost mind blowing. Even if we can get hot and make a push for the NL Central title (unlikely, but possible) it will only encourage Hendry to make another potentially damaging move at the deadline. It's like the team has taken 10 steps back since catching fire in 2003. The regression has been utterly depressing. I think Hendry gets too much credit for 2003. The Ramirez and Lofton deal was a good one, but honestly Houston lost the NL Central more than we won it so I can't really give Hendry props for the 2003 season. nor do I. My unsaid assumption was that a team that close to being good certainly has fallen apart. The 2004 team was better in many ways, but there were still so many obvious holes that it was unsurprising (none-the-less painful) that we blew it. Hendry has hit the jackpot twice with Ramirez and Lee - but that's like winning the $500 jackpot after dropping $5000 in quarter slots. Doesn't make you a winner. The Pierre trade, was for me, the end of it.