Juan Pierre would never be the #8 hitter on this team. You seem to be switching back and forth to abstract and specifics, and from what the Cubs should do, and what is the best we can hope for with Hendry. Juan Pierre should not be on the 2007 Cubs. However you want want to explain it, that would be bad. Not resigning Juan is an easy move to make, that doesn't require a dancing partner, or significant investment. It should be one of the first moves made, whether we're talking ideal world or Hendry world. Juan Pierre is a net drain on this team. At his inevitably higher cost, he will be an even bigger drain. You cannot bring him back if you care about improving the offense. Okay we swing Jones around whom leads off? Now the Cubs are right back in the No leadoff hitter mode again. Great. I think Murton would make an acceptable lead-off hitter. If the Cubs could swing a trade for Marcus Giles, he'd be acceptable at lead-off as would Ray Durham.