The next GM?
by crw89 on Mar 16, 2010 1:55 PM CDT
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While doing my daily internet browsing, I came across this link via MLB Trade Rumors. With Hendry on the hotseat and with the Ricketts family in their first year of ownership, they have clearly stated that everyone will be under review after the year. As an optimistic Cubs fan, I do see the possiblility of success this season. But what is defined as success to save Jim's job? A playoff appearance? No, been there. A WS appearance? Maybe. WS Championship? Most likely.
Would Towers be a good fit here? I think so, as I cannot think of anybody else as experienced who may be available after the year. How about Lou himself? Probably not. Or even an unproven commodity in Greg Maddux? Maybe down the road. Discuss.
Apologies if this has been discussed previously as I have searched for any similar fan posts.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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I'd prefer to save this conversation for this coming off-season, when we have a much better idea of what might happen and who would be available.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 1:57 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Plus, I suspect the 2011 GM is Jim Hendry.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 16, 2010 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, even though he is under contract for '11...
a disappointing year might be the end of the road for him.
You ARE freaking out MAN!
Fair enough SWL
just thinking ahead per the link posted. I’m sure it will be discussed then no matter what happens this year.
You ARE freaking out MAN!
Green'ed.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
ERIC LIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 16, 2010 2:07 PM CDT reply actions
No I had it right. It's a combination of Eric Hanna's passion and Adam Lind's obvious superior
baseball talent. That individual would certainly make the most successful GM on the planet. Bar none.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 17, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
ISWYDT ... at least, NOW I do!
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 17, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
LMAO!
That’s an interesting choice to say the least. Captain Lou Albano might have been a better one, but since he’s dead that’s not going to happen. What’s your rationale for it, and where can I get whatever it is you’re baking with?
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 16, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, if we're going that route...
Even though he’s a weasel, I’d have to give Bobby “The Brain” Heenan strong consideration.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'll go along with that
There have always been weasels in the GM ranks, so it makes sense to go with the best.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 16, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Jimmy Hart?
Always had a cool jacket for his “team” and could you see him walking the dugout with the bullhorn yelling at the team and the manager
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Some Cougar bait
A guy, preferable under the age of 25 to completely crush the previous record for Youngest Baseball General Manager. I think this is very winable for the Cubs.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
Hi there
Musicdude10
21 year old Cub fan
My platform will be based around my trading knowledge in baseball videogames and my willingness to show up to every game and mingle with fans
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
You have to be willing to
1. Seat in the Club Box seats
2. Be pet by 50-55 year old women in dire need of dressing their age.
3. Not run away under this scrutiny that has nothing to do with baseball.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Mar 16, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Sigh
If it’s what I have to do, I’ll do it
I promise also to still contribute my wisdom and take suggestions from any and all BCB posters
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
all? Glutton for punishment
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Mar 16, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope you know
Where the “Fair Trades” option is in the Cubs organization… turn that off and go get Pujols for a draft pick.
It's not going to be Greg Maddux
although I’m sure Jessica will campaign for him.
Honestly, any speculation about Hendry getting canned is way premature. If he steps down, then probably Randy Bush is a leading candidate. If the Ricketts decide to go outside of the organization (and based on them keeping Crane Kenney, they aren’t going to bring in outsiders for the sake of bringing in outsiders) they’ll probably try to land a big name like Billy Beane or Larry Beinfest. He might even take a shot at Brian Cashman, just to see if he’s tired of the Bronx Zoo.
But all of this is irresponsible speculation on my part.
Next GM will likely be a grizzled veteran
Not some wet behind the ears sabermagician geek. Tom Ricketts openly acknowledges that he is not a senior baseball executive by definition. And neither is Kenny Crane or Crane Kenney for that matter.
Therefore I’d expect somebody of the ilk of a Andy McPhail type.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
KENNY WILLIAMS!!!!!!!!
Then hopefully before he leaves the ChiSox, he’ll put Alex Rios on waivers, only to turn around and claim him as the new GM of the Cubs. That’s what a guy with a master plan would do.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Hmmm.
Kenny Williams sports a World Series Championship ring. He also operates with a payroll not remotely in the league of the Cubs. Oh, and strong argument can be made for the Alex Rios contract being the only “dubious” one on the Sox roster. And I’d hardly call a 5 year $50 million contract on a 29 year old 4 tool player who has tasted big success in the past all that dubious.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
For a few of the past 5 or 6 years
the White Sox have had a higher payroll than the Cubs.
by jerry morales rules on Mar 16, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
All I can think of is that the White Sox have won a World Series
And no, a $92 million payroll is a far cry from the Cub amount of $140 million. But thanks for playing out game.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
That's this year
According to USAToday, here are team payrolls of White Sox v. Cubs since 2005. I have no idea how the formatting will make this look, but the first column is the year, the second in the White Sox team payroll, and the third is the Cubs team payroll. Unless your math is different than mine, it would seem that the White Sox payroll has been higher each year except 2009.
2009 $ 96,068,500 $ 134,809,000
2008 $ 121,189,332 $ 118,345,833
2007 $ 108,671,833 $ 99,670,332
2006 $ 102,750,667 $ 94,424,499
2005 $ 75,178,000 $ 87,032,933
by jerry morales rules on Mar 16, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg
"The roar from the crowd really fired me up," Burish said. "In warmups there were a lot of signs. One said 'Burish, my grandma is pregnant.' I don't know what that means. I skated by it and said, 'it's not mine.' "
by jesus christos on Mar 16, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
So....
The White Sox have done MORE with less. As in also winning a WORLD SERIES !!! Thanks for validating that Kenny Williams is infinitely more qualified and accomplished in the job of being a big league GM.
The only area where Hendry beats Williams is cutting blank checks.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
So the White Sox having a higher payroll in 2006, 2007, and 2008 doesn't count?
Remember the Cubs had the best record in baseball and the highest scoring offense in 2008.
In 2007 and 2008, the Cubs had a better overall record than the White Sox. That sounds like doing MORE with less, too. I know the Cubs didn’t win a World Series in that time span, but, just like the White Sox in 2005, they finished with a better record than the Chicago team with a higher payroll.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Who won a World Series?
Nuff said.
Who has a smart payroll situation right now and should be solidly competitive once again in the American League?
Nuff said.
Make sure you zip up Mr. Hendry when you’re finished.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
*Cough* Strawman! *Cough*
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Vermont, where the men are men and the syrup is used for funny reasons
Tough day at the teddy bear factory?
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I wouldn't know, seeing as I work in health care.
I guess you’ll just have to find out on your own, STRAWMAN.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Zip up Hendry?
Sounds like you have some first hand experience there, huh? I love you Kenny!!!!!!!!!!!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Well Done Sir
Instead of arguing the point, imply that both men are gay. Were you on the debate team at that school the short bus took you to?
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Mar 16, 2010 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe a little late, but ... flagged.
This was very inappropriate.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed. I don't
understand why he is allowed time after time to get by with these types of comments.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
the system
has no permanent solution for such things. You cannot solve behavioral problems with technical solutions.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
There's always electric shock therapy. That's a somewhat technical solution.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 17, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd pay a dollar
to throw that switch. :D
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
As would I.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
we could fix the national budget with donations
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
The backloaded contracts should be taken into account.
In several of those years, our payroll was artificially deflated, with backloaded deals kicking the payroll increases to future years.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Look at the payrolls
THe White Sox have nary an awful contract on the books with possible exception of Alex Rios. And even in the case of Rios he has done it in the past and is only 29 years old and still with 4 tools. At the very least the Sox have themselves a gold glove caliber centerfielder on defense.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are a trainwreck. An absolute financial trainwreck. And uncompetitive to boot.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
And yet you seem to derive such joy from it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Who has won a World Series?
You seem to delight in picking apart the WHite Sox and Cardinals. Yet they’ve been to three World Series over the last 5 years. Yet for the life of yourself you don’t understand why the Cubs are the laughingstock of professional sports.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Because we don't have Joe Garagiola as our GM.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because we didn't sign Harden to an extension.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because we have steriod users on the team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because our left-fielder is a guess-hacker.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because the fans @ Wrigley aren't as nuanced and intellectual as the fans @ US Cellular.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because we don't have an ace pitcher.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because we don't have an ace closer.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because our payroll is bloated and full of untradeable, useless players.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because we'll only win 65 games this year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Because you said so.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
All were green'ed.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
i havent seen so many consecutive greens
since the randy wells fanpost
"The roar from the crowd really fired me up," Burish said. "In warmups there were a lot of signs. One said 'Burish, my grandma is pregnant.' I don't know what that means. I skated by it and said, 'it's not mine.' "
by jesus christos on Mar 16, 2010 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Well all of them deserved it.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
you forgot
cuz we signed Bradley who BLou guaranteed would be hitting well over 300 and shut all those against the signing up with his offensive powers
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Well, he did have offensive powers.
He offended nearly every Cubs fan.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
And Duncan
isn’t our pitching coach.
…and the Cubs didn’t sign Duncan’s ace pupil, Rick Ankiel, during the offseason
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Mar 16, 2010 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
We Have A Winner
2009 – Yankees vs Phillies
2008 – Rays vs Phillies
2007 – Red Sox vs Rockies
2006 – Tigers vs Cardinals (that’s one)
2005 – White Sox vs Astros (that’s two)
Oh, I know, the Sox and Cards went on a field trip together and watched the 2008 series together. Math is hard, I know but most mammals can at least count to three.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Mar 16, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think BLou can, though.
The number of his posts say as much.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
2004
St. Louis. Lost to the BoSox. But hey, as a Cub fan you have every right to further mock the Cardinals.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
And I suppose, since you are a Cardinals fan,
You have to tell us not to mock them.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
2010-5= 2005
"The roar from the crowd really fired me up," Burish said. "In warmups there were a lot of signs. One said 'Burish, my grandma is pregnant.' I don't know what that means. I skated by it and said, 'it's not mine.' "
by jesus christos on Mar 16, 2010 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Again, did you even read the post you responded to?
Serious question because your response is just silly.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Sometimes, it's like you don't even understand the game of major league baseball.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
But he's been a diehard
fan since 1977. ;-)
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
Yes, he has been...
…a diehard fan of the Cardinals since then.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
ROFL
Even bunny knows what those numbers mean.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Mar 16, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Reading comprehension is a skill, BLou.
Look into it.
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Mar 16, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Winning a World Series is a skill too
And the White Sox have done that.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
go cheer the Sox then
instead of bashing the Cubs
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 16, 2010 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Since you clearly like what the Cardinals and White Sox do more than the Cubs,
Why don’t you go and start cheering for those teams? It would take a lot of the misery out of BCB.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't see that
IMO I see some youth if Hendry is not given a extension. I see both Lou and JImbo gone after this year. Young blood will be brought in the dugout and the front office, IMO.
Ted Lilly's contract is up after this season.
Coincidence?
My predicition is that he will be re-sgned to a 30 year contract serving as starting pitcher, GM, and the entire security crew for Wrigley (including any concerts).
by jerry morales rules on Mar 16, 2010 3:27 PM CDT reply actions
Jim Hendry will bid against himself and give Lilly a 13 year $130 million extension complete with NTC
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Depending on Lilly's
health, he should be signed for a reasonable but fair contract. He has the best starter for the Cubs the last two years.
Kenny Williams will sign him then.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
As long as it's reasonable but fair...
I really hate those reasonable but unfair contracts, always come back to bite you in the ass.
I'd be ok with that.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Is Kenny Really That Good???
Most Sox fans were ready to lynch him before the 2005 season for letting go of several fan favorites and good players. Yes they won the WS but they haven’t been close in the last 4 years (and they weren’t that close before). Yes I would easily get rid of Hendry for a WS but let’s not get carried away.
Is Kenny really that good?
Of course he is, just ask him.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
is Larry Himes still out there?
sorry:(
by holy mackeral on Mar 16, 2010 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Ed Lynch
might have been worse than Himes. The Maddux situation is a big strike against Himes, but that might have been more Stanton Cook than anybody else.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 16, 2010 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Bruce,
I still haven’t found a taker for the Cubs ticket on July 21 between the Cubs and Astros.
If you would like it, please email me at the address listed on my profile.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Many thanks for the offer, VCF
Unfortunately, I’m going to be on vacation during that stretch and won’t be able to make it. Are you going to any other games this season?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 16, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
July 17, and July 23.
Unfortunately, it’s just one ticket on the 17th and I already found someone to go with on the 23rd.
Sorry. Email me though, and I’ll try to keep you posted on the next time I go to a Cubs game in Milwaukee. I remember you telling me you go to those games a lot.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Jim Frey..
Undid all the good Dallas Green did..
I will say the Brock trade was not the worst in Cub history. The Lee Smith for Al Nipper and Calvin Schiraldi was. This then led to the Raffy Palmerio for Wild Thing deal..things spiraled lower from there.
Andre Dawson was right at the time when he said the Cubs traded the wrong first baseman by keeping Grace and dealing Raffy.
Frey was a disaster as GM
The journey is the reward!
Raddy for Mitch was a smart trade
since Raffy was playing out of position and was not taking 1B from Grace in Chicago
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
That was Dawson's point..
should have traded Grace. Turned out to be right.
Wild Thing didn’t last long in Chicago, and led to closers like the long over the hill Goose Gossage making apperances in Cubby Blue. Dave Smith anyone?
The journey is the reward!
One rumor I was told
Raffy or Ryno HAD to be moved, as Raffy was flloing around with Mrs Sandberg…now you dont trade Ryno and keep Raffy
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
yep..
had heard that too..I suppose a lot of things go into personnel decisions that we may never know about.
I’ll correct myself on Gossage..he was the year before Wild Thing..
The journey is the reward!
its cool no worries
Randy Meyers is one I wish we had longer, I loved watching him
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
and FWIW
Raffy had less than 10 HRs in 1989 IIRC. Didnt Grace have that many or more?
Not that it makes Grace better or not, but just food for thought about that season
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Ya..
I recall many thought that Grace would develop into a power hitter and was clearly the better fielder. It was kind of shocking when Dawson said what he did.
I would never have imagined that Grace would not once hit 20 home runs in a season or drive in 100, and Raffy (steroid enhanced or not) would hit over 500.
The journey is the reward!
which is why they play the games
never know sometimes
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
That's an old rumor
and I don’t know if it’s true or not, but the simplest solution would have been what Ryno did—trade the wife.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 17, 2010 1:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Worse than the trades
was the was Frey decimated the farm system. In his first three years as GM, the player he drafted who had the best major league career was Dave Stevens, believe it or not. The one real player of promise he drafted, Lance Dickson, he destroyed by having him throw about 200 innings between college, the minors and the majors.
His fourth and final season he drafted Doug Glanville in the first round and Steve Trachsel in the 12th. I’ll give him Trachsel, but while Doug Glanville was OK, it was the 12th pick in the first round. Pick #13? Manny Ramirez. Pick #14? Cliff Floyd. Fifteen was a bust but pick #16? Shawn Green.
One good pick in four years of drafting.
He absolutely decimated the farm system that Dallas Green had built. They had two separate drafts in 1986, but that year Green drafted Jerome Walton, Derrick May, Joe Girardi, Rick Wilkins and Shawn Boskie. He also drafted Ray Lankford, but unfortunately failed to sign him. In 1984 he drafted Greg Maddux, Jamie Moyer and Damon Berryhill, along with some lesser players. In 1985 it was Palmeiro and Grace.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 17, 2010 1:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Quibble about Dickson.
Dickson blew through three minor league levels in 1990 after he was drafted, posting a 0.94 ERA in 11 starts. He was called up. In his third major league start he blew out his elbow.
I don’t think you can blame Jim Frey for that one.
For the rest of it, absolutely. Frey was an awful GM — how Tribune could have thought he could do that job is beyond me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Either Dickson was a bad pick
because he’d been too abused in college to stay healthy or he allowed the farm directors to abuse him so that he finally snapped after amateur abuse.
Either way, it looks bad for Frey.
His first two #1 picks as a GM were Ty Griffin and Earl Cunningham. There’s some one around here who still likes to point to those two guys as examples of why all Cub farm prospects are worthless.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 18, 2010 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Ask his no-talent and troubled son
Whom he drafted in the sixth round and gave a $150k bonus too, despite the fact that he couldn’t stay eligible for even one season out of three at Wichita State.
Said kid is going to turn 24 and hit .255 with 4 HRs and 7 SB in low-A last season. No worries—he’s going to be the left fielder for the Sox in 2011 no matter what he hits this year.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 16, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh great.
Hand-picked group? I suppose you’ll pick all the Cubs fans who double as Minnesota fans.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Can I apply?
Have, perchance, a job interview with you at Wrigley Field on July 23?
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
You need not apply. I have already thought of your role.
It’s good. Let’s hope my politicking is effective and I get the position so you can move to Chicago.
and the two guys standing next to you?
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
77 comments about something that may not happen until 2012 or 2013?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, but look how many SWL made in a row up there.
That’s about a dozen of the comments.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 16, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
2012 or 2013?
I could see Hendry going another 30-35 years before the Cubs hand the baton to the baby Lilly.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Mar 16, 2010 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
All Hendry has to do to keep his job
is have another winning season. Certainly, we hope he’ll do FAR more than that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
I'm not so sure. I think it's more of a "playoffs or bust" type of situation here.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
actually i think its get into the playoffs and dont bust or bust
"The roar from the crowd really fired me up," Burish said. "In warmups there were a lot of signs. One said 'Burish, my grandma is pregnant.' I don't know what that means. I skated by it and said, 'it's not mine.' "
by jesus christos on Mar 16, 2010 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Lol, well said.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
We had a winning season in 2009
I don’t think anyone was happy.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 17, 2010 1:53 AM CDT up reply actions
the team certainly didn’t live up to expectations, no. How that applies to him keeping his job, however…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm surprised no one has brought up Steve Stone...
Wasn’t he wanting to do this for the Orioles or somebody a while back? I know he was at least looking at buying a team. I think Stoney has the knowledge and the connections to be extremely successful in this position.
Another good option would be a guy like Bob Brenly. Again, lots of knowledge, good connections and a firm understanding of what a “good player” is.
Oh, no.
Not the Steve Stone argument again.
Let me repeat what I’ve said about this. Steve Stone is a fine broadcaster who knows how to talk glibly about baseball on television.
That does NOT translate to knowing how to do player evaluation, construct a roster and negotiate contracts. They are two completely different skillsets. Also, Stone is almost 63 years old — kind of late in the game to make that kind of career change.
If you want to know what happens when a broadcaster with no front office experience is made a GM, just ask the White Sox. They hired Hawk Harrelson out of their broadcast booth and made him GM in 1985. He lasted one year, and it was a disaster.
Brenly? Well, at least he’s been a coach and manager, but again, he has no executive experience. I doubt he’d want to take on that kind of responsibility, either.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Isn't the main job of the GM...
…to put the right people in place so that you don’t make these mistakes? Look, I’m not advocating Stone, just tossing the idea out for arguments sake. Honestly, I agree with the first post that it’s too early to talk about this, but I thought I’d speculate. I forgot about Harrelson, by the way. But he’s useless in general so someone should have had the foresight to see that coming.
Brenly intrigues me though. I think given the right staff and group of advisors he could probably work well with the other GM’s in the league and make some interesting things happens. My opinion is that Hendry will probably get an extension, and be with the team for another 3 years, but only time will tell. I think he’s done a great job given the budget restraints and the sale of the team. Now that all of that is resolved and he has motivated ownership behind him, I’m anxious to see what kind of moves he can pull off over the next few years.
In modern baseball....
… ex-players aren’t the guys who are becoming GM’s. In fact, of the 30 current GM’s, there are only two who played major league baseball, and neither was a star: Kenny Williams, and Ruben Amaro, Jr.
Former players seem to take a career path either into broadcasting or field managing, not into the executive suite.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Billy Beane played in MLB
Your point obviously stands, however.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
please, god, not Stone. If Brenly’s going to leave the booth, I’d rather have him in the dugout.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Stone desired a front office gig...
…going back many years, and no one was willing to hire him.
Now, all you have to do is put 2 + 2 together.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 17, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Turn this green.
And let it serve as the reason any Steve Stone for GM talk should cease.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
As you wish.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
I'm more concerned about...
…who Ricketts will hire to oversee the entire baseball operations, not the next GM.
If he gets this hire right, (VP of baseball operations), I would have faith that person would make the right call on the GM, and most importantly, the oversight of the GM and his staff would be taken off the plates of either Ricketts or Kenney.
If they go beyond this year without someone in this role, it will be a big mistake, which could put them in a bad position for future success.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'd like to see Kevin Towers get a GM gig
with a team that has a payroll.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 18, 2010 12:02 AM CDT reply actions
That's all we need.
A GM who has press conferences every five minutes and does his trade negotiating on sports talk radio.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That dude...
…does like to hear himself talk.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'd like to see Keven Towers get on a plane to China.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 18, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, he did a lot with very little payroll
And his radio hits essentially, were ‘negotiated’ into the deal with the team’s flagship radio station. Same with Sandy Alderson. It was incumbent on team officials to appear on a regular basis. Their ‘shows’ were fully sponsored by the team’s advertisers.
Alderson’s interviews were as interesting as a trip to the dentist. Obviously he didn’t want to appear, so he said nothing for 20 mins weekly.
Towers, however — an outgoing individual. He liked to chat.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 18, 2010 9:04 PM CDT reply actions
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