FanPost

Has Hendry issued an ultimatum


While I don't claim to have any insider information, I'd like to present some reasons why I believe Lou has been told it's time to fish or cut bait. Henry's presence on the road trip, while not significant would be exactly what would occur if he were thinking of making a managerial change. Of particular interest were his comments about the team's record. Basically he said we need to get to .500 soon, hopefully by the end of this road trip. He also said we'd be expected to play better over the next two weeks.

Now Jim seldom sets deadlines. As a courtesy to Lou, he seems to be saying he has 1-2 weeks to get this club headed in the right direction. That is the model of a GM issuing a deadline. Add to that Lou's semi-coherent post game conference. He appeared to be more than usually flustered by the play of the team and have no answers to what he can do to improve the performance.

Now look at the Castro scenario. On 4/29, Hendry indicated Starlin wasn't ready for Wrigley. One week later Castro was called up in what seemed to be a desperate attempt to turn things around. Yesterday we saw Cashner brought to Chicago. Despite his seasoning as a starter, he was suddenly moved to late inning relief from the right side. Wednesday Zambrano wii again start after an ineffective stint as set up man. By the way, is it any coincidence that Z was suddenly lights out in relief after his poor performances before he was assured he was headed back to the rotation?

Those events by themselves are insignificant. Cumulatively they seem to me to point towards a do or die option for Lou. Certainly the players also seem to believe Piniella is on deathwatch. Neither Lee or Ramirez or Dempster have stood up in strong support of Lou and taking their share of blame. So, has Jim Hendry hung the sword of Damocles over Lou's head or am I merely wishing the signs portray what I seek.

FanPosts are written by readers of Bleed Cubbie Blue, and as such do not reflect the views of SB Nation or Vox Media, nor is the content endorsed by SB Nation, Vox Media or Al Yellon, managing editor of Bleed Cubbie Blue or reviewed prior to posting.