After meeting with the media on Tuesday, Jim Hendry spent time at the end of the week on the radio. Thursday it was Waddle and Silvy (ESPN 1000), Friday morning Mully and Hanley (The Score) and Friday night, Hendry finished up with Sports Central (WGN Radio).
The three interviews on Hendry's radio tour were very similar but each time Hendry dropped a couple of interesting tidbits. For instance, Hendry told Waddle and Silvy, "We are not going to sign anymore position guys." On The Score, Hendry said the Cubs targeted Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady and mentioned there were three and four-team deals on the table that included Milton Bradley.
After Dave Kaplan pushed for an answer as to which player they need most to rebound this season, Hendry named Carlos Zambrano.
Waddle and Silvy
The first stop on the Jim Hendry radio tour was on Thursday with Waddle and Silvy (ESPN 1000). Hendry began the interview with a discussion on clubhouse chemistry and Milton Bradley.
Hendry said until Milton Bradley, the Cubs had clubhouse chemistry.
"Honestly, until obviously, Milton, we'd always had that. So it wasn't like it was a u-turn of philosophy. We had a great bunch of guys here for a long time, and we still do. Obviously, I made the mistake of trying to fit in the perfect type offensive player, and obviously, when that didn't work, the other issues came out. Fortunately, we put it behind us. It wasn't a conscious effort of doing anything entirely different. It was just like back to the norm, to be honest with you. The team that won 97 two years ago and the team that came back in Lou's first year and won the division were filled with not only good players, but quality people. That's the way we've always done things."
"Offensively, he was the right guy. It wasn't like we didn't do our homework. I'm still convinced to this day if he'd have hit like he normally did the first couple of months, probably a lot of the issues wouldn't have come out. He was probably our best player in spring training. I remember having some chats with Derrek Lee and Aramis during camp, and they were thrilled to have him. He (Milton) got out of the gate so poorly and just didn't handle that lack of success well."
Hendry hopes the Cubs can win the Series in 2010. He feels like this year's club is better than last year's team. They need three or four players to get back on track and Hendry feels Rudy Jaramillo will help ... especially with Alfonso Soriano.
The Cubs like all of the young players on their roster, but according to Hendry, a team needs veterans in the pen and on the bench.
Hendry pointed out they would like to add a veteran to the backend of the pen (not a ninth inning guy) ... either before or during camp. The Cubs have 12 or 13 full-time scouts that will be in Florida and Arizona looking at players during Spring Training. They would really like to add another veteran presence to go along with John Grabow.
Hendry was asked about Johnny Damon and Jermaine Dye. After he said he was not going to discuss players he said, "We are not going to sign anymore position guys." He admitted they talked to Jermaine Dye and with Xavier Nady before the Winter Meetings ... they thought Nady would be out of their price range.
Hendry said they targeted Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady. Dye wanted more playing time and more of a financial commitment.
When asked about the backend of the rotation, Hendry pointed out they have "good, young pitchers coming." Jeff Samardzija and Sean Marshall will have a shot at making the rotation.
Hendry admitted that Alfonso Soriano is a "streaky guy." He explained to a man Soriano's teammates think he is a good guy. Hendry feels getting back together with Rudy Jaramillo will help. The Cubs know he is not going to hit .330 with a high on-base percentage but if he could hit .270 to .275 with 30 home runs they would be satisfied.
Hendry pointed to Soriano's two significant leg injuries since he's been with the Cubs as the reason for his lack of productivity.
The Score
Jim Hendry spent a little time on The Score Friday morning ... and discussed a variety of topics with Mully and Hanley. The Cubs' GM is excited to get the season started. After two good years the Cubs ran into a hiccup last season. Hendry said he picked up from the players at the convention that are looking forward to atoning for last season.
Hendry is not sure if Rudy Jaramillo was the Cubs' biggest acquisition of the off-season but stated that Jaramillo was definitely an important addition ... that could make a difference over time. Hendry explained the Cubs had a lot of good hitters that had down years in 2009. He admitted that his roster has some "aging veterans" on the "downside of their career" but he feels those players still have good years ahead of them.
The Ricketts family has been really good to work with since taking over in October. Hendry said they really care about the team, the city and the fan base. They are going to continue to work on the park as well as the area around Wrigley. Hendry pointed out the Ricketts family wants to win. He likes the Cubs are family owned again ... and used the O'Malley family (former owners of the Dodgers) as an example of how family ownership can have a positive impact on an organization.
Even with the new owners possibly being more financially responsible than the Tribune Company, Hendry feels he has the resources he needs to build a winner. Hendry brought up the big contracts the team took on after the '06 season. He said the large contracts paid off with back-to-back division titles. Hendry mentioned a couple of the large contracts run out at the end of the upcoming season.
Jim Hendry said he feels the Ricketts family will allow him to add on if they are in the race.
Ted Lilly did not have significant damage in his shoulder ... there was no damage to the labrum or rotator cuff. Hendry does not know where the reported timeframe came from on Lilly's return. He explained Lilly could be delayed a couple of weeks at the beginning of the year ... but no one knows for sure at this point.
While Jeff Samardzija, Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall and Carlos Silva will compete for a spot in the rotation, the Cubs will not need a fifth starter early in April.
The Cubs have not been to an arbitration hearing under Jim Hendry (either as the team's GM or while he was the Assistant General Manager, 36 in a row by his count) ... but could be looking at going into the room for the first time since 1993 with Ryan Theriot.
Hendry said there might be an avenue to get something done with Theriot before the hearing. Hendry explained that arbitration is a process ... and the Cubs have done a good job over the years at avoiding the process. If it happens, the Cubs do not expect Theriot to play any differently. Hendry said, "Ryan is a good kid."
Milton Bradley was the next topic discussed (on a side note, when is the mainstream media going to realize Bradley is no longer a Chicago Cub?). After taking responsibility (again) for signing him, Hendry explained how the trade went down with Seattle.
Jim Hendry said he spent a couple of months working on trading Bradley leading up to the Winter Meetings. There were a couple of three-team trades and even a four-team trade on the table with "players going everywhere."
The Cubs liked Carlos Silva in his days with the Twins. Hendry described Silva as a good character guy and they feel a change of scenery could do him good. In the end, Silva gave the Cubs another arm and Hendry felt that was his best option ... in a trade that included Milton Bradley.
The Cubs are comfortable with Carlos Marmol being their closer. Hendry said, "It is his time." Marmol likes the action of closing games.
Lou Piniella has not lost his fire or desire to win according to Hendry. Piniella takes losing very hard. Hendry said nothing is more difficult than going into that little room (referring to the size of the Cubs' press room) after a loss and having to answer all of the questions.
Hendry said, "Lou has plenty left in the tank. He has lost nothing, has a lot of passion and wants to win."
Greg Maddux returning to the Cubs was Jim Hendry's idea ... and Ryne Sandberg being the manager of the Iowa Cubs was up to Hendry and Oneri Fleita. The Ricketts family had nothing to do with either Maddux or Sandberg.
Hendry pointed out his good relationship with Greg Maddux and admitted the Ricketts family supported the hiring ... but left the decision up to him.
Add Mike Fontenot to the list of players the Cubs are expecting to get back on track. The Cubs were counting on Fontenot to play better than he did a year ago. Rudy Jaramillo should help him offensively. Hendry pointed out that Jaramillo should help several players get "back on track."
According to Jim Hendry, there are already 40 players in camp. But the one with arguably the most interest is Starlin Castro. Hendry said he is an impressive kid and there is a fine line the Cubs have to take with his development. Castro will let the Cubs know when he is ready for the big leagues. Hendry pointed out it is hard to make a good analysis of a young player in Spring Training.
The Cubs have not put any expectations on him breaking camp with the Major League team.
Sports Central
Jim Hendry finished his radio tour with Dave Kaplan on Friday night. Hendry is leaving late Sunday afternoon for Mesa. He will meet with Lou Piniella and his coaching staff before pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday ... then he will hit the field for the first workout on Thursday.
Pitchers and catchers report on February 17 ... with the first workout on Thursday, February 18. Position players report on February 22 ... the first full squad workout is on Tuesday, February 23.
Jim Hendry believes the Cubs have enough to win the World Series. Hendry responded, "absolutely" in response to Kaplan's question. Hendry said he knows the Ricketts family will allow him to add to the payroll in July if they are in the race.
Hendry explained it is important to "get yourself into position to win" early in the season and then tinker with the roster ... like the Cardinals did last season.
The Cubs did not have a lot of positions to fill in the off-season. Hendry discussed the additions of Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady. Hendry also thinks Jeff Gray will be a factor in the pen ... he pointed out they really like Gray's power arm.
The return of Ted Lilly was next up on Kaplan's list. Kaplan asked if Lilly would be back by May 1. Hendry quickly responded with "absolutely." The Cubs are expecting Lilly to pitch at least 90% of the season.
Hendry discussed Ryan Theriot's pending arbitration hearing. Hendry made the same points (as the two previous interviews) but stated at the end that there is "still a chance it could be worked out" before the hearing.
Dave Kaplan brought up Andrew Cashner's name in the discussion about the Cubs' pen. Hendry did not mention Cashner in the group of possibilities for the pen. Hendry said they feel good about Angel Guzman. Jeff Gray could lean into the late-inning role. They like Esmailin Caridad as well.
Hendry is not sure if John Gaub will break camp with the big league team but pointed out they feel really good about the southpaw. Justin Berg will be in the mix in the pen ... as will Jeff Samardzija, Tom Gorzelanny, Carlos Silva and Sean Marshall.
Hendry is still trying to add a veteran right-hander to the pen, either before or during camp.
The Cubs would like to have a mix of homegrown players and quality veterans on their roster.
The future of Ted Lilly, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez with the Cubs is not something Hendry is worried about right now. He pointed out the Cubs have a new owner and he will have to sit down with Crane Kenney and Tom Ricketts to discuss those player's futures. Hendry said they would handle each player on a case-by-case basis.
Dave Kaplan asked which player rebounding from last year was the most crucial to the success of this year's team. Hendry said Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs feel if he remains healthy and everything falls into place Zambrano could win 17 to 20 games this season.
The Cubs up and coming minor league system was the next topic of discussion. Hendry admitted he did not believe in the number one ranking the Cubs' system received several years ago. He thinks the system is much better now and believes it is in the top ten ... thanks to the work done by Tim Wilken, Oneri Fleita and Jose Serra.
A couple of the drafts before Wilken really took a toll on the system according to Hendry. He admitted he is proud of how far the organization has come but pointed out that you can't get too excited ... because players still have to produce.
Hendry made the same points about Starlin Castro as he had in the previous interviews. They don't want to hold Castro back ... but with just two months in Double-A under his belt, he will have to let the Cubs know when he is ready.
Kaplan finished the interview by pointing out the positive influence Greg Maddux had been on Carlos Zambrano in the past ... and said he feels Big Z will win 19 games this season.
Pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday.
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After a very long day of work I finally got to read through all of Friday's posts.
Interesting to see Lopez fire Boras. Boras' strategies (which I have no problem with) seem to work very well for some clients but backfire for others. I wonder if others will follow Lopez' lead in the future.
Gramps had the right definition of station to station baseball. Aaron's was not correct.
It's amusing how so many people are so sure of their predictions of each player's future performance. You can say probably or most likely, but none of us can say for certain. How many came close to predicting even just the Batting Average and Home Run numbers for anyone in the Cubs 2009 starting line-up? My guess is no CCO poster's predictions were close on Soriano, Fuk, Soto, D Lee, and ARam. You'll probably be way off on your predictions for those players for 2010 too.
Agreed.
For the same reasons I do not believe it is likely to see a repeat performance of the low performance seen in '09. I believe, with the Kool-Aid already gone, this is going to be a very good year for this team. World Series berth? Who knows, but I do believe this is going to be a much more exciting and enjoyable season for the team we all love following. So glad ST starts soon and thanks to all for the entertaining posts throughout the off-season! It has helped keep my mind on the future and away from the past!
Two things...and you're wrong on both...LOL...not surprising to hear that from you anyhow (or Gramps)...but
1)he was correct in his definition of station to station, and I didn't explain my reasoning very well. In any case, not only do we not have a station to station team (which, by the way, actually requires a speed component), but we also don't have a speed team, and as last year proved, we do not have a power team. It's one of the very reasons a TON of Cubs fans were complaining about our offense, because it completely lacked an identity.
2)You're also absolutely wrong about not being able to predict stats for players. I don't mean to be a jerk about it, but fans of the game of baseball know the value of stats. It's precisely why they keep them. If stats didn't matter in sports, then there would be no need for record keeping, and I'd argue there would be no need for agents either. Could you imagine conversations between management and agents at that point?
Agent: "my client wants 8 years, $136 million"
Management: "oh yeah? Based on what?"
Agent: "well, last year he hit a bunch of home runs and RBI"
Management: "really? That's all you got? What does that even mean to us?"
Fact is, without stats, you not only cannot determine a player's value to his team, but you also cannot determine his value relative to his peers. And you sure as hell would not be able to state your case why player _________ should get a particular salary if historical stats do not matter. What would an agent say then? "well, my client has hit 40 home runs before, and as little as 5...so, I think he should get at least 5 years, at $20 million per year." What?!?
But that's precisely your logic when you dig deep. You, and a few others would state that historical stats have absolutely nothing to do with what you can expect from a certain player. And while that is somewhat true regarding bench players moving to full-time roles, and rookies coming into the league for the first time, it is NOT true for a majority of the league. Fans like you might argue that one or two players you know might've had statistical anomalies, to which I would ask what percentage you think that represents, and you would respond to me that you don't believe in percentages...LOL
Aaron, could you explain your personal take on station to station baseball.
My personal take is a team lacking speed...hence few stolen bases...
so if a single is hit...it requires
another hit to mobe the runner to another base.
...fewer doubles and triples because
speed is requires to bypass the next
"station" or base.
ie ....the opposite of "Ozzie Ball"...
or what he hopes to achieve.
I'll stay out of the statistics thing....since you addressed that to David F....but I do have my own opinion.
I'm not sure he was addressing the value
of statistics in baseball...just the variables that may effect performance in an upcoming season.
ie How did Dempster's daughter affect his performance in 09?
I was a little bit harsh on David, admittedly, but only because of his tone with me (now and in the past).
Here's my feeling:
There are really 2 definitions. First, where hit-and-runs and base-stealing are frequent. Second, it can also mean, where a team takes fewer chances of getting thrown out on the bases by cutting down on steal attempts and taking the extra base on a hit; therefore, the team will maximize the number of runs scored on a homer.
We weren't really either of these, and we weren't a speed team, nor were we a power team. Basically we lacked identity, and this year, it doesn't seem any different, which is why you'll probably see the same result...lots of players swinging for the fence, and runners constantly stranded in scoring position.
How many times did we get RISP with less than two outs? How many times did we see runners on second or third for that matter with NO outs at all? It certainly seemed like it happened almost 100 times last year...or more.
That's precisely why you look at player's RBI/power totals, and why I wholeheartedly disagree with people like David, because they can't back up their positions that stats don't matter, when they really do. If a player sucks with RISP historically, chances are, he almost definitely will not all of a sudden break that trend. It'd be the equivalent of hoping Soriano doesn't strike out 100 times...or Mark Reynolds...or Derrek Lee...or Ryan Howard...etc. Yet, if you look at historicals, you see that they DEFINITELY will.
There are a few stats that simply are just by chance, such as GIDP's, and sometimes stolen bases, but a players power/RBI numbers generally do not vary much at all, and you can predict what they'll do in the future based on prior stats.
Like I said, I realize that it's difficult at times, and players have down years occasionally, but in general, you can predict based on historicals.
There is only 1 definition for station to station baseball:
Station-to-station baseball is the strategy in baseball where, if someone gets on base, that person just stands there (takes no baserunning risk) until someone else gets another hit. No bunts, no hit-and-run, no steals. This is a safe and boring strategy that ballclubs with a lot of power, but very little speed employ.
Station to station teams TAKE NO CHANCES.......period!!!!!!!!
I also agree.
Just because we failed to drive in the runners who went from station to station doesn't mean we were not a station to station team. The Cubbies simply don't have the speed to play any of the "small ball" type plays. Oh, how I would love to have a true lead-off hitter.
My take on the stats is this: they should be taken with a grain of salt. Can they be estimated? Sure. But, we should not for one second rely or depend on them. Perfect example: Milton Bradley. To many things come into play that can influence and deflect those numbers. For the pitchers it's the defense behind them, the ballpark, the division etc etc. The hitters have no control over how many runners are on base for them to drive in, or for that matter, who hits in front of them or behind them to bump them in. What about the "team chemistry"? This is why every source you look at will give you varying projections from player to player, team to team.
Really nice write up, Neil.
Couple of thoughts...
I feel good about Zambrano this year.
This is a defining year for him...either he's an ace or he's not. It's no longer about potential with Z.
A quote stuck with me on one of the shows......
When asked if he was comfortable with Marmol as his closer...Hendry said Yes...
"What's the point of having a farm system
if I'm not."
-I liked that quote.
Re The future of Lilly/DLee/Aram...on the surface there's nothing wrong about speaking with Kenney and Ricketts "on a case to case basis."
I realize the Cubs have a new ownership
and philosophy just settling in....
BUT...It is my hope that the Cubs implement a more forward looking strategy. (Like the Yankees do...in assessing FA markets etc a few years in advance.)
ie 2 years ago...They stayed out of the Santana sweepstakes so they could make a
splash last year with big FA signings.
Some sources I've read...have suggested
the Yankee's really didn't push for Johnny Damon...because they intend to make a major play for Carl Crawford later this season.
That's called strategic planning...it's forward looking and not reactionary.
I realize we're not the Yankee's....
nor at a point where we can pretend we are...but I hope we get there...management-wise.
btw...re the Yankees...they make mistakes
also....I think they'll come to regret
the Vasquez trade.
While Vasquez is an innings eater...he's just not a big game pitcher...that's why the White Sox traded him...and probably why Atlanta felt free to dump him...along with salary relief.
David F...I've never seen an accurate
crystal ball yet...especially in baseball. That's why we leave that stuff
in the lore of wizards and witches.
I think we would all love to see that type of thinking. They should be planning out D Lee's replacement by which year they want to be in the market.
At the same time, having a farm system that produces major league players, makes it a lot easier to plan out the years you want to be a big player in the FA market. The Cubs spending sprees, were a part of a lot of needs and an ownership that had another motive.
The Tribune only paid 46 of the 136 million for Soriano. But the Soriano signing was big at the time, since it changed the thinking and perception of the Cubs. Now if only it was a 6 year $90-$100 million dollar deal, big signing bonus and front loaded...
Looking forward to ST!!
Neil, is there a way to work on a printable page of the posts?
I like printing out the longer posts to take to class during the afternoon.
If its an easy thing to add that would be great. Otherwise, no biggies. We ask the world out of you already. Thanks very much!
Matt - You can cut and paste them into Word or other word processor. I just tried and it came out great.
Matt, as Tony mentioned that is the best way I know for now.
I had to remove the print function because it was conflicting with another script. There is an upgrade of MT out that might fix that, I am attempting to load the upgrade.
The mobile option is first.
I think they will give Silva every chance to make the rotation.
JimC...I agree re Silva. Right now...
Silva is an expensive liability...and
probably will remain so.
BUT...if they can somehow get some sort of production out of him...or return him to Twin-like days...then they have a trade chip....if they can even have another team take on any portion of his contract...it will be a win.
Susy, baseball is such an unpredictable game that Silva could win the Cy Young and Zambrano pitch so poorly that he becomes an outfielder and hits .356 the second hslf of the season
I'm not saying it will happen but it could--or if not these things, something equally odd.
I picked up the new Sporting News Baseball Preview. I think Neil posted some tidbits the other day. But here are a couple items I found interesting.
One feature has projected lineups for 2012:
Cubs in 2012 will look like this
CF Brett Jackson
1B Derrek Lee
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Josh Vitters??
LF Alfonso Soriano
C Soto
SS Castro
2B Fontenot??
So, not only is Lee still on the team, but his spot has moved Vitters to RF? Fontenot is the starting 2B?
Regarding teams within division, the Brewers do not have Prince Fielder as their 1B, and Matt Holliday is not the starting LF.
The winner of the last two NL pennants, the Phillies still have the first 5 in their lineup as Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, and Werth.
I know predictions never come true, but there are some crazy ideas in this magazine.
Woody, thank you for posting.
Here is the link to the article I posted:
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/02/2010predictions.php
Suzy, to answer your question no the author did not. I found the lineup a little off base, that is the reason I did not mention it.
Vitters is projecting as a first baseman and if you are going to look two years down the road, Kyler Burke should be in the mix in right.
Again, if you are going to look that far.
For the record, Joe Strauss wrote all of the previews for the teams in the Central. Strauss is one of the Cardinals beat writers for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Thanks Neil...I wouldn't put credence in it anyway...just wondered how he thought.
Woody...interesting....
Jackson makes sense as a college draftee.
Vitters is a total question mark...how they came to that.
Hak Lee should be ready by then....so
between Castro and Lee...one would be at short and the other at second.
Woody...did the author give any support
for his/her reasoning?
i bought the mag when it came out a week ago: multiple teams have interesting 2012 line-ups where it appears the writer did not make efforts to really scout the team..............
the cubs was one of the worst as fontenot will not be the 2b (flaherty?) and vitters will either be 1b or 3b or traded; but not OF.
anyway..........these early mags are written up by early jan. so alot can change.
i took the positive of the cubs winning the wildcard as a positive that the national writers see the cubs last year as an injured flukey year of bad performances........
(nady or tracy were not on team as of preview).
4 days and counting!!
FYI---why do the cubs do such a bad job of televising spring games? anyone know.....looking at the regional sports channels on my dish it would appear the red sox-yanks-mets televise about 20 plus games each and even some early on workouts..........i would love to see castro play games this spring.
FYI #2----the cubs are offering tix on sale on the 15th........for a 20% markup(unless a mastercard is used--then only 15%.).......interesting way to gouge fans again after the price increase already this year...........tommy ricketts must of kept some of the tribune bean counters.
Check out the Community Blog section...
One of our posters writes short stories
for publication...and has been kind enough to post some of his published stories for us....Many thanks to Ron Sheasby.