Cubs Fire Jim Hendry

For a once-proud franchise that has not won a World Series since 1908, this seems like the right move. Despite the fact that Hendry has been with the franchise in some capacity since 1994 and served as GM since 2002, the team has taken a turn for the worst in recent years and appears headed in the wrong direction. To the naked eye, it would seem that the team needs a re-birth with some new life being injected into the franchise. Personally, I believe that Mike Quade is not the answer at manager and the Cubs should pursue their former hero Ryne Sandberg to take over that position for the 2012 season. Another aspect of the rebuilding process should be ridding themselves of some of the fat contracts that belong to players who consistently underperform, yes I'm talking to you, Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano. Zambrano's latest tirade of clearing out his locker and saying that he was retiring may well be the final straw. He has had a history of incidents over the years but never one quite on level with clearing all personal belongings out of his locker. However, some may be able to sympathize with Big Z due to the fact that he had served up five home runs and been ejected from the game and has likely grown increasing frustrated with the direction of the middling Cubs as they play out the string in their 3rd consecutive losing season. While frustration with the franchise is certainly understandable, a player should never just walk out on his team like that, no matter the record. It is time for the Cubs to bid adieu to Zambrano and let another team handle the baggage that he brings.

In Soriano's case, it is simply a matter of failing to live up to expectations. After signing an 8 year, $136 million deal with Chicago prior to the 2007 season, Cubs fans thought they were getting the 30 home run, 100 RBI player he had been previously with the Yankees, Rangers and Nationals. Instead, they've been rewarded with someone who has failed to top a .258 average, 24 home runs and 79 RBIS over the past 3 years. Not exactly a player who should be on an 8 year deal with a team that needs to begin a youth movement. Don't get me wrong, I think that Soriano can still be a productive player in the right situation, which I believe is a team in the playoff race looking for a right-handed bat with some power.

Face it Cubs fans, firing Jim Hendry was the right move for a franchise that is headed in another direction. The rebuilding process can be done and the franchise can become good again if it is done the right way. The Cubs are currently sporting a $130 million payroll, 2nd highest in the National league. That number is awful high for a team that has not won a playoff game in 8 years. There are some exciting, young players such as Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney that can help to start the turnaround. The two have paired to become one of the lone bright spots for Chicago this season and appear set to become the next stars in the Windy City.