WWJHD: What would Jim Hendry Do?
What DID Jim Hendry do? He traded Jerry Hairston, Jr. for Phil Nevin today. Not a terrible move, and if it were made four weeks ago I might have been mildly excited about it. Nevin had an OK season last year, can play some first, and platoon with Jacque Jones in right. Texas is picking up part of Nevin's bloated salary, too. As for Hairston, he's practically worthless at this point. The fact that no minor leaguers were given up is a reason to be thankful. It's just a case of too little, too late is all. A non-move move to placate the fanbase.
Continuing yesterday's post, what would I do if I were Jim Hendry? Hold tight for a while, then have a fire sale in late July. This season is obviously over, and trading away prospects for short-term help would be a fool's game. Just hang out for a while, and play with the team you've got. Hopefully, some of the veterans will play well over these next six weeks and drive up their trade value. Here's the guys I would trade. Check that, here's the guys I would keep. Everyone else is fair game.
- Derrek Lee
- Aramis Ramirez
- Ronny Cedeno
- Matt Murton
- Michael Barrett
- Carlos Zambrano
- Sean Marshall
- Mark Prior
That's pretty much it. These guys are young enough that they'll probably still be productive players in two years when the Cubs have a chance at being competitive. (You know, you could probably convince me to trade even these guys. Only Lee and Zambrano are the real untouchables on this roster.)
Holding on to Mark Prior might seem like a foolish move, but at this point the Cubs would be lucky to get scraps for him. He doesn't have much time to bump up his trade value this year, so you might as well keep him for next year and see if he can get over his feline tendencies. Wood, on the other hand, is a goner. I really hope he does well over these next eight weeks, so the Cubs can get something good for him. Lots of teams could use a proven postseason ace for the stretch run. None of those teams should count on him next year, of course, but he does have value down the stretch. And the Cubs obviously won't pick up his $13 million dollar option next year, so time to see what you can get for him. (And yes, it would hurt to see him healthy and productive in another uniform, but I'm sorry...I can't wait around forever.)
The only other guys that have value are Pierre, Howry, Williamson, Eyre, Dempster, Walker, and Maddux. Dump them all. (Jones is probably untradeable at this point unless the Cubs pick up half of his salary). I like the bullpen, but last place teams don't need to spend big money on a bullpen. (You interested, White Sox?) I like Walker and Mad Dog, too, but neither will be around when the team might be good again so the Cubs should put a hook in them and start casting.
Go ahead and release Neifi, Rusch, and Womack. Sunk costs, all of them. Bring up Theriot, Pie, Montanez, and anyone else on the farm with a pulse and play them every day. Since it looks like Baker is sticking around a while, releasing the veterans is imperative. Gotta take away Dusty's toys and force him to go with the rooks. Growing pains be damned. I have more thoughts on Dusty, but I'll save them for another day. This is going to be a long season with not much to write about.
The bottom line is I want the Cubs to go the Marlins route. Sure, they stink now, but at least they have a future. Hell, after watching them sweep the Cubs last week, they have a "present", too. They've got Cabrera, Willis, and 15 of the top 100 prospects in baseball. At this rate, I would bet they win a third title before the Cubs make the postseason again. That statement alone is more damning than anything I've ever written.