I checked out the chat that ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine had with some listeners today.
One of the things that really jumped out at me was the way Levine kept insinuating that Jim Hendry wasn't getting a directive or commitment from his ownership.
Bobby B (Newport Beach, CA)
Hey Bruce! Please tell me that we are not thinking about keeping Ramirez...I don't care how much he hits, it doesn't make up for his game changing defense or lack there of (see the whole weekend series against the Cards)...He cannot make any play above a routine one and usually those throws are 1 hoped to 1st...MLB is no longer in the money ball era, give me a guy who can catch and throw the ball...Whats your thoughts for 3B next yr? and is there any chance of prying Neil Walker from the Bucs, I swear hes the next Utley but we could play him at 3rd
Bruce Levine (1:04 PM)
Zero chance on Walker. No team trades a good-looking left-handed hitter who they don't have to pay. It's a nice thought, but the Cubs need some direction from above Jim Hendry. Either make a commitment Jim or move on to next management group and let them come up with game plan. Right now Hendry and Co. are in the in-between mode, and you're not going to accomplish very much that way.
I would not necessarily agree on Carlos Pena and Ramirez. I think again ownership has to identify a direction. If Hendry is coming back for last yer of his contract, he should be extended or let go. It's not fair to him or the organization to hold a team in limbo.
That bit of speculation is interesting to hear. Is Levine telling us that Hendry's hands are tied right now?
Is he stating that Hendry doesn't have the security to do some sort of rebuilding?
Is it possible that ownership is stopping some of these players from getting moved due to fear of losing fans at the box office?
If that is the case, then can how can we truly judge Hendry on his inactivity at the deadline?
Levine also says that Mike Quade keeps running out veterans in fear of losing his job.
Adam (Loop) [via mobile]
Bruce- It's crazy that Rodrigo Lopez or Ramon Ortiz are on the roster. Both have pitched ok, but at this point in the season, shouldn't Coleman and Carpenter be getting these innings in preparation for 2012?
Bruce Levine (1:15 PM)
Just had the same discussion with a member of the Cubs. Probably same answer I gave you on Quade with Colvin. He's torn between player development and keeping the team from losing 100 games. Some direction from the top again would be beneficial.
I also heard another theory that Hendry may not have had the go ahead to move players, due to ownership not knowing if they were going in a different direction at GM or President.
There are some puzzling signals coming from Clark and Addison. It's worth mentioning again that Levine and Hendry are close, and Levine often lets you in on Hendry's thoughts through his reports. This could be one of those instances.
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Tags: Bruce Levine, Jim Hendry, Mike Quade
Wow, that would explain the inactivity at the deadline. But if this is the case, why wait? But the box office point also explains that away. Nonetheless this is a sad report from the northside. If it is to be true.
Curtis, everyone I talk to is confused. Can't figure out what the hell is going on.
I thought running business this way would end when the Tribune sold the team. I'm really hoping this isn't true.
That being said, Bruce said it all...a lack of direction from the top. It's been the Cubs main problem since McPhail resigned from his position above Hendry. Whether you liked him or not, at least the team had a definite philosophy and plan. The Cubs seem like they've been playing things by ear ever since he left.