Rebuilding the Cubs

[wheatrich]

The Cubs aren't in that bad of shape really. Wood's big contract is going to get bought out at the end of the year.
We all know about Zambrano. Barrett has sneakily become the best offensive catcher in the NL.
Jones has overcome one heck of a horrid start to not make me want to jettison him to the curb. Pierre has somehow learned to hit again but he can't throw the ball back to 2nd base without a hop from CF. Howry and Eyre have been excellent additions which means this team has a bullpen something previous teams never had. Prior still has the talent even though we've all but given up on him.
Ramirez is still one of the best 3B in the league.

I'd like to see Dempster go back to the starting rotation and probably make Howry the closer for the rest of the season just to give one of the starting pitchers that shouldn't be in the majors yet a break.

Ownership isn't the problem--they spent the $ in the last few years.
Perez is a backup--not a starter. Do you read this Dusty?

I can't figure out how Nevin won't be traded (I'm pretty sure tex is paying his salary)--but Hendry could do it...
Maddux will get dealt as well--he can't hit his spots well anymore and right now he still has decent trade value.

Murton, Cedeno, and Theriot are young yet and they can only improve so let's wait on them and see.

McPhail's been here long enough that he should get the axe.
Hendry doesn't understand what a manager's job is. It's not to manage when they're fully healthy--it's to get the most out of the team the way it is. If you can't get the most out of the team even when they're bad you need to go as does anyone who doesn't understand this concept.

The problem I have with Brenly and Pinella is just because I hope they do not manage like they announce. They come off sometimes like complete morons and I've had enough of complete morons in the Cubs organization.

They have enough in the offseason to get a big name FA at a need position--a barry zito or a vernon wells or preferably both* would turn this club back into contenders in a not that strong NL central.

*in my dreams that will happen

edit--how did I forget about Marshall--that kid has stepped up for the cubs this year. If his inconsistency wears off as he gets more experience he'll be good if not great.