Further Proof

The Tribune's latest article helps prove, a little bit, my theory on Jim Hendry's poor job as a GM. The latest article is discussing that the Cubs are still in the running for Carlos Beltran but also mentions Greg Maddux.

Boras insisted nothing should be read into the fact that the Cubs aren't making plans to meet with him and Beltran together. He said he respects the Cubs ability to "fly below the radar" and pointed out the Cubs didn't show interest in Greg Maddux until around this time last year. Hendry didn't meet with Maddux face-to-face until a week before spring training and signed him on the day before pitchers and catchers reported.

In other words, when all other teams have passed on all-star type players the Cubs come swooping in and scoop them. Moises Alou was not signed until late in free agency when the Cubs got him as well. And that is basically how Jim Hendry and McPhail handle free agency. It isn't about getting the best talent on the market and filling holes. It is about picking up the left over scraps of talent and trying to form a team around everyone else's hand me downs.

Did we need Maddux last year? Hell no. But he was the only worth while free agent left on the Market and the Cubs needed a big name to distract fans from the fact that the offense was still disfunctional. It is a never ending magic trick for Cubs management. They will show you something shiny and bright in one hand while trying to make you forget about something else. So the question now is, what free agents will be left 1 month before Spring Training? Who ever is left is likely to be the major upgrade on offense. And he won't be named Maggs or Beltran.