12-30-2009, 07:07 PM
You know what? I honestly and truly don't hate Hendry. For one, obviously I like him as a person. Who doesn't? He seems to be a cool guy, he's widely respected by his players, and he's a Cub.
But I don't even hate him as a GM. As Cub fans, we've had to endure a gruesome parade of Trib penny-pinchers, idiots who drove Greg Maddux out of town at his peak, Wrigley minions who considered the idea of a farm system to be a waste of time, and worse. Hendry has finally brought a modicum of respect and dignity to the job. Plus, I've enjoyed the 3 playoffs runs, and genuinely loved the '08 season.
<b>But</b> he operates under a philosophy that I consider to be flawed, or at least outdated. Thus, I think a billion-dollar, long-suffering franchise could do better. Even tom agrees with that idea.
I realize that we all have roles to play here on the site. I've been assigned the role of
"Hendry-hater #1." It's a gross exaggeration, but I don't mind it, because I do disagree with him on many things, and would not be crestfallen if he were replaced. Besides, my persona on this site is etched in granite, and I can't change it anyway.
And <i>I have</i> said many things that have indicated my displeasure with his philosophies on building a champion...I freely admit it.
But I don't even hate him as a GM. As Cub fans, we've had to endure a gruesome parade of Trib penny-pinchers, idiots who drove Greg Maddux out of town at his peak, Wrigley minions who considered the idea of a farm system to be a waste of time, and worse. Hendry has finally brought a modicum of respect and dignity to the job. Plus, I've enjoyed the 3 playoffs runs, and genuinely loved the '08 season.
<b>But</b> he operates under a philosophy that I consider to be flawed, or at least outdated. Thus, I think a billion-dollar, long-suffering franchise could do better. Even tom agrees with that idea.
I realize that we all have roles to play here on the site. I've been assigned the role of
"Hendry-hater #1." It's a gross exaggeration, but I don't mind it, because I do disagree with him on many things, and would not be crestfallen if he were replaced. Besides, my persona on this site is etched in granite, and I can't change it anyway.
And <i>I have</i> said many things that have indicated my displeasure with his philosophies on building a champion...I freely admit it.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance