(Photo by David Blanks/Getty Images)
Furcal even came back to haunt the Cubs by injuring Derrek Lee in a play at first early in the 2006 season. If Hendry could have gotten his man, Lee would never have been injured. He also might have supplied better power numbers the last couple of years. He seemed to have lost his power stroke since that injury.
Another Hendry acquisition LaTroy Hawkins sabotaged the team in the 2004 playoff race when he imploded after taking over the closing role because of injuries. He blew several saves as the season was winding down and the Cubs tanked it in the last week of the season.
Hendry again did not do his due diligence and see what type of personality Hawkins had and how he would adapt to the role. He blew up shortly after being named the closer when talking to the media and telling them that this was the last time he was speaking to them.
And last but not least is the Cubs farm system and its lack of quality prospects. There is little hope for the future and that’s been a trademark of the Hendry regime, as well as generally the history of the team other than for a short period under Dallas Green.
The Cubs are generally short-handed compared to other teams in terms of numbers when it comes to scouting. That’s been an area that they have tried to conserve money in and it has showed.
Development has also been an issue, as many highly touted prospects failed to develop into major league talent.
The only player of note in the system is third baseman Josh Vitters who is currently playing in lower level A ball.
He was the prize piece that Jim Hendry put in the proposed trade for Jake Peavy that never materialized.
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