The Jim Hendry Obsessions

The Jim Hendry Obsessions – Part I

We’re not talking Victoria Secret models or deep dish pizzas. Jim Hendry’s obsession is middling 2^nd basemen.

Cub fans have come to know this painful truth over Hendry’s tenure as GM of their beloved team and are all too familiar with the names on the list.

I’m sure you’re starting to dig deep into your Cubbie files, tucked neatly beside your heart to recall these dreaded names, so let’s get on with it.

Mark Bellhorn – couldn’t hit

Neifi Perez – too crazy

Tony Womak – a nice player, if you’re the Pirates

By now you might be feeling like you’ve been punched right in your gut, don’t worry that’s normal. Whatever we feel I can guarantee you Hendry feels it 10 times worse.

Bobby Hill – would have looked good in Quadruple A

Aaron Miles – a Cardinals retread

Mike Fontenot – still riding Theriot’s coattails

Todd Walker – almost made it, but bobbled it one too many times

Jeff Baker – maybe, but given recent history, probably not

And the 2^nd baseman that wakes us all up at night: Freddy Bynum. Yes Jim, he was fast, but the compliments on his baseball skills end there.

Jim Hendry’s 2^nd basemen obsession hasn’t come without some bright moments. There was Mark Grudzielanek, my favorite of the list, who consistently hit .300 and was an integral part of the Cubs’ 2003 postseason run. And more recently, most Cubs fans favorite Mark DeRosa.

When he does get it right he still manages to screw it up. I’d be thrilled with Grudzy still picking it at 2^nd in 2010, and I’m positive DeRosa would love to still be here.

Unfortunately The Jim Hendry Obsessions don’t end with 2^nd basemen.

Catch next week’s installment: “Left Handed Hitting Right Fielders”