Anatomy of a Failed GM

From SABR member Chris Jaffe at The Hardball Times on August 22:

And there was joy in Mudville.

Last Friday, the baseball world learned that longtime Cubs GM Jim Hendry had been let go, ending a run dating back to July 2002. It would be an understatement to say that Cubs fans received this news well. If there was any complaint, it’s that it hadn’t happened earlier.

That might sound strange, as the Cubs had some considerable success under Hendry. They went to the postseason three times, nearly won a pennant once, and another time possessed the National League’s best record. Ultimately, the team did win more games than it lost under Hendry—barely (749-748). This is all true, but Hendry’s tenure still felt like a disappointment.

Read the full article here: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/anatomy-of-a-failed-gm/



Originally published: August 23, 2011. Last Updated: August 23, 2011.