Cubs’ Future Could Be Cardinals’ Past

From SABR member Chad Dotson at ESPN.com on September 17, 2011:

Over the next few months, the Cubs will have a golden opportunity to reverse the club’s recent misfortune. (And by “recent,” of course, I’m talking about the last 100 years or so.) Right now, they’re searching for a new general manager to replace Jim Hendry, who was fired in July after nine seasons. Of the possibilities being debated internally, by far the most intriguing scenario involves hiring Walt Jocketty away from the Cincinnati Reds.

I know this might be painful, but imagine for a moment that you are a Cubs fan. Now picture this: With one hiring, the Cubs could weaken not one, but two National League Central division opponents, increase their chances of luring an all-time great hitter to Wrigley, and stick a thumb in the eye of former manager Dusty Baker. Delicious, no?

No one should be surprised that the Cubs might covet Jocketty’s services. He is the reigning MLB Executive of the Year after all, an award that he has won three times. Jocketty’s teams in St. Louis and Cincinnati have won eight division championships in the past fifteen years, including two pennants and one World Series.

Read the full article here: http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/16252/cubs-future-could-be-the-cardinals-past



Originally published: September 19, 2011. Last Updated: September 19, 2011.