The All-Star Break-Up

This is when it has to happen, when Dusty has to get fired.

ESPN.com is reporting that Hendry is planning on using the break to reflect and assess the mockery that this franchis has become. (He may not have used those exact words.

Phil Rogers has an interesting cross-town solution to the problem.

Paul Sullivan was also less than complimentary.

Mike Kiley at the Sun Times is also counting it down.

The fact is that Dusty’s regime is a failure. He has not won since the regular season collapse in late ‘04. The team has been in flat spin since then. And someone has to die in a flat spin. In Top Gun it was Goose. In the next few days it will be Dusty and his comedic collection of coaches.

Now that the end is near. I really hope that Hendry hires the right manager. That’s his job. Regular fans can be critical of lineups and player personnel moves. But hiring a manager involves behind-the-scenes interviews that we are not privvy to.

With this next hiring, Hendry’s ass is on the line. If he misfires, he’ll be fired.

In the Phil Rogers column, he offers up White Sox AAA manager Razor Shines and makes a compelling argument. Personally, I like the fire and brimstone of a Lou Pinella. I kinda like Bob Brenly, but I still feel he lucked out into a world series ring, being totally out-managed. (Ozzie may be a worse manager, but pressed all the right buttons last October.) I do feel the cubs need a) a teacher, b) a hardass (no player’s managers please) and c) a proven winner.

The potential this team still has is huge. Murton and Cedeno could still develop into great/very good players. A well-coached Jones could be very good. Marmol, Pie, Hill, Guzman, Marshall, etc. all have a chance to become quality major leaguers, maybe even a few could become stars.

Let’s wait and see. Cross your fingers.