The debate is on as to whether Cubs GM should or even will keep his job. I have previously stated that I am a Hendry fan, but this year’s disaster — and it is a disaster — has me wondering if it isn’t time for some new leadership. Dave Van Dyck recalls the following statement by Hendry at Bradley’s presser last winter:

The entire process has been a painful — and very expensive — experience for Hendry, who was wowed by Bradley’s sincerity after a dinner in Los Angeles last November.

This is what Hendry said at Bradley’s unveiling at Wrigley Field last winter:

“We knew we had to make the right choice. We knew we had to get the right guy. Not only did I come away [from the dinner] thinking tremendous things about him, but I also felt really good about him because as we left the restaurant and stood on the curb waiting for the driver, Milton said, ‘I know it’s going to take some time, but I want to tell you I want to be a Chicago Cub if you want me.”

Hendry felt so positive about the situation, he not only doubled the previous highest salary of Bradley ($5 million with the Rangers) but tripled the length of any previous contract (one year).

That’s a huge fail. Wooed by Milton Bradley at a dinner meeting? GMs play the role of psychologist too much. All he really needed was a baseball card to determine the viability of Bradley and a 3-year deal. He would have looked at all the off years and all the missed games. He should have realized last year came in a contract run. He should have realized that Bradley has played for a quarter of the teams in the league for a reason.

Seems like the only person that didn’t know this would end badly is Hendry. Not exactly a reason to retain his services.