The news and efforts swirling around Chicago are positive this off-season. Snagging Lou Pinella was one of the best decisions this franchise has made in a long time. This week the Cubs filled another management position as they hired former player, Ivan Dejesus to be Pinella's coaching assistant. As Cub fans know, Dejesus is known primarily for being traded to the Phillies with Larry Bowa for Ryne Sandberg in 1982. He had been coaching in the minor league for the Houston Astros. I'm really unsure of how this deal will pan out for the Cubs. If Dejesus coaches anything like he used to hit (.254 career avg.) then it will best not to include him in on the offensive strategy.
I know this club is undergoing a major transition and having to find a new staff, but couldn't they have sought out a former player who was accustomed to excelling and being successful. I would think players like Mark Grace and Ryne Sandberg exhibit those qualities. Heck, Grace even won a World Series with the Diamondbacks (should've happened with the Cubs...damn '89 NLCS). Even if it wasn't a former Cub at least the new President, CEO could've done is located someone within baseball who has a proven track record. Management needs to think along the lines of quality rather than availability.
Next on the list of priortiies will be the players, who to keep, who to let go. I wouldn't mind seeing a new face over at shortstop or second base, God knows this team needs production from those positions. Merely finding a utility player to fill the spot won't cut it. Cub fans are tired of seeing hapless nobodies come to Chicago, unable to deliver when needed. I'll think about this DeJesus deal, but I don't think it will work out.
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