Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty has an expiring contract, leading to speculation that he would leave the Reds for the Cubs, who let Jim Hendry go in July.
One report said that the Cubs had even discussed the possibility. But Reds owner Bob Castellini tells the Cincinnati Enquirer that Jocketty isn’t going anywhere. He also said of Reds manager Dusty Baker’s future that “of course he’ll be back.”
It makes sense, as the Reds seem to need only a few tweaks rather than an overhaul.
As far as what this means for the Cubs, our friend Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com has an in-depth look at the issue, and at the importance of this hire in what is ultimately a winnable division.With Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder poised to become free agents, and the Cubs hoping to land some hotshot executive, the Central landscape could change dramatically.
But if Tom Ricketts gets this hire wrong, then the scouting and player-development infrastructure Hendry built could crumble. This organization could be set back for years to come, and starting all over again later this decade.
It’s a risk the chairman’s willing to take. The rest of the division will be rooting against the Cubs.You can follow Bob on Twitter here, or if Facebook is your thing, be his friend here.
