The Cubs cut bait today by releasing Carlos Silva and eating $11.5 million. Yes, that's a lot of money, but here's why I like it: 1) Silva didn't deserve to make the team based on performance. Andrew Cashner had a solid enough spring, and the potential is there for him to be a very solid Major League starter. The Cubs think they can win now, but I like that they are giving the young guy an opportunity. There was no sense of giving the benefit of the doubt to the high-priced veteran "just because." You gotta earn it. 2) Silva ripped the team after getting the news and said he would not consider going to AAA (among other things). At that point, if a guy doesn't want to be here, then you might as well grant his wish. I'm a big believer in winning leading to chemistry, but one thing I've learned is, unhappy campers tend to cast a shadow over the rest of the team and why let this drag out when it was obvious it couldn't work anymore based on Silva's comments? I applaud Jim Hendry for tackling an uncomfortable situation quickly and moving on without the headache of dealing with a disgruntled player in your organization. Whether or not Silva has anything left in the tank is irrelevant at this point. His stay here was irreparably damaged, in my opinion, by his incendiary comments, so why try to fix something that isn't worth fixing. Sends a good message: if you don't want to be here, then we don't want you here.
On to more positive things. Opening Day is now just 5 days away and we have our final WGN tune-up for you at 3 Central. Rockies and Cubs. Ryan Dempster pitching. Should be fun!
Len
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