Notes from Cubs Luncheon

Q&A with Jim Hendry at the Cubs Caravan Luncheon notes;

• Jim Hendry was asked what trade he regrets most that he has made recently. He said he regrets giving up 3 young pitchers for Juan Pierre.
• Hendry was also asked about Micah Hoffpauir, he said that Micah would have to earn a spot on the Cubs, and Hendry thinks Hoffpauir earn a spot. He could be a left handed bat off the bench similar to the role Ward had last year.
• Hendry was asked about Felix Pie. It seems like Pie will have to have an awesome spring to remain in the Cubs organization. When the Cubs signed Gathright, I think it was clear to everyone that Pie will probably get traded.
• Jim called Rich Hill's situation "sad".
• Hendry of coarse was asked about trading DeRosa. He explained that they decided that trading DeRosa was necessary to help get more left handed.
• When asked about clubhouse chemistry he said "there's not a bad guy in that clubhouse."
• The Cubs want to sign a left handed bat to compete with Hill as back up catcher.
• Jim confirmed that Henry Blanco will not be back next year.
• The Cubs are not done and will continue to look for starting pitching, however they are very confortable with what they have.
• Hendry mentioned Gaudin, Samadzija, and Marshall as guys that could possibly move into the rotation.
• Hendry expects that the team will have a new owner by opening day.
• The Cubs feel they have added more speed and defense. They will continue to try to get better by opening day.
• Mike Fontenot should receive more ABs in 2008.
• Jim says that the lineup is up to Lou and the staff. The Cubs like their outfield situation. They're optimistic about Kosuke having a strong second year.
• The Cubs feel they have 2 closers right now with Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol.
• Hendry says he would be "very confortable" with Cotts and Marshall as the lefty's in the pen.
• Jim says that if we went to camp tommorrow the Cubs would have 28-30 pitchers in camp.
• Theriot, Miles, Fontenot, Gathright, Johnson, Fukudome, and Soriano could all hit lead off.
• Angel Guzman had a great winter. If he's healthy, Jim thinks that he could make this team.
• Jim says who leads off is "totally up to the manager".

It should be a fun weekend.