After Monday's announcement that the sale of the team has been finalized, the only thing left is owner's stamp of approval. But, Cubs fans shouldn't assume that the purse strings will immediately open. GM Jim Hendry said yesterday that he doesn't expect to do much at the deadline, now only 24 days away. "I've always said I'll wait until the owner is in place to talk about what he may or may not want to do. At the same time, look at our roster-we have a pretty good team. If our guys play like we're all capable of, most of them, you don't have to do a whole lot of things."
Hendry is not wrong when he says that his lineup looks good on paper but there are some high-priced, under-achievers who are not playing close to their potential or their expected production. I also don't think I'm the only one who thinks the Cubs could use a little bullpen help. From the sound of Hendry's remarks, it seems unlikely that the Cubs will make a splash at the deadline.
The National League Central has a real race going this season. Only 3 1/2 games separate the top five teams. As discussed yesterday in the post about the Brewers, is standing pat going to be enough to lift any of these teams above the rest or will the victor be decided in the last week of the season?