To say there were big expectations for the 2009 Chicago Cubs would be a bit of an understatement. Heading into the season, the Cubs were widely considered the class of the National League Central by both fans and prognosticators alike, and why not?
A disappointing showing in the playoffs notwithstanding, the Cubs enjoyed great success in 2008. The team won a league-leading 97 games in the regular season (capturing its second-consecutive division title in the process), boasted one of the best lineups in baseball, and featured a strong, effective pitching staff.
Despite this success, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry reacted strongly to ...
