I have to make this perfectly clear up front: I love Carlos Pena.
He’s a quote machine – and not in the Ochocinco kind of way. He says impressive things, and I like to listen. Teammates love him. He’s got a great attitude. He sometimes hits adequately, and he plays great defense. There’s sincerely a lot to like.
But this, my friend, is completely absurd:
“When you have the right kind of chemistry, it’s just magical,” Pena said of what the Cubs need to do to succeed. “That’s exactly what we’re trying to build toward. That chemistry that really just makes incredible things happen. It’s not something you can just turn on a switch. I know that for a fact. But it does happen. It’s a cultural change.”
Although I can certainly agree that the Chicago Cubs need a cultural change (like WHOA), the idea that “chemistry” leads to winning is a notion that should have died years ago.
Winning leads to chemistry. Not the other way around.
Do you think those very good Giants teams featuring Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent had “chemistry”? Do you really think the collection of high-priced Yankee superstars are best friends when they take off their jerseys?
I swear, the Boston Red Sox winning the series with that “cowboy up” business eight years ago was probably one of the worst things to happen to thinking baseball in some time. That lineup included four players with an OPS over .930, seven players with an OPS over .820, and didn’t have a single regular with an OPS below .750. They also had some guy named Pedro Martinez. Of course they had chemistry. They could have had me in the dugout, constantly taking Dusty dumps on their shoes, and they’d still have plenty to smile about.
I’m sorry, Carlos, but the Chicago Cubs do not need “chemistry.” The Cubs need “better players.”
And, based on yesterday’s non-events (which, with apologies, includes your continued presence on the Cubs), the Cubs need “better management.”
If the Cubs manage to trade Carlos Pena in August after he, presumably, clears waivers, I sincerely hope that he’s dealt to a team with good “chemistry.” And, I suspect he would be.
Because he’d be dealt to a team that’s already winning.