Piniella wants to see Hendry's contract extended

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs manager Lou Piniella went to bat for his general manager Jim Hendry on Tuesday.

"He's done a heck of a job here," Piniella told a gathering of beat writers. "I've seen where other GMs have been extended. Why not ours?"

Hendry's contract as GM expires at the end of this season, and Piniella, who signed a three-year contract in 2007, would like to see Hendry's deal extended.

With Cubs ownership in flux, the organization may be best served by re-upping Hendry for at least one more year so the team can get through the free-agent period and trade market next fall and winter.

Real estate mogul Sam Zell recently completed a purchase of the Tribune Co., the parent company of the Cubs. Zell plans to sell the ballclub, but that process could take several more months and possibly spill into next year.

"I'll tell you this: Jim is really professional to work with, and he knows his baseball, and he's done a really nice job here," Piniella said.

Hendry took over as GM in the middle of the 2002 season after serving as assistant general manager to Andy MacPhail. Hendry joined the Cubs in late 1994 as director of player development. He later added the title of farm director to his duties.