Hendry not fretting over his critics
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has taken some heat lately about how the team is performing, but he says he's not feeling any more heat than usual.
"No, I've never had a job where anybody put more pressure on me than I do myself," Hendry said before Thursday's series opener with the Brewers at Wrigley Field. "I'm sure that's the way it will continue. I can't control the way other people might think of me. It's just not something I worry about.
"We've got a job to do here. Lou (field manager Piniella) and I work good together. I like our relationship. Nobody likes to lose. He's a gamer. He's a competitor. It's bothering the heck out of both of us."
That last part may have been a shot at one Chicago tabloid, which Cubs insiders felt was trying to drive a wedge between Hendry and Piniella, when the Cubs insist both men are on the same page.
Coming back: Expect the Cubs to be at full strength by next Monday, when pitcher Angel Guzman, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielder Reed Johnson come off the disabled list.
Guzman heads to Class AAA Iowa today to make one more rehab appearance as he recovers from a right-triceps strain.
Ramirez (dislocated left shoulder) will play for Peoria tonight at Kane County and then play two home games with Peoria. Johnson (back spasms) will play Saturday and Sunday for Peoria.
The key return will be that of Ramirez, but Lou Piniella said he has told the star third baseman that he doesn't need to "carry" the Cubs when he returns.
"We need his bat," Piniella said. "We need his presence in the lineup. Not only that, but he gives us a real good glove at third base."
Shake and bake: The Cubs obtained infielder-outfielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor-league pitcher Al Alburquerque. They designated infielder-outfielder Ryan Freel for assignment, effectively ending his short stay with the Cubs.
Baker has missed much of this season with a left-hand injury. He was 3-for-23 earlier in the season, but the Cubs have had their eye on him.
"We've always kind of liked him, a versatile guy, a different kind of player than Freel was," Jim Hendry said. "We just kind of thought now that he's healthy again, he might have a little more bang. He can play five spots. He's good defender."
Where's the fire? After getting kicked out of Wednesday's game at Pittsburgh, Lou Piniella had to answer questions again about having "fire."
"I'm done with that," he said. "My chest was hurting after the ballgame. The trainer told me to take a nice cold shower. I don't know why I had to answer that before. I just don't understand it. I don't get it."