127 Quotes by Jim Hendry

Some of the things written about Dusty and him wanting to leave the Cubs a year ago were completely unfounded. I think people had him in two or three different places he certainly never had any interest in going.

I was expecting the worst right from the start.

I think once teams see he's tendered, there will be an increase in interest.

It doesn't bother him at all to pitch. His arm is feeling great. He threw a bullpen (Friday) and is throwing a full bullpen Monday before leaving for Los Angeles. It's going to be a minor setback.

I think he will bring a ton to the table and a presence on the field and off. You never go to work thinking he's going to be available.

It didn't work the way we all would have liked for Holly this year. But it was never out of lack of effort by him. He gave us a heck of a first 40 percent last year and never got back on the field after the injury.

Why we're doing it now is to avoid even a sprained ankle that sets back his rehab.

We put a premium and a high priority on addressing our bullpen needs.

We're certainly glad to have it done. Our stance is always to try to work with the representative, John Boggs, to a conclusion of fairness to avoid the process if we can. This was something we wanted to do, and hopefully Mark will have a great 2006.