their success. The Cubs led the Central Division nearly the entire year and ended with the best record in the National League (97 wins). However, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, they were once again swept in the NLDS. Final years with the Cubs (2009–11) Despite consistently having a team with one of the highest payrolls in baseball, the Cubs struggled in Hendry's final seasons with the club. From 2009 through 2011, the Cubs have had the 2nd, 1st, and 2nd highest payrolls in the National League respectively. Prior to 2009, Hendry signed enigmatic OF Milton Bradley to a 3 year/$30 million contract. The Cubs finished 2009 barely above .500 at 83-78 and Bradley was a major bust. He finished the year suspended by the team. In 2010, for most of the season they were one of the worst teams in baseball. Despite finishing the season strongly, they ended up at 75-87. In 2011, the Cubs once again possessed one of the worst records in baseball, finishing at 71-91, 25 games behind the first-place Cardinals. Under Hendry's leadership, the Cubs drafted Javier Baez. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts notified Hendry on July 22, 2011, that he wouldn't be retained as general manager. Hendry was allowed to remain with the team to help get the Cubs’ draft picks signed. He was relieved of his duties on August 19, 2011, and replaced on an interim basis by assistant general manager Randy Bush. Hendry was the first general manager in Cubs history to oversee three postseason clubs (2003, 2007, 2008) and was the first Cubs general manager to lead the franchise to consecutive postseason berths since the 1930s. Under his tenure, the Cubs were 749-748. He was the third longest serving general manager in the history of the club. New York Yankees (2012–present) On January 31, 2012, Hendry agreed to a multi-year deal to become a special assistant to Yankees GM Brian Cashman and is also listed as a special assignment scout. References External links Jim Hendry on Baseball America's Executive Database Jim Hendry Interview at Baseball Digest Daily 1955 births Living people Chicago Cubs executives Creighton Bluejays baseball coaches Major League Baseball executives Major League Baseball general managers New York Yankees scouts Spring Hill College alumni People from Dunedin, Florida Sportspeople from Park Ridge, Illinois