Despite all our complaining with two straight NLDS sweeps, the Cubs would never have made the playoffs, let alone won two straight division titles, without Jim Hendry. Hendry might not have much to show for his work in the eyes of Cub nation, but today, he finally got his due.

Hendry's contract as general manager of the Chicago Cubs was extended through 2012 today and that should merely mask the pressure he will inadvertently have to face after this team's second straight post-season failure. But that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve it.

Sure, you might not be thinking that Alfonso Soriano was a great investment at the moment, especially considering his tenure is currently slated to last longer with the Cubs than Hendry even with the extension, but he's certainly built the team into a contender and you really can't ask for more.

Whether it's this year's acquisitions of Jim Edmonds, Reed Johnson and Rich Harden, the extension of contracts like that of Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano, or just flat out hiring Lou Piniella, Hendry has made a push for this team to win the World Series and he's given them the tools. Unfortunately, they haven't done anything with it. 

That said, what happens this season will be interesting. The Cubs will definitely be in the market to make some big moves. Maybe nothing in comparison to off-season prior to 2007, but with the fans itching for a world title, something will need to change.