Jim Hendry thinks the Cubs will contend in 2012 for some reason

Look, optimism is always a good thing, but there’s a fine line between optimism and delusion. Case in point: Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry who, according to Patrick Mooney at CSNChicago.com, thinks that the Cubs’ future is bright.

The pitching, he thinks, is right on track. He makes a few references to “tinkering here or there.” He says that, given how the Pirates came out of nowhere to compete, that it won’t take a long time for the Cubs to turn on a dime and be right in there and be competitive for several years.

All of which would sound a lot better from a guy who hasn’t been on watch nine years ago and has presided over multiple failed rebuilding projects, peaking with a team of expensive veterans several years ago that he still seems intent on running out there, hoping that he can catch lightning in a bottle.

Maybe the Cubs’ future is brighter than all of that. But I don’t think Jim Hendry has earned the right to be in charge of it much longer.