CHICAGO, July 28 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs Manager Dusty Baker has been told his job is secure through the rest of the season.
Team General Manager Jim Hendry gave Baker and the team the word this week, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The Cubs are 40-61 this season, fifth place in the six-team NL Central Division. Hendry said he will be evaluating Baker during the rest of the season, with his future depending not just on whether the existing team improves but on whether he succeeds in finding young players to add to it.
Players told the Tribune they welcomed the news.
"Maybe it will take a little pressure off Dusty, and maybe he'll be the same happy-go-lucky guy he was in spring training," relief pitcher Scott Eyre said. "He has been a little uptight lately."
Hendry said that he wanted to take the pressure off the team and Baker.
