To say the Cubs knew exactly what they were getting when they acquired Sammy Sosa in March 1992 would be a stretch. But they might have had an inkling.
Larry Himes took over as Cubs general manager in October 1991 following a 77-83 season in which the club fired manager Don Zimmer after 37 games. Among the 1991 team's stars was George Bell, who joined the Cubs that season as a free agent after nine seasons with the Blue Jays. Bell, the 1987 American League MVP, hit .285 with 25 homers and 86 RBIs, making the All-Star team.