 In the offseason, the Cubs rebuilt the starting pitching staff through a series of trades by GM Dallas Green, who started by dealing for Bobby Dernier and Gary ""The Sarge"" Matthews and inking pitcher Scott Sanderson to complement what was already a good team, boasting players such as third baseman Ron Cey and catcher Jody Davis.Green also hired Jim Frey as their new manager.The Cubs opened up the 1984 season going 12–8 in April, tied for first place.