By Paul Sullivan Tribune reporter November 9, 2009
Finding leadoff hitter, center field and possible middle infielder on wish list
The Cubs may not have as busy of an offseason as they had last year, but they're certain to be among the league leaders in deflecting rumors.
This week's general managers' meetings will serve as the ceremonial kickoff to the Milton Bradley trade rumor season, and anyone seen talking to Cubs GM Jim Hendry will probably be accused of having some kind of interest in the controversial outfielder.
Hendry won't discuss his offseason game plan, but obviously moving Bradley is at the top of his wish list. Some feel Hendry will have to get rid of Bradley before making any other major moves because how much he has to spend depends on how much of Bradley's $21 million contract the Cubs have to eat in any deal.
The only certainty is Hendry will be active on the trade front this winter.
"The way the game's changed, there seems to be a lot more things happening later than it used to be," he said. "My first couple years as GM, there weren't a lot of deals done after New Year's Day. Now you have a lot of players still available. Some (GMs) did some great below-the-radar signings last year with the economics being very down, signing players in early February or late January.
"We have a few things we'll prioritize. Some of it gets affected by what comes your way. All of a sudden, you've got a chance to get this guy at a certain position, and you might have to change somebody else or move him back to another position. I don't think you'll see 10 new players and a lot of high spending in free agency. It's not that kind of year."
Here are three areas the Cubs will try to upgrade:
Leadoff batter: Like the White Sox and other teams, the Cubs are in need of a quality leadoff hitter to set the table for Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano. Chone Figgins is the best available free-agent option but may not be in the Cubs' price range if the Angels don't re-sign him. If they can't find one for the right price, they'll probably stick with Kosuke Fukudome.
Center field: The Cubs hope to move Fukudome to right, his best defensive position, and would like a left-handed-hitting or switch-hitting outfielder who can play center. Rumors that San Francisco would be willing to deal Aaron Rowand for Bradley makes financial sense, but that would give the Cubs at least six right-handed hitters in their every-day lineup. Being too right-handed was the reason they signed Bradley in the first place.
Middle infield: When Hendry said he might have to move a player back to another position, chances are he was referring to Ryan Theriot, whose days at short are numbered because of the emergence of star prospect Starlin Castro. While it's doubtful Castro would be able to make the leap from Double A to the majors, he could start out at Triple-A Iowa and be ready for the second half.
If Theriot moved to second, the Cubs could look at getting a veteran shortstop for one season, either by trade or free agency.
Free agents Miguel Tejada and Marco Scutaro will be available, though both are on the downside of their careers.