Cu-hubs say they're not done...

[Providence A's]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....ck=1&cset=true

The Cubs came to baseball's winter meetings Sunday trying to swing two deals.

They left Thursday having made one for Juan Pierre, which means they didn't strike out. But while batting .500 may be OK on the field, it is short of perfect in the front office. And so the search for a right fielder, and perhaps one more middle infielder, continues into the winter.

That's not necessarily a bad thing because Cubs' general manager Jim Hendry has had success with reshaping his roster as late as February. Sammy Sosa was dealt then and Jeromy Burnitz and Greg Maddux were added.

"The big thing was getting Juan," Hendry said. "We've entertained interest in adding another outfielder but not to make a trade just to do something. We'll continue to approach something that might make sense for us."

That "something" preferably would be a left-handed power hitter in right field.

"When you're looking for one or two specific things … the pool [of possibilities] is already narrow to begin with," Hendry said. "Who might be available, who you're looking for, left-handed or right-handed, when you start putting the whole thing together it's already a smaller landscape."

In an interesting development as the meetings ended Thursday, the rumored three-way exchange of shortstops that Tampa Bay had discussed with Atlanta and Boston was completed—but as a two-way without the Devil Rays. That means shortstop Julio Lugo and right fielder Aubrey Huff still are available from the Rays. The Cubs earlier in the week had discussed both players before they made the trade for Pierre.

Could a deal be revisited? Possibly, although it would be harder now because the Cubs already have given up three young pitchers for Pierre. But they still could offer a package that might include a combination of Corey Patterson, Todd Walker, Jerome Williams, a minor-league pitcher and cash.

Or the Cubs could chase just Lugo, whom they would switch to second base so Ronny Cedeno can play short. Lugo, who has batted leadoff, would be the ideal second hitter behind Pierre, and Cubs scouts like him in a revamped lineup that would be loaded with speed at the top.

Or they could chase just Huff, one of the few left-handed bats available who could replace the power numbers of Jeromy Burnitz (24 homers, 87 RBIs). Huff hit 22 and drove in 92 for the Devil Rays last season.

Among other outfielders on the Cubs' radar screen are the Mets' left-handed Cliff Floyd (who may not be available), Twins free agent Jacque Jones (who isn't a priority), the Dodgers' switch-hitting Milton Bradley (a fallback) and such right-handers as the Rangers' Kevin Mench (a real possibility) and Reds' Austin Kearns (who may not be available).

The Cubs also could wait until Dec. 20 when young players, such as Patterson, could be non-tendered by their teams.

Hendry is one of the few general managers who still has money to spend, which makes him a popular trading partner.

Some of that cash could be used for a pitcher, although probably not a major one. While admitting he would like to trade for another arm, Hendry said "we don't have anybody specific we're looking at … nobody we've actually made a proposal about."

The Cubs are one of many teams making inquiries about Arizona's Javier Vazquez, who has demanded a trade. He has two years and $24 million remaining on his contract. One source close to the situation said the Cubs "called early but there doesn't seem to be a fit," but if the Diamondbacks are forced to throw in loads of cash in a deal, maybe the Cubs could renew their interest.

Also on the money front, Hendry said he did not consider Pierre a one-year rent-a-player, even though free agency approaches next fall. Instead of signing Pierre now, Hendry would prefer to see where his talent level is after next season. That doesn't mean Hendry won't want him back, but if top prospect Felix Pie blossoms, he would be a cheaper alternative.

"To look at it optimistically, this [would not be] a one-year thing," Hendry said. "And obviously, our track record with guys we want to keep has been pretty good."

Before leaving the meetings, the Cubs acquired two Class A pitchers and infielder Aaron Rifkin in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft.

Rifkin was traded immediately to Colorado for a player to be named.

The pitchers were left-hander Carlos Jan and right-hander Geivy Garcia.

They still have a ways to go to seriously contend IMHO

[rockin500]

do they have a ways to go? yep. Can they compete in the central as they are? yep. Does the NL Central suck as usual? yep. Do i want more more more? yep.

[Providence A's]

Well, I still think the Cards are the team to beat, no?

[rockin500]

yep. but are the cardinals as good as previous years? probably not. Their pitching staff isnt any better, and they arent getting any younger among their star players, except for pujols.

Dont forget, head to head, the cubs were better than the cardinals last year. the cubs problem was that they sucked atrociously against the eastern division.

Dont get me wrong, the cubs need to improve more, but their bullpen is stronger and that was absolutely their weakest link last year, even more than their lack of offense on the road. Their bullpen was the difference between 79 wins and 89 wins. Their worst culprits are gone, and they added two pretty good relievers to their pen.

Its too bad, Tejada probably wont be traded, but if the cubs were able to put the right package together (as long as it doesnt involve Prior or Zambrano) thatd be sweet. not expecting it though.

[Providence A's]

Yea, I guess you're right...they still need people to stay healthy. If they get injuries to their pitchers again, then they won't have as good of a shot at it.

[Providence A's]

According to this, they're after Jones:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinci...s/13436234.htm

The Chicago Cubs consider Twins free agent Jacque Jones the best outfielder still available and are expected to make him a $5 million, one-year offer. Jones can get $18 million for three years from the Kansas City Royals, with a fourth year vested were he to achieve performance incentives.

[Providence A's]

now they're "close" to signing him.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub20.html

The Cubs hope to have a right fielder before Christmas, but even they aren't sure who it will be.

According to major-league sources, general manager Jim Hendry has made a contract offer in the last couple of days to free-agent outfielder Jacque Jones, but the Cubs also remain in a trade scenario for an outfielder. Hendry declined to comment on the matter Monday.

The offer to Jones is believed to be no more than a two-year proposal and not as lucrative as the three-year, $15 million deal the Kansas City Royals reportedly have offered. The St. Louis Cardinals also might be in the bidding.

Whether it's Jones or the trade target, the Cubs are hopeful they will have completed their starting outfield within the next several days. Matt Murton is expected to start in left field alongside new center fielder Juan Pierre.

The Cubs also will offer a contract today to Corey Patterson for 2006, but that doesn't mean he will be in their lineup next season. Hendry continues to have trade talks about Patterson, and something could develop on that front in the next couple of weeks.

A decent move I think...