"Could the Cubs be interested in signing center fielder Jim Edmonds, just released by the Padres after hitting .178 and struggling in the field? They are exploring the possibility, according to some in the know. Manager Lou Piniella long has desired another left-handed bat to go with Kosuke Fukudome. Felix Pie has been unreliable. Signing Edmonds could allow the Cubs to send Pie to Triple-A Iowa for steady work. Asked about the possibility of a left-handed bat being added, Piniella said, "We'll just have to see what happens.""