Free Agency: Peavy, The Big Old Unit, and Furcal

Though in the wake of the Dempster signing the Padres have said the Braves are back in the Peavy race, the North Side is still widely regarded as the most likely place for the 27-year old righthander to go.

However...
via Chicago Tribune

If the Cubs can't get Peavy, they will turn to Plan B—45-year-old free agent Randy Johnson, who would be a one-year fix. That obviously would push Jason Marquis to the bullpen, where he hasn't fared well. Marquis is owed nearly $10 million in '09, the final year of a three-year, $21 million deal, making him difficult to trade.

Zambrano, Dempster, Peavy, Hardin, Lilly... or Zambrano, Dempster, Hardin, R. Johnson, Lilly? In my opinion, both look much better in October than one with do-nothing Marquis.

Note: Peavy's agent also works with Rick Sutcliffe and Mark Grace; Sutcliffe has been actively pitching Chicago to Peavy through said agent.

"Rick Sutcliffe is not officially recruiting, because he is not in an official capacity with the Cubs," Axelrod said. "But he has certainly extolled the virtues of being a starting pitcher with the Cubs."

Back to free agency...
same link

The Cubs also are interested in free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, who is seeking $10 million per year for three or four years after hitting .357 in 36 games for the Dodgers in 2008. Furcal's agent said they have spoken to the Cubs, but it's "nothing serious" yet.

Furcal's addition would solve the leadoff dilemma and allow them to move shortstop Ryan Theriot to second base, or be part of a trade package.