Hendry searches for one more pitcher

The Sun-Times talked to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, and still it appears the plan is to pick up one more starter. While Hendry doesn't mention him by name, Jake Peavy is still widely regarded as the best possible addition to the Cubs starting rotation.

After the Cubs' last deal with Peavy fell through, numerous factors (largely economic) changed, some perhaps making the deal more likely, others making the deal tougher.

The biggest payroll obstacle in taking on the $63 million Peavy is guaranteed for the life of his contract remains the Cubs' 2010 projections. None of the payroll-clearing deals of the last week did anything for 2010, and that means the flexibility to add Peavy probably doesn't exist without a nod from the team's new ownership group.

Selection of a winning bid for the club is said to be close -- perhaps by the end of next week -- and that might be just in time for the Cubs' front office to make a deal before spring training.

Also, the Cubs acquired three well-regarded pitching prospects from the Cleveland Indians in the Mark DeRosa trade last week, giving them deeper reserves of young talent to help pull off a trade.

But the biggest impediment to a deal might be the Padres' willingness to trade their ace, considering their own potential sale to Jeff Moorad's group of investors. Under financial pressures related to a divorce, the Padres' owners had ordered payroll cuts that led to aggressive shopping of Peavy. Some have speculated Moorad won't want to trade one of the team's most valuable commodities.

Other options available?

If Hendry can't land Peavy, plenty of free-agent pitchers remain on the market, although Derek Lowe is pricing himself beyond reason. Productive innings-eaters such as Braden Looper and Tim Redding more likely would fit the Cubs' needs.

Is Looper or Redding really that much better than Sean Marshall/Chad Gaudin/Angel Guzman/whomever else?

No Deal!

From MLB.com:

San Diego general manager Kevin Towers told reporters Thursday that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry informed him they were not going to make a deal for the 2007 Cy Young winner.

The Cubs are reportedly still looking to add Bradley or Ibanez.

Update: As GROTA is reporting (via Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal), 8-10 teams have asked about acquiring Mark DeRosa. The teams include the Twins and A's. Rosenthal goes on to say:

The idea of trading DeRosa would be for the Cubs to clear his salary and create a spot for Mike Fontenot at second base.

The Cubs then would sign a left-handed hitting outfielder, in effect using DeRosa's money to help create openings for two left-handed hitters.

I like DeRosa a lot, so my feeling is not to trade him unless you get great value. But if Hendry can play all these suitors off each other, the leverage is definitely in the Cubs' favor.

Quick Hits: Winter Meetings Thursday

Sun-Times reports (via twitter) the Cubs have talked to Randy Johnson in case the Peavy trade falls through. They also report Milton Bradley is at the top of their list for a left-handed batter and "interest is mutual," and have asked the Angels about leadoff man Chone Figgins.

MLB.com reports Hendry has talked to Raul Ibanez, in addition to Bradley, and both "are very interested in playing in Chicago."

Kerry Wood has signed with the Cleveland Indians (other teams rumored in the running were the Tigers, and the Mets--before they signed Francisco Rodriguez). The Tribune reports the contract is a two year deal, with option for a third, at an undisclosed amount.

The Trib also reports Jacque Jones is playing in Mexico, and "isn't expected to return to the majors."

Over the (Rich) Hill, Theriot Talks Trade Talk, and Lou on a Bicycle

Cubs f/x points out... Rich Hill is not part of this week's rotation on his Venezuelan Winter League team (los Tigres de Aragua).

In 6 starts (10/17--11/18), Hill's 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA, and averaging less than 4 innings per start (19 1/3 IP).
19 walks against 15 Ks and a 2.12 WHIP.
19 runs allowed, 16 earned.
That's bad in any league. Put a fork in him, he's done.

Other Cubs in the Winter Leagues include Ronny Cedeno, Jake Fox, Sam Fuld, Felix Pie, Angel Guzman, and Jeremy Papelbon.

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Theriot talks about trade speculation to the Sun-Times (not that the Cubs getting Rafael Furcal is likely to happen at all).

While the Cubs have talked to Furcal's agent, Oakland and San Francisco appear to be the clear front-runners for the former All-Star, with Atlanta also said to be making a strong push. According to various reports, Furcal has four-year offers ranging from $48 million to $52 million -- well beyond the Cubs' taste.

Lou talked to the Sun-Times one more time about the 2008 postseason.

As for critics who blame him for not having the team prepared enough for October:

''We went over the scouting reports thoroughly, and we let the guys play,'' he said. ''The first game, we walk eight people in four innings; it's hard to win. The second game we didn't catch the ball, and the third game we didn't hit. Now, if that's me not preparing them, then I'll take the responsibility.''

Who was that game one starter again?

Lou also said "[W]e're set" on starting pitching (so no Peavy as if there was any doubt), but looking for one more experienced arm in the bullpen.

Also, if anyone has pictures of Lou "rid[ing] his bicycle around his neighborhood," please, please I beg you... Email me. theseoldcubs@gmail.com

Sporting News.com: "Cubs now the only suitors for Jake Peavy"

via the sporting news.

"It's really come down to one club now -- the Cubs," Towers told the newspaper. "It's going to take awhile. They have a couple of players to pick from that we are interested in, but anything with them is going to potentially involve a third team or fourth team. We're focusing only on them."

Who's on the block? Fukudome? Wood in a sign-and-trade (we know Hoffman isn't going back to SD, see below Kerry Wood post)? A pitcher like Marquis or Lilly? Samardzija?