While general manager Jim Hendry still has adding a left-handed hitter on his to-do list, he wrapped up the recent GM meetings in hot pursuit of a right-handed starting pitcher.
Hendry is highly interested in Padres ace Jake Peavy, and he held several discussions with Padres GM Kevin Towers during the meetings. Several factors come into play here. First, Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster has filed for free agency, and Peavy is seen as a hedge against Dempster leaving. Second, the Cubs still have some money to play with even though the team has been for sale since Opening Day of 2007.
Peavy has a guaranteed $63 million coming through the 2012 season, and the Cubs seem to think that's no object, especially if they can trade right-hander Jason Marquis and all or part of his $9.25 million for 2009.
If the Cubs can land Peavy, and it may take four young players, and keep Dempster as well, they'd have a formidable rotation that also includes Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly.
