The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. They ended this year with 97 wins, and the roster isn't "old" in most key places. Many key veterans are signed to multiyear deals, but center field once again could become a question mark.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Cubs addressed their top offseason concern when they signed switch-hitting Milton Bradley to play right field. The team was looking for someone who could hit from the left side to balance a right-leaning offense. ARRIVALS: RHP Kevin Gregg (trade with Marlins), RHP David Patton (Rule 5 selection from Rockies, via Reds), OF Joey Gathright (free agent from Royals), INF/OF Aaron Miles (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Luis Vizcaino (trade with Rockies), OF Milton Bradley (free agent from Rangers).
DEPARTURES: RHP Bob Howry (free agent, signed with Giants), RHP Kerry Wood (free agent, signed with Indians), INF/OF Mark DeRosa (traded to Indians), RHP Jason Marquis (traded to Rockies).
FREE AGENTS: CF Jim Edmonds, 1B/OF Daryle Ward, RHP Jon Lieber, C Henry Blanco.
The Cubs probably will let Edmonds walk even though he helped them after the Padres released him. Ward showed his age, and his pinch-hitting touch wasn't what it was. They'll likely bid him goodbye. Lieber is at the end of his career.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Michael Wuertz, SS Ronny Cedeno, RHP Kevin Gregg.
The Cubs haven't gone to a hearing since a long-forgotten regime got to that point with Mark Grace in the early '90s.
IN LIMBO: LHP Rich Hill, CF Felix Pie.
Hill, a rising star just a year ago, will come to camp with only an outside chance of winning a roster spot. The Cubs may have to deal him, even if they don't get much in return. Command problems have derailed Hill's career, at least for the time being. Pie is out of minor league options, and with the recent signing of OF Joey Gathright, Pie's position on the team becomes even more tenuous. Manager Lou Piniella has never been a fan of Pie, and Hendry may have to trade him or risk losing him on waivers at the end of spring training.
MEDICAL WATCH:
The Cubs will keep a close eye on the cranky right shoulders of RHPs Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden, both of whom missed time down the stretch.
C Geovany Soto came down with a sore left hand and wrist, and that hampered his hitting. A winter of rest should help.
LF Alfonso Soriano will have to work hard in the winter so that his legs don't give out, as they've done in his two seasons with the Cubs.
RHP Kevin Gregg underwent successful surgery in late October on his troublesome lefty knee. He should be ready for spring training.
