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2005 finish: 79-83, 4^th place in NL Central

Manager: Dusty Baker (4^th season)

Free agents: IF Nomar Garciaparra, OF Jeromy Burnitz, RHP Chad Fox

On the block: OF Corey Patterson, 2B Todd Walker

Looking for: Shortstop, outfielders, relievers, starting pitcher

What’s going on: General manager Jim Hendry has a busy winter in store, but at least he won’t have the Sammy Sosa distraction to contend with this time. And you can ignore the Dusty Baker rumors; he’s not going anywhere. Instead, he’s locked in at $4.5 million in 2006, and could get an extension. The Cubs have several holes to fill, most notably a leadoff hitter. That will prompt them to make a run at Rafael Furcal, who wants $50 million over five years, and make Nomar Garciaparra expendable. Two outfielders could be needed, particularly if they unload disappointing Corey Patterson, which is very likely. At least one setup man also is needed in front of closer Ryan Dempster, who signed a three-year deal. Scott Eyre is one possibility. Veteran lefty swingman Glendon Rusch signed a two-year, $6-million guaranteed extension, but they still will be searching for another starting pitcher in light of Kerry Wood’s chronic arm problems. If they can sign a Kevin Millwood or A.J. Burnett, then Rusch could end up in the bullpen. Neifi Perez signed a two-year, $5-million deal. Jerry Hairston and Jose Macias could be non-tendered.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

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