 |
INTERACTIVE |
 |
 | Video: Baseball from NBC Sports |
 Nats name Riggleman Jim Riggleman was officially introduced as the manager of the Washington Nationals. |
CHICAGO CUBS
2005 finish: 79-83, 4th place in NL Central
Manager: Dusty Baker (4th 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.
|
/peacock_7788aa.gif){kind=small}
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
LowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM BASEBALL |
 Baseball Section Front |
| Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links