Dear Jim Hendry: Low-Cost Offseason Wish List for the Chicago Cubs

Now that the trade of Milton Bradley is said and done, Cubs GM Jim Hendry can focus on making the Cubs look like a team that has had winning records in six of their last seven seasons, and an organizational resurgence.

Unlike most years, however, Hendry does not have the ability to spend his way out of his mistakes. Instead, he will have to get creative to make the team competitive again. Keep in mind, this is the guy who managed to pry Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek from the Dodgers for Todd Hundley and Chad Hermansen, Derrek Lee from the Marlins for Hee Seop Choi, and Aramis Ramirez from the Pirates for Jose Hernadez and Bobby Hill.

With the Bradley trade done and with the cash the Cubs received from the Mariners for Carlos Silva (who may end up solidifying the back of the rotation), along with salaries saved via free agency, the Cubs payroll is currently about $15 million less than it was at season's end.

Because of this, signing Marlon Byrd would essentially put the Cubs into a minor league contract-only stage, which is not how you put a team into pennant contention. So here's a few possible cheap additions (from free agency and within) to bolster the team.

Free Agents

1) Kiko Calero. You've probably never heard of him, and that's fine. He's never asked for more than $1.6 million a year, and, excluding his one bad year, has a career ERA of under 3.00, and is coming off another stellar season. He was "the other guy" the A's got for Mark Mulder (along with Dan Haren and Daric Barton). He could easily be the right handed setup man the Cubs want, for probably no more than $1.25 million.

2) Jonny Gomes. Hit 21 home runs in a partial season this year. He plays the corner outfield spots, and could probably learn first base without much issue. Gomes could easily be the platoon man vs. lefties the Cubs want at first, and a legit bat to spell Soriano. Again, probably no more than $1.25 million a year, may want an incentive laden deal.

3) Alfredo Amezaga. Super utility man, career average around .260, can play all across the field, probably wouldn't cost more than $750,000, especially since he's coming off a down year. Offers speed the Cubs haven't seen on their bench in a while.

4) Reed Johnson. Coming off an injury plagued year, could platoon in center with Sam Fuld. A plus defender, can play all three OF spots, due for a pay cut. Maximum cost: $2.5 million a year.

5) Jason Isringhausen. Former closer is probably ready to accept a lesser role in the bullpen. Would probably be willing to accept a $1 million, incentive-laden offer.

6) Rocco Baldelli. Health issues have plagued him for a couple of years. Can play all three OF spots with plus ability. Could be a riskier version of Reed Johnson, but with higher potential results.

From Within

1) Sam Fuld. Fills the CF hole. Could bat first or second and make a dynamic top of the order duo with Theriot. Plays plus defense, brings good speed.

2) Angel Guzman. Should Hendry not be able to bring in a veteran set up man, Guzman could be the guy. He's flourished since moving to a relief role, and seems ready and willing to tackle late inning situations.

3) Jeff Samardzija. Another youngster who could easily dominate out of the back of the bullpen. With Carlos Silva, Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, and Michael Parisi all competing for a rotation spot, the Cubs may be best suited having the former standout wide receiver become a short reliever this season.

All in all, the Cubs have a pretty good core already in Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Wells, Marmol, Soto, Lee, Theriot, Ramirez, Soriano, and Fukudome. Hopefully Jim Hendry can bring in the role players the Cubs need to finally break the dry spell.