What Will the Chicago Cubs Do As MLB Free Agency Begins?

The Cubs and the rest of Major League Baseball are officially underway with free agency.  The first move on the North side was unexpected, and it prompted the departure of a fan favorite.

The Cubs traded for former Marlins closer Kevin Gregg on Thursday, which is the first in what figures to be a long line of moves made by GM Jim Hendry.  The arrival of Gregg spelled the end for closer Kerry Wood, whom the Cubs were trying to sign to another one-year deal. 

Wood wanted more years, and likely will demand $10 million per for his services.  The Cubs and Wood agreed to finally part ways after a 10-year stint, arguably the toughest decision Hendry has ever made.

Gregg has emerged as one of the better relief pitchers in the National League, but he is better suited to be a setup man than a closer in Chicago.  Carlos Marmol is expected to resume the closer role.  Chicago traded one of its more highly regarded prospects (tallest midget) Jose Ceda, a 21-year old relief pitcher whom the Marlins intend on using as a back end reliever.

So where do the Cubs go now?

Hendry has made it visibly clear that his numbers one A and one B priorities this offseason are re-signing All-Star Ryan Dempster and acquiring a power hitting lefty, who plays the outfield.

Among the players being courted by the Cubs are outfielders Bobby Abreu and Raul Ibanez, formerly of the Yankees and Mariners, respectively. 

It seems more likely to me that the Cubs will go after Ibanez, given he has played for Lou Piniella before and he had more homers and RBI's.

So, at this point, it looks like two of the moves that could potentially be made by Chicago would net them Ryan Dempster and Raul Ibanez, solidifying the outfield and bringing back their rotation in full from 2008. 

However, Hendry needs to also add another starting pitcher lest he is comfortable throwing Jeff Samardzija to the wolves already.  A few names that have been mentioned in regards to Chicago are Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, and Derek Lowe.  I think Chicago may go after a different starter for their number five slot. 

The Peavy trade would solidify the Cubs' rotation as the best in the bigs, as would the addition of A.J. Burnett.  But, both command too much of a salary, and Chicago would like to keep its trade pieces in case Brian Roberts becomes available. 

Derek Lowe is the least likely of the three to go to the Cubs, but for whatever reason his name has been mentioned in relation to the team.

A player I think the Cubs could go after for about half the price of any of those guys is former Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. 

Acquiring Johnson would enable the Cubs to either trade, release, or send Jason Marquis to the bullpen, and gives them another power lefty arm in their rotation.

Granted, Johnson is already 45 years old, but the dude can still pitch!  I'll take 173 strikeouts from my fifth starter any day of the week. 

Another intriguing name is Ben Sheets. 

Despite the fact that Sheets is made of glass, the Cubs would probably be willing to give him a chance.  Lucky for them, his value was diminished with an injury late this past season. 

Look for Chicago to be active in the following weeks, and expect the Cubs to continue to make moves all the way until next season begins.