Hendry Will Deliver Late Christmas Present For Cubs Fans

Chicago Cubs fans are hoping to get a left handed bat for Christmas, but it may behoove general manager Jim Hendry to wait until mid January to purchase that present.

Unlike a year ago, there are plenty of productive left-handed hitters available on the open market.  

A year ago, Hendry did not have the options he has today.  He signed the only real left handed free agent hitter Kosuke Fukudome.  All indications are he will wait it out this year.  

With Raul Ibanez off the market, the Cubs are eyeing four left handed hitting outfielders. Reports indicate their first choice is switch hitter Milton Bradley. While Bradley is a hitting machine, he also has trouble staying healthy. Milton is looking for a three year deal similar to the three year, $30 million contract Ibanez signed. If Hendry is patient, he will be able to sign Bradley for a two year deal in January.  

If the Cubs lose out on Bradley, they may look to plan B.  Bobby Abreu is coming off another solid season where he drove in 100 RBI for the seventh straight year. The 35 year old Abreu is looking for a three year, $45 million deal. Keep dreaming Abreu. Not in this market. It may take another month but Abreu will eventually realize that he wont get anything more then a two year $25 million deal.  

The Cubs have also looked at Adam Dunn. Dunn is a guaranteed 40 HR a year guy, but he is a butcher in the field.  Jim Hendry spoke on WGN sports central earlier tonight and said that while he likes Dunn, Hendry would rather not give up the defense for Dunn's offense. 

 Plan D might be around come ground hog day.  Garret Anderson is 37 years old, coming off another good year. Anderson batted .293 with 15 HR.  Unlike the other options, the Cubs might be able to lock up Anderson for a one year deal for much less.  

A couple of other guys to keep in mind are Nate Mclouth, and should I dare say Brian Roberts.  Mclouth is coming off a career year but according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, negotiations for a new contract have broken down.  Mclouth is under contract through 2011, so a deal is unlikely but you never know.  As for Roberts, I expect him to be traded if the Orioles can't sign him to an extension by spring training.  

So there you have it.  Plenty of options for Jim Hendry, and if he plays his cards right he might also find a pitching bargain next month.  Happy Holidays.