Let’s check in on the Cubs’ offseason plans.
- Cubs manager Lou Piniella says the Cubs will move Kosuke Fukudome to center field to platoon with Reed Johnson. This move implies Jim Edmonds won’t be back. Technically Edmonds could play right field, but he also needs a platoon partner.
- The Cubs figure to be in the market for a lefthanded hitting right fielder. Piniella expects the team to fill their holes via trade. Brian Giles, Randy Winn, and Jeremy Hermida could fit the bill.
- Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reminds fans that Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee have no-trade clauses, and does not believe either will be traded.
- Ken Rosenthal figures the Cubs will re-sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood. However, he wonders if a three-year offer from another team could entice Wood. Rosenthal says the Mets like Wood but can’t take on that kind of risk.
