The Cubs re-signed Ryan Dempster yesterday; what’s next? They’ve got one of the game’s most expensive rotations, yet could add another starter. They’re also projecting to exceed a $130MM payroll, so GM Jim Hendry will need to be creative.
- Joel Sherman expects the Cubs to try to trade Jason Marquis, who is owed $9.875MM in 2009.
- Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times runs through the options for a lefthanded/switch-hitting bat.
- Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune says the Cubs spoke to Rafael Furcal’s agent, though nothing is serious yet. Furcal was very nearly a Cub in 2006. Sullivan says the Cubs are still in on Jake Peavy and Randy Johnson.
- Padres GM Kevin Towers said yesterday (before the Dempster signing) that it was down to just the Cubs in the Peavy talks. Towers says a third or fourth team would be necessary to find a match on players.
