by Sports Xchange

BIGGEST NEEDS: GM Jim Hendry first must find a taker for RF Milton Bradley, whom he suspended with two weeks left in the season because of behavior issues. Hendry might have to eat most of the $21 million Bradley has left on his $30 million deal, but at this point, it's time to cut the losses. The Cubs then must find a hitter to bat in the middle of the lineup and produce runs.

FREE AGENTS: RHP Rich Harden, RHP Kevin Gregg, OF Reed Johnson, LHP John Grabow, RHP Chad Fox, OF So Taguchi (released).

The Cubs got 26 starts out of Harden, who has had a history of shoulder problems. Gregg lost his job as closer to RHP Carlos Marmol. Johnson, unlike Harden and Gregg, has a shot at coming back, but the Cubs have a host of young outfielders who can fill a backup role.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: INF Jeff Baker, LHP Neal Cotts, INF Mike Fontenot, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, RHP Angel Guzman, RHP Aaron Heilman, C Koyie Hill, RHP Carlos Marmol, LHP Sean Marshall, SS Ryan Theriot.

The Cubs have not gone to an arbitration hearing in almost two decades. That could change with either Theriot or Marmol, or both. The Cubs figure to agree to terms with Hill, a dependable backup. They could non-tender Heilman and then offer him a contract at a lower rate than what he could get in arbitration.

IN LIMBO: The Cubs still must find a taker for OF Milton Bradley, who has played for seven teams in nine years and has worn out his welcome almost everywhere.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LF Alfonso Soriano (arthroscopic left knee surgery in September 2009) will rehab back home in the Dominican Republic. The Cubs are counting on Soriano for a strong comeback next year.

LHP Ted Lilly (left shoulder surgery in November 2009) won't be ready to pitch until March, meaning he is likely to start the 2010 season on the disabled list.

3B Aramis Ramirez (dislocated left shoulder) played the second half with the aftereffects of the injury, which occurred in May. Ramirez maintains he does not need surgery, but he must work to strengthen the shoulder.

1B Derrek Lee (neck spasms) will use the winter to rest.