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The Deal Hunters

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Updated Nov 9, 2009 3:30 PM ET
     
 
Is Milton Bradley still here? Yeah, and he's holding up some of the decisions the Cubs might make as the hot-stove season gets started in earnest with the general managers meetings this week at the O'Hare Hilton. But the flip side for the Cubs is that (1) their to-do list isn't particularly long, and (2) the lack of a Bradley trade should not be confused with a lack of interest. According to a source, at least three more interested parties contacted the Cubs in the last week or so. And with all the GMs in one place today to Wednesday, the Cubs could be another step closer to shipping out Bradley. ''The GM meetings provide a great forum for us to continue the dialogue we have had with various teams ... as well as initiate and listen to new ideas,'' Tampa Bay Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman told the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, alluding to talks that might include revisiting the Bradley-for-Pat Burrell discussions that were tabled during the playoffs. Cubs GM Jim Hendry wouldn't discuss specifics regarding Bradley and downplayed the opportunity to get much accomplished this week in what amounts to about a 36-hour window. But he did say he and assistant GM Randy Bush hope to meet with five or six teams and figure to look more toward trades than free agents this winter. ''I think you'll see a lot of that,'' Hendry said. ''At the same time, I think the free-agent world will be a patient market like it ended up being last year, and some good players will probably be available as the winter progresses. We'll be looking to trade some pieces to get some pieces.'' The Cubs have more than a half-dozen arbitration-eligible players they want to bring back, as well as free-agent lefty reliever John Grabow, who's close to agreeing to what's believed to be a two-year deal worth more than $3 million per year. New owner Tom Ricketts' payroll budget for 2010 is ''slightly'' more than the $140 million limit last season, offering few ways to add a significant salary, depending on how much of Bradley's remaining $21 million the team can move. The Cubs' ideal free agent might be the Los Angeles Angels' Chone Figgins, a Brian Roberts-like leadoff man with more defensive versatility. But he might command three years and $30 million -- or more. More of an economic fit, as well as a position fit, could be Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Mike Cameron, who maintains a strong relationship with manager Lou Piniella after playing for him in Seattle. Meanwhile, Cubs free agent Reed Johnson, who made $3 million in a second consecutive injury-hampered season, likely will be left to explore his options on the open market.
Tagged: Cubs, Milton Bradley

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