Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010
3:45 PM
By Luke Stuckmeyer
CSNChicago.com
Who's on First
Great question with no answer right now. It's clearly Jim Hendry's top priority this week. Lance Berkman is gone. D-Lee isn't coming back. James Loney is not happening. At least for now. That leaves three names: Carlos Pena, Adam LaRoche and Tyler Colvin. Tuesday morning the Cubs spoke to Scott Boras who represents Pena. The biggest problem might be fitting him into their price range with other teams interested. That leaves LaRoche as reportedly the newest possibility or Colvin. Manager Mike Quade believes Colvin CAN do it, if that's the direction Jim Hendry goes.
Prospect Poachers
The Cubs are hoping to stockpile and produce young talent in the future. It's already starting to show results just based on the amount of teams checking to see who's available. That's a good sign that things are looking up. Sources tell me that while the Starlin Castro and Andrew Cashner calls are expected...the Cubs are also getting plenty of interest in their position players and especially one young catcher. The Cubs would love to add another arm, but not if it costs their best young pitchers.
Lou Returns
Former skipper Lou Piniella was here Tuesday for a special event with Cito Gaston, Joe Torre and Bobby Cox. He's done managing but he won't rule out a role as an adviser sometime in the future. For now, he's busy riding his bicycle and relaxing. "Right now I'm enjoying what I'm doing, which is nothing," said Piniella.
Sights Seen
MLB
Former Reds star Tony Perez waiting for a cheeseburger at The Fountain. CSNChicago.com's Patrick Mooney eating a ham sammich in the hallway. Lou Piniella and Cubs Media Relations Director Peter Chase filling out one last crossword puzzle for old times sake - allegedly.
Luke Stuckmeyer covers the Cubs for Comcast SportsNet. Follow him on Twitter @CSNStucky.