The signing of Perez was a good move, maybe he was a little overpaid, but i can assure u he was brought in as a backup for the infield, seeing his defensive skills, he can play as back-up at short, second and third. Instead of Jose macias.

There is no doubt in Henry's mind that Cedeno is ready for everyday play, and he will be given that chance in 2006, at short or second is yet to be seen, but he will play!

I've heard over and over that the Cubs want to sign Furcal. Listen the market for Shortstops is really thin, so expect furcal to be overpaid. If the Cubs get him great, they have the resources to get him, and they should, no sosa drama this year, so bring him to Chicago.

But at the same time the Cubs should also seriously persue a trade to bring over Juan Pierre as well. He is another lefthanded bat, and another proven leadoff hitter. Worse case senario is if one of those two guys get hurt, we still have a leadoff hitter, and if both guys stay healthy we'd have lots of speed at the top,allot more things can happen instead, setting the table for my boys D.Lee & A.Ramirez and company.

In 2006 Dusty should better give the youngsters a chance to play more.
Look at those guys in Atlanta,Texas and Oakland.....enough said!!!

We also have Felix Pie that should be ready to make the step up later in the season, let the kid platoon a outfield position workin his way in for a 2007 spot. Kevin Mench seems also to be on Hendry's radar, who is also young with some pop in the bat, that would definetly be a plus to the outfield corps. But never the less, the cubs will need another big bat to protect Ramirez, best guess a quality corner outfielder, besides Murton who i expect to see out there in Left. Manny would be a dream come true, but maybe a little too expensive plus after the Drama Sammy brought...is doubtfull Jim Hendry would take that road.

As for Walker he should be willing to wanna get more playing time in the outfield, he can still play some second if needed and some at first giving D-Lee a breather. This only gives Dusty more options.

The Cubs need to persue a pinch-hit specialist. Because if u are gonna play the kids (Murton & Cedeno), u'd need a deep bench.

As for Corey i think he needs a fresh start somewhere else, he has lots of talent but it just didnt work out in chicago for him. Corey instead of walker could and should be bait for a trade, perhaps to lure Pierre to Chicago.

Dream lineup:
Pierre CF
Furcal SS
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Mench or Giles (or Walker) RF
Murton LF
Barrett C
Cedeno 2B
...... P