The Cubs, however, don't have enough pitching to part with Prior without getting another starter in return, especially with Kerry Wood's health an unknown factor at the outset of 2006. WGN-AM reported Friday the Cubs have been talking to Oakland about left-hander Barry Zito, though sources from both teams indicated the two sides have not spoken since early December.Zito, Zambrano, Prior sounds like a nice 1, 2, 3 to me. If Wood comes back healthy, even better.
Just as the Cubs aren't "shopping" Prior, the A's are not calling teams to ask what they want for Zito. But, like the Cubs with Prior, Oakland is willing to listen to anyone with interest.
Oakland reportedly will demand a major-league pitcher and at least one top prospect. Any team that acquires Zito could lose him to free agency after 2006, a risk the Cubs would not take unless they were certain they could re-sign him.
Pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Speed. Defense. Smart baserunning. Fundamentals. That's what it takes.
Hendry's done good so far by solidifying the bullpen with Howry and Eyre, added speed and defense with Pierre and Jones. I'm not a huge fan of the Jacque Jones pick up, but I'll give him a chance. I have no doubts about his speed and defense, just his offensive production. Hopefully, he can return to 2003 form.
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