Chicago Cubs Baseball

Jim Hendry’s to-do list might have gotten shorter with the signing of Kerry Wood to a one-year contract last week, but the tasks aren’t getting any easier for the Chicago Cubs general manager.

As representative of the Cubs’ braintrust and bankroll, Hendry heads into this week’s winter baseball meetings with the probability of closing as many doors to the franchise’s past as he does of opening a few to the future. With the off-season departures of outfielders Jacque Jones and Cliff Floyd, it’s no secret Hendry is on the prowl for an adequate replacement. Preferably a left-handed outfielder with more pop than flop on his resume.

Then there’s the matter of securing an every day second baseman, something that’s been as elusive thus far as - say - an NLDS win for the Cubs. Former free agent Kaz Matsui shrugged off Hendry’s overtures to sign with Houston, while the Mets’ Luis Castillo decided New York is where he wants to stay.

But the deal or no deal that’s assured to grab the hottest headlines this week is the final fate of current Cub right-hander Mark Prior. Hendry and the Cubs face a “pay me or trade me” situation with Prior, who’s scheduled for arbitration on December 12th - or as my watch tells me - exactly eight days from now.

Prior made $3.65 million in 2007 despite not throwing a regular season pitch for the Cubs last season. In fact, Prior has pitched in just 57 games over the last four seasons.

After shoulder surgery curtailed in latest comeback last season, Prior is reportedly healthy and ready to pitch - although he might not be available till late spring or early summer.

Promises. Promises.

Combined with Wood, Prior was seen by the Cubbie faithful as one-half of the great Cub hope for a World Series championship in Chicago. Instead, it’s been more promise than pudding, more squawk than walk. And last season’s March melt down did nothing to endear himself to the Chicago Cubs organization - or to its fans.

And if there’s anything Cubdom has learned about skipper Lou Piniella is Lou likes a happy clubhouse. See Michael Barrett, Jacque Jones and Wil Ohman if you need examples.

If you remember it was a testy Prior who faced the media when learning of his demotion to Triple A Iowa.

“I’m not even going down that road,” Prior said last March when asked if he’d consider asking for a trade. “I’m under their control until I’m not under their control, so it’s up to them, if they want me. I’m just an employee.”

As Hendry peers into the Nashville skyline this week, I can’t help but believe he has a left-handed power hitter on his mind, and Prior gets left behind.