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12-14-2003, 04:34 PM
December 14, 2003
BY MIKE KILEY Sun Times Staff Reporter
NEW ORLEANS -- Joliet native Scott Spiezio has played his first eight major-league seasons for the Oakland Athletics and Anaheim Angels.
But the former Morris High School and University of Illinois standout might return to the Midwest if he and the Cubs can reach a common ground.
It's too early for the sides to enter into serious talks, and the situation won't be resolved during the winter meetings that end Monday. But keep Spiezio in mind as a possible pickup later this month.
"He is a guy that you would have interest in,'' Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday.
Spiezio is a switch-hitting free agent who could back up Aramis Ramirez at third base, Derrek Lee at first base and Moises Alou in left field. He also would give the Cubs a valuable left-handed option off the bench, which they need.
But Spiezio would have to be willing to accept a major cut in salary after earning $4.25 million last season with the Angels.
The Cubs also are considering free-agent outfielder Todd Hollandsworth, although Hendry was quick to note that nothing concrete has been discussed with either Spiezio or Hollandsworth. The Cubs still are assessing their options with infield and outfield backups, as well as trying to decide which left-handed reliever they want to add.
"We had some discussions internally about some of the free agent [left-handed relievers] and met with a few clubs about potential trades [in this category],'' Hendry said.
Ricardo Rincon and Gabe White are two of the higher-profile lefties that the Cubs have considered, although they also are weighing cheaper alternatives such as Ron Villone, Kent Mercker and Glendon Rusch.
Hendry also sat down with representatives for pitcher Kerry Wood and discussed parameters for signing him to a multiyear contract. Nothing, however, is imminent.
Maybe there's nothing available for the Cubs, who might not make a move at the winter meetings.
BY MIKE KILEY Sun Times Staff Reporter
NEW ORLEANS -- Joliet native Scott Spiezio has played his first eight major-league seasons for the Oakland Athletics and Anaheim Angels.
But the former Morris High School and University of Illinois standout might return to the Midwest if he and the Cubs can reach a common ground.
It's too early for the sides to enter into serious talks, and the situation won't be resolved during the winter meetings that end Monday. But keep Spiezio in mind as a possible pickup later this month.
"He is a guy that you would have interest in,'' Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday.
Spiezio is a switch-hitting free agent who could back up Aramis Ramirez at third base, Derrek Lee at first base and Moises Alou in left field. He also would give the Cubs a valuable left-handed option off the bench, which they need.
But Spiezio would have to be willing to accept a major cut in salary after earning $4.25 million last season with the Angels.
The Cubs also are considering free-agent outfielder Todd Hollandsworth, although Hendry was quick to note that nothing concrete has been discussed with either Spiezio or Hollandsworth. The Cubs still are assessing their options with infield and outfield backups, as well as trying to decide which left-handed reliever they want to add.
"We had some discussions internally about some of the free agent [left-handed relievers] and met with a few clubs about potential trades [in this category],'' Hendry said.
Ricardo Rincon and Gabe White are two of the higher-profile lefties that the Cubs have considered, although they also are weighing cheaper alternatives such as Ron Villone, Kent Mercker and Glendon Rusch.
Hendry also sat down with representatives for pitcher Kerry Wood and discussed parameters for signing him to a multiyear contract. Nothing, however, is imminent.
Maybe there's nothing available for the Cubs, who might not make a move at the winter meetings.