DALLAS -- The Chicago Cubs are expected to land their leadoff man Wednesday, according to a high-ranking baseball official.
The Cubs, who lost in the bidding for free agent Rafael Furcal, reached agreement with the Florida Marlins late Tuesday on a trade that would net Chicago center fielder Juan Pierre and a pitching prospect reportedly in exchange for Double-A pitching prospects Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.
The Texas Rangers were also in the final mix for Pierre, who batted .276 in 162 games with the Marlins in 2005.
Earlier Tuesday, Cubs GM Jim Hendry wouldn't confirm that the Cubs were after Pierre, but did confirm that he met with the Marlins, who continue to unload players at a rapid-fire pace.
"If we're fortunate that they will cooperate, we'll be happy," Hendry said.
And since the Marlins did, the Cubs should be, as Chicago's leadoff spot was a problem in 2005. The team tried eight different players there, and they batted a collective .245.
In other news Tuesday, Hendry dismissed a rumor in which the Cubs were sending Mark Prior to Philadelphia for outfielder Bobby Abreu. Carlos Zambrano also is not on the trading block.
"Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior are not going to be traded by the Chicago Cubs," Hendry said.
Finding a leadoff hitter has been one of Hendry's top priorities since losing out in the Furcal sweepstakes. The shortstop decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has agreed in principle to a three-year, $39.5 million deal.
Sources close to the negotiations said the Cubs dangled three options, including a five-year, $47.5 million offer.
The Cubs, who lost in the bidding for free agent Rafael Furcal, reached agreement with the Florida Marlins late Tuesday on a trade that would net Chicago center fielder Juan Pierre and a pitching prospect reportedly in exchange for Double-A pitching prospects Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.
The Texas Rangers were also in the final mix for Pierre, who batted .276 in 162 games with the Marlins in 2005.
Earlier Tuesday, Cubs GM Jim Hendry wouldn't confirm that the Cubs were after Pierre, but did confirm that he met with the Marlins, who continue to unload players at a rapid-fire pace.
"If we're fortunate that they will cooperate, we'll be happy," Hendry said.
And since the Marlins did, the Cubs should be, as Chicago's leadoff spot was a problem in 2005. The team tried eight different players there, and they batted a collective .245.
In other news Tuesday, Hendry dismissed a rumor in which the Cubs were sending Mark Prior to Philadelphia for outfielder Bobby Abreu. Carlos Zambrano also is not on the trading block.
"Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior are not going to be traded by the Chicago Cubs," Hendry said.
Finding a leadoff hitter has been one of Hendry's top priorities since losing out in the Furcal sweepstakes. The shortstop decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has agreed in principle to a three-year, $39.5 million deal.
Sources close to the negotiations said the Cubs dangled three options, including a five-year, $47.5 million offer.
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