Page "Chicago Cubs" Paragraph 49

Apparently handcuffed by the Tribune's bankruptcy and the sale of the club to the Ricketts family, the Cubs ' quest for a NL Central 3-peat started with notice that there would be less invested into contracts than in previous years.

Once again, however, trade speculation dominated the headlines at the winter meetings, this time surrounding Padres ' ace Jake Peavy, which, much like the Brian Roberts talks a year earlier, resulted in nothing.

Piniella blamed the ' 08 post season failure on the lack of left-handed hitters, and a bevy of high caliber outfielders fit the bill.

Ultimately, the club settled on inking oft-troubled switch hitter Milton Bradley over Adam Dunn, Raúl Ibáñez, and Bobby Abreu.

The bench and bullpen were also overhauled in a bevy of money saving moves.

Fan favorites Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa both left for the Cleveland Indians.

Kevin Gregg was acquired from the Marlins to replace Wood, and Aaron Miles was signed to replace DeRosa.