The Chicago Tribune reports the Cubs are interested in bringing in a prototypical leadoff man such as Brian Roberts or Rafael Furcal so that Alfonso Soriano can move down in the batting order.Ryan Theriot is not mentioned as a possibility to move up in the batting order, which is unfortunate considering his speed and high on-base percentage. Soriano would likely lose some plate appearances and steal chances if he moved down in the order, but he has missed time with injuries over the last two seasons anyway.

Tom Singer, of MLB.com, report Chicago Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano will play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic.

The Chicago Tribune's Chris De Luca reports the Chicago Cubs discussed moving OF Alfonso Soriano from the leadoff spot during the team's organizational meetings, according to sources.

Cubs agreed to terms with general manager Jim Hendry on a four-year contract extension. The Cubs have gone 537-513 (.511) with Hendry as GM and he's led them to four winning campaigns in six full seasons on the job, including an NL-best 97 wins this year.Source: MLB.com

The Cubs and GM Jim Hendry are believed to be close to a contract extension, perhaps for three years. There was a bit of speculation that Hendry, frustrated about the pace of the Cubs' sale and perhaps having his hands tied because of it, might choose to bolt. Still, it never appeared all that likely.Source: Arlington Heights Daily Herald

A broken hand sidelined Soriano for a month and dampened his overall numbers. Still, it's hard to imagine him declining much from this level, even if he turns 33 in January.

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports Chicago Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano said the team's makeup led to them being swept in the first round of the playoffs. "We're a very good team for (162) games, but we don't do nothing after that," Soriano said. "That's the difference. We're not put together for (a short series)."