Reg
12-06-2008, 07:08 AM
The Cubs' payroll could climb by perhaps 10 percent or more from the final 2008 figure of about $130 million, a greater increase than initial reports this offseason -- and the kind of increase that could allow general manager Jim Hendry to fit both the left-handed bat the team seeks and the Cy Young pitcher the San Diego Padres are trying hard to sell. Two Cubs sources told the Sun-Times this week that the Cubs still are interested in Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, including one saying he expects Hendry to acquire the former Cy Young winner. If the Atlanta Braves, who appeared to be Peavy's strongest pursuer last month, close the deal they're seeking for free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett, Chicago Sun Times (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1317207,CST-SPT-cub06.article)