ESPN is reporting this afternoon that the Cubs have agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Xavier Nady. Nady missed almost all of the 2009 season with the New York Yankees after he had Tommy John surgery. While there's reason for skepticism, reports of his rehab are positive and if he can return to his 2008 form (.305/25 HR/97 RBI), he's not a bad get for a fourth outfielder at the price: $3.3 million for one year with bonuses that could total $5.5 million. Hell, it's half of what the Cubs paid Bradley last year. The Cubs are currently set for a Soriano-Byrd-Fukudome outfield but Nady would figure to factor in regularly. more ›

Now that Milton Bradley's gone, the Cubs have brought in another Texas Ranger outfielder, signing free agent Marlon Byrd to a three-year, $15 million deal. Byrd, 32, will play center field for the Cubs; he batted .283 with 20 HR and 89 RBI for the Rangers last year. more ›

The Chicago Cubs and Ryan Dempster are close to agreeing on a new contract for the free agent right-hander that would keep him in Cub blue. The contract is rumored to be a four-year deal that would pay Dempster around to $52 million to stay in Chicago. After an uneven three-year stint as the Cubs' closer, Dempster was moved back to the rotation this year where he experienced a renaissance, going 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA and was almost unhittable at Wrigley (14-3, 2.86 ERA). No word on how this may affect the Cubs' pursuit of either Jake Peavy (yes, please) or Randy Johnson (no, thanks). more ›