Pressure Mounts for Cubs to Deal for Center Fielder

With Kenny Lofton's signing with Texas, the limited availability of center fielders has become even more limited, leaving the Cubs in a bit of a bind. Initially, newly signed Alfonso Soriano had been envisioned as the prime candidate to take over for the departed Juan Pierre (now with the Dodgers).

But new manager Lou Piniella put the kibash on that; he insists on playing Soriano in right; with Matt Murton likely in left. Glendon Rusch, whose name is no stranger in trade talks, might be expendable as the club looks for a hitter with the requisite speed and arm to play center. Don't be surprised if Jacque Jones isn't already part of the propostion.