I'm new here .. but I wanted to post what was said by Jim Hendry and others at the Cubs Caravan stop in Joliet.

Jim Hendry said that there is a high level of instensity towards obtaining 1/2 more players prior to the start of camp. He referred to these players as 'difference makers'. He also said he has been working on a couple of deals for over a month now and he is suprised at how slow things have been to move, deal wise, all over baseball this off season. He was adamant in saying that he wants to add another LH bat, before camp.
A fan asked JH to clarify why he let Prior walk - to which Mr. Hendry answered the question this way - he tried to get Mark to re-sign. He offered him more money than San Diego, but he wanted to have him for '09 as well. Every offer was rejected by Mark Prior, and it became clear to Hendry that Mark wanted to move on. He also did not want the Cubs to have to help Prior rehab through May/ June/ or July, just to see him walk in the offseason.
Larry Rothschild talked frankly about the closer situation, saying it will work itself out in camp. There is no clear number #1. They all have the stuff to do it, but it seemed the way he talked he wants Woody to show he can go 3 straight days. My gut feeling is they (Cubs brass) want Wood to win the job. We will see.
A couple embarrassing questions were asked by moronic Cub fans - # 1) A fan asked Geovany Soto if he would allow Zambrano to punch him in the face, if he were struggling on the mound? Come on people - get a clue; # 2) Another fan asked Jim Hendry why the Cubs can't win the World Series? Isn't that the $64,000.00 question that no one can answer?
Last thing - Alan Trammel is high on Ryan Theriot. He stated that his energy, his work ethic, and the fact that he does a lot of things well are a credit to him. His defense suprised all of the Cubs brass last year. I, for one, am glad to see he is appreciated by the Cubs' brass.
Well, hope that gives you guys a brief look into what was said at the caravan stop in Joliet.