Over the next few days, Hendry will try to trade Murton, something he has been trying to do without success since December.

But Hendry will not give Murton away. Just as other GMs have tried to squeeze Hendry on deals this off-season, Hendry may take a hard line on Murton and ask for a top prospect or two in return.

If that doesn't happen, the Cubs can option Murton to Class AAA Iowa.

Murton tried to look at things philosophically.

"I know it's cliché -- all I can do is take it a day at a time," he said. "That's what I learned to do last year. You can't really expect anything in this game. You've just got to believe in your own ability, which I do. Just believe that it's going to work itself out."

Murton wouldn't ask for a trade, but he seems to think he might be better off playing in the big leagues elsewhere.

"I'm a Chicago Cub right now," he said. "It's no secret. There isn't a player in here who doesn't want to play. I think I'm better suited being out there on the field on a consistent basis. That might not present itself here for a while.

"So, if the opportunity presents itself to go somewhere else and I get a chance to play, great. If I'm still here in Chicago, that's great, too."

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=161198&src=152

Hendry doesn't figure to be any more willing to accept a sub-value deal than he has been over the last several months that Murton has been available. The urgency of Opening Day could influence a team with a need for a polished hitter at a corner outfield spot.

''We like Matt a lot, and I think, on a lot of clubs, he's an every-day player in left field,'' Hendry said. ''We're just in a spot where on the corners we have two outstanding players, and we needed somebody like Reed Johnson who could play some in center.''

Murton, 26, has been kept informed by the front office throughout spring training and through the Johnson acquisition.

''I think the front office is making every attempt to better their team and at the same time to make sure their players have an opportunity to continue to succeed,'' said Murton, who spent about a month in the minors last year before returning and finishing a .281 season for the Cubs. ''I think at this point it's important for me to get a chance to play -- and at the same time I want to be here to help this ballclub.''

Said Hendry: ''Matt knows the situation. He's a first-class guy, and we'll try to do what's best for the club and Matt as we proceed forward.''

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/863541,CST-SPT-cub27.article

It's good to hear that the Cubs aren't planning on giving Murton away.

...for a small market club that needs an LF/RF that will come cheap and can hit major league pitching. He just isn't a fit for most clubs looking to contend, because they would be looking for more power out of his position.

The problem here is timing. Everyone knows the Cubs don't have a spot for him, and that kills some of his value. Hendry has some positive and negative qualities, but one mistake he typically makes, is holding onto players too long and having to deal with being in a poor negotiating position because of that. I can't recall a time, when Hendry traded a player when their value was high to fill a need.

Like Branch Rickey used to say; "its always better to trade a player a year too early, vs a year too late"