According to a report from the Tribune, the Cubs are courting free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes. Gomes would serve as the right-handed platoon partner for Kosuke Fukudome.
The Cubs are also talking with Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady according to the Tribune.
Updated – 5:06pm CST – The Sun-Times confirmed the Cubs interest, and contact with Jonny Gomes.
Updated – 5:35pm CST – With updates from Bruce Levine on Luke Gregerson, Heath Bell, Jason Frasor, Jermaine Dye, Rick Ankiel and Kiko Calero . Jonny Gomes was non-tendered by the Reds after hitting 20 home runs in 2009 for Dusty Baker.
The Cubs are searching for a right-handed fourth outfielder. Reed Johnson remains in the mix but the club appears to have moved on. They have been linked to Rocco Baldelli by the mainstream media in recent days as well.
Jonny Gomes Page from Baseball Reference
Update – 5:35pm CST – According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Cubs continue to have conversations with the Padres and Blue Jays about relief pitchers.
“The Padres will talk to Cubs about Luke Gregerson, and possibly closer Heath Bell. The Jays are dangling right-handed pitcher Jason Frasor.”
According to Levine, the Cubs “have begun to look past” Jermaine Dye. Levine indicated Dye must decide whether to take a 60% pay cut or retire.
The Cubs still have interest in Reed Johnson, Xavier Nady and Rick Ankiel.
Levine reported the Cubs talked to Kiko Calero but have “no interest in him at this point.”
Stay Tuned …