Cubs depart ways with Prior, excited about Fukudome

After dealing with the prolonged injures from a span of 2 years the Cubs have cut ties with Mark Prior. All along I thought it would be Kerry Wood making an exit, but that wasn't the case. Cubs management is staying busy this off-season signing new players and renewing contracts. The big acquisition so far has been Japanese player Kosuke Fukudome. Jim Hendry decided to shell out the big bucks for 30-year-old outfielder, signing him to a 4-year $48 million contract. I'd take this as good news for Cubs fans compared to the steroids report in MLB.

Thankfully none of the current Cubs players on the roster were noted on the steroids list prepared by Senator George Mitchell. This isn't to say a couple former Cubs didn't surface in the 409-page report. The Cubs can take their mind off the investigation since no one within the organization has been linked to steriods use, distribution, etc. Another contract renewal was granted recently as the Cubs signed Neal Cotts to a 1-year deal worth $800,000.

Let's just hope as Cubs fans none of the relievers on the roster get the urge to try anabolic steroids or HGH. With the whirlwind fuss the Mitchell report has created it may not be a problem. I just want to see Hendry execute smart deals this off-season. From an offensive standpoint there is always room for improvement. Keep up the good work and don't start getting chincy again Hendry!