Cubs jump into hunt for Girardi, consider offer to Hernandez

The Cubs have offered a contract to New York Yankees free-agentcatcher Joe Girardi, but Girardi has several other suitors.

"We appreciated the Cubs' offer," said Alan Nero, Girardi's agent."But we have another offer, expect two more soon and believe therecould be a fifth offer. The Cubs understand I will get back to themwhen we know more.

"I haven't talked to them about Joe playing every day, but I willbefore it is over. He could have stayed in New York if he wanted tobe a backup."

While general manager Ed Lynch awaits Nero's response, he isconsidering bringing back another former Cub: Atlanta Braves free-agent infielder Jose Hernandez.

"Jose would fit a need," Lynch said Wednesday. "Look at the rolesthat he played here - shortstop, third base and outfield. But would Ioffer him what I did before (three years, $9 million)? I don't know.But beefing up the middle infield is my focus right now, and I'vetalked to Alan Nero (also Hernandez's agent)."

If Lynch makes the same offer, Hernandez insisted he won't takeit. He thought the Cubs' eleventh-hour push for a contract beforetrading him to the Braves on July 31 was unfair. Even with time toponder the figures, he remains adamant about getting more.

"We are asking for what Pat Meares got from Pittsburgh (fouryears, $15 million)," Hernandez said from his home in Puerto Rico."With (Walt) Weiss back for one more year in Atlanta, I don't wantany of that stuff where he plays one day and I play another day. Ihear Atlanta is going to offer me one more year. But I want to gosomewhere I'd play every day. I think I could do that in Chicago."

The Cubs are interested in Hernandez as an alternative toshortstop Jose Nieves. Nieves became the starter in August afterHernandez was dealt and showed promise, though he made too manyerrors on routine grounders.

If Chad Meyers falters at second base, manager Don Baylor wouldhave the option to start Nieves at second and Hernandez at shortstop.Hernandez's 42 home runs in the last two seasons are appealing, whilehis 285 strikeouts stand out as his biggest liability.

"Their interest is hard to gauge at this point," Nero said of theCubs. "They have indicated they might go with younger players."

Girardi, 35, had only 209 at-bats last year with the Yankees. Hebatted .184 in 49 at-bats against left-handed pitching and .256 in160 at-bats vs. right-handers. The Yankees paid him $3.4 million lastseason.

"We are looking for a right-handed-hitting catcher, and Joe fitsthat need," Lynch said of pairing him with left-handed-hitting JeffReed.

Texas Rangers free-agent center fielder Tom Goodwin interestsLynch. But Goodwin's reported asking price of $15 million for threeyears isn't in line with the Cubs' plans for phenom Corey Pattersonto be in the 2001 starting lineup.

As for free-agent pitchers, the Cubs are in no hurry to sign any.But Lynch is interested in signing a starter once the prices levelout.

Free agents such as Chuck Finley, Juan Guzman, Andy Benes, OmarOlivares, Kenny Rogers and Steve Trachsel are seeking between $6million and $9 million a year for three or four years.

"It has yet to be decided if people are overpricing themselves atthe moment," Lynch said.

The Cubs also believe their ace, Kerry Wood, will return to formnext season after reconstructive elbow surgery. Lynch said Wood won'tthrow off the mound in Mesa, Ariz., for Baylor and his coaches for aweek or two.

NOTE: Utility infielder Manny Alexander agreed to a one-year,$612,500 contract with the Cubs on Wednesday. The right-hander batted.271 in 177 at-bats last season. Alexander, 28, will be used mostlyas a pinch hitter.