"It's no secret the Cubs' biggest priority this winter is trying to find a left-handed-hitting first baseman with three distinct qualities.

The mystery man must have power, play solid defense and be relatively inexpensive. Not necessarily in that order.

The Cubs' payroll is expected to be slashed 15-20 percent, according to a source familiar with the situation, which leaves general manager Jim Hendry with little flexibility.

Carlos Pena is the most prominent available free agent who fits the Cubs' description, and Hendry will meet with his agent, Scott Boras, this week. But even with a .196 average last year for the Rays , Pena is being pursued by the Blue Jays, Nationals and Orioles, which could force the Cubs into a bidding war they likely can't win.

"The next week or so, there will be a whole bunch of different paths," Hendry said.

If all else fails, the Cubs could still move Tyler Colvin to first, leaving Kosuke Fukudome as the starting right fielder.

The Cubs also are looking for a starter and reliever, so Hendry can't afford to put all their available money into one player. The Cubs inquired about the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez and Dodgers' James Loney. But Gonzalez, who wound up with the Red Sox, would have cost the Cubs Andrew Cashner, who is not available. The Dodgers, meanwhile, don't intend on dealing Loney."