"The Cubs and general manager Jim Hendry are closing in on a multiyear extension that could help stabilize the team's baseball operations at a time the sale of the franchise is growing increasingly uncertain.

Hendry, who was in the final guaranteed year of his contract but was expected to exercise an option for 2009, is expected to sign an extension that guarantees at least three more years, probably in the next few days.

Organizational meetings in Arizona are scheduled at the beginning of the week, which could coincide with an announcement.

The Seattle Mariners, meanwhile, were denied permission to interview Hendry for their GM opening, according to sources.

Cubs chairman Crane Kenney, who has repeatedly expressed high regard for Hendry and did so again this month, declined comment on contract talks.

Hendry uncharacteristically did not return a message seeking comment."