LaTroy Hawkins was the premier free agent reliever available and the Cubs have him signed for 2004-06. Jim Hendry continues to get the right deals done. Hawkins is a major upgrade from Alfonsucka, the six fingered wonder.

The sidebar poll asks "What should the Cubs do next?" (A) Re-sign Kenny Lofton (B) Get a new catcher (C) Spend some serious money for a lefty starter (D) Sign Fernando Vina (E) Re-sign Mark Grudzielanek.

I vote (A). Kenny is a winner. If Patterson can't rebound from his leg injury, Lofton will be key.