The Cubs have spoken with representation for free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets, but there is nothing imminent between the two sides. During the winter meetings Sheets was looking for between $7 and $8 million annually, which may be too high for Chicago considering that he hasn't pitched since 2008. Bruce Levine of ESPN.com writes that, "it doesn't appear at this point that [GM Jim] Hendry has more than a $3 to $5 million allotment to try and fill a bullpen slot, a backup outfielder slot and another starting pitcher."