The Chicago Cubs' main objective in the offseason is to improve the talent on the field and the character in the clubhouse. Both moves could be accomplished with a trade of Milton Bradley.

Jim Hendry and assistant GM Randy Bush have been talking proposed deals with numerous teams for two months. A trade sending Bradley to Tampa for Pat Burrell has been a frequent story over the past six weeks.

Talks with Toronto, the L.A. Angels, Texas and the Mets have all centered around a Bradley deal. Meanwhile agent Paul Kinzer, who represents left-handed pitcher Jon Grabow, will talk to the Cubs about hammering out a two-year deal. The Cubs have exclusive signing rights until Nov. 20, when all teams can negotiate with all declared free agents.

With the ascension of minor-leaguer Starlin Castro at shortstop, the Cubs hope to add a veteran middle infielder on a short-term basis via free agency.

The North Siders' payroll will stay at $140 million in 2010, and flexibility to add players will be a challenge for Hendry through free agency. Escalating contracts for Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Kosuke Fukudome will add significant amounts to the 2010 payroll.

First-time-arbitration eligible players like Ryan Theriot and Carlos Marmol will consume a portion of the payroll for next season.

As far as the Cubs' free agents go, Rich Harden and Kevin Gregg will not be back next season.

Although the Cubs would like to sign Reed Johnson to a contract, it appears unlikely that will get done considering the oft-injured outfielder is seeking a multi-year deal.

Hendry's priority for the offseason will be a bullpen pitcher, leadoff man, center fielder and a veteran middle infielder. However, his first order of business is to move Bradley, which he hopes to accomplish during these meetings.

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