"Obviously, we've stepped up and shown we're serious, and we're disgusted at the season we had," Hughes said. "We're going to move forward and get better any way we can. We're not through yet."
Hendry arrived at the winter meetings and went after Lilly, finally striking a deal with the former Toronto lefty. The Cubs were also nearing a $1.05 million, one-year agreement with backup first baseman Daryle Ward and negotiating with Seattle right-hander Gil Meche.
"For a while, we were driving the bus for the whole industry," Hughes said. "Obviously, that's slowed down a little bit as other teams have started to make their moves."
In the winter meeting draft, the Cubs picked troubled Tampa Bay prospect Josh Hamilton and traded him to Cincinnati for cash. Hughes said he had six conversations with Hendry during the draft.
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AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley and AP Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick contributed to this report.




