Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney said the process of selling the team should be completed by Opening Day, reiterating what he told Commissioner Bud Selig and major league owners during this week's owners' meetings in Arizona. 

The Padres are trying to rebound from a 99-loss season while dealing with a payroll ceiling of around $40 million set by an owner, John Moores, who is in the process of selling the team to a group led by former agent Jeff Moorad. 

The signing of David Eckstein could lead to a scramble for infield spots in San Diego. 

--RHP Mark Prior, 28, who missed all of the 2008 season and had a second round of shoulder surgery, has accepted a minor league contract with the Padres that includes a $1 million guaranteed salary for 2009 only if he makes the major league roster. 

Free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel, snubbed by the Padres, suddenly is looking at another option. 

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David Eckstein figured it was an even swap, taking a huge pay cut for the chance to play second base with the San Diego Padres. 

For the first time since 1994, the Padres have a spot to fill at the back end of their bullpen. 

--INF David Eckstein and the Padres agreed to a one-year contract, and he is expected to take over as the team's second baseman. 

The Padres are trying to rebound from a 99-loss season while dealing with a payroll ceiling of around $40 million set by an owner, John Moores, who is in the process of selling the team to a group led by former agent Jeff Moorad. 

The cash-strapped Padres and free agent David Eckstein have agreed to a one-year deal to play second base. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

In his younger days, Rickey Henderson used to say he could play until he's 50. 

All-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman passed his physical examination Tuesday in California and officially joined the roster of theMilwaukeeBrewers.