12-03-2009, 07:44 PM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Cubs And Cardinals Lead Chase For Vicente Padilla
By Zach Links [December 3 at 5:25pm CST]
The Cubs and Cardinals are in the lead to sign free-agent hurler Vicente Padilla, according to a report from La Prensa passed along by Diamond Notes.
La Prensa's source for the report is Cesar Batista, who is linked to the agency that represents the 32-year-old. Batista says that formal negotiations will not begin until after the winter meetings. The White Sox, Orioles, Nationals, Braves, Mets, Red Sox, and Dodgers have also expressed interest in the righty.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->