Cubs Rumors: Josh Hamilton, Brett Jackson, Ian Stewart

Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum told reporters, including Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, that his club would "spend money to make improvements this offseason." However, Sullivan expects Chicago’s winter deals to be of the minor variety, not an impact signing like Josh Hamilton:

The Cubs will have plenty to spend with so many huge contracts off the books in 2013 and increased revenues from Major League Baseball's TV deals.

But the idea of dropping around $150-$175 million for an impact signing, like free agent slugger Josh Hamilton, isn't part of the rebuilding plan. Last year's biggest deals went to David DeJesus ($10 million) and Paul Maholm ($4.75 million).

Sveum said that the Cubs’ signings will likely be a mix of "obvious free agents we know will be free agents" and "non-tenders and all that kind of stuff."

Sullivan lists the Cubs’ needs as three starting pitchers, four or five relievers, a center fielder and a third baseman. Brett Jackson will get another look in center despite his 2012 batting line of .170/.296/.358, according to Sullivan. He also expects Luis Valbuena to be tendered a contract, but not Ian Stewart.