[bears9]

MESA, Ariz. -- A month after suggesting the Cubs probably won't get a deal done with Baltimore for second baseman Brian Roberts, manager Lou Piniella said Sunday that four additional rumor-filled weeks haven't changed his mind.

''The more I look at this thing, the more I feel that way,'' he said. ''I think when the season starts we're going to be pretty much together the way we are right now. And like I said before, I'm pleased with that.''

That doesn't mean general manager Jim Hendry won't keep trying. He said he'd still like to add a player or two before the end of spring training, and Roberts is at the top of the list.

Either way, the cloud of trade possibilities hangs over at least a half-dozen players, several of whom admit they pay attention to the rumors even as they downplay how much it might weigh on them.
Piniella said he's not concerned about it becoming a distraction in camp.

''What distractions?'' he said. ''Trade rumors are part of the game. And you can't do anything about rumors.''

Cubs in Brief: Lou pleased with look of his lineup :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs