The Cubs appear poised to sign veteran center fielder Jim Edmonds soon after he clears waivers Wednesday.

That would mean a demotion to the minors for touted prospect Felix Pie, who entered Monday with a .222 average and strikeouts in one-third of his plate appearances. The lefty-hitting Edmonds and right-handed Reed Johnson would share center-field duties.

General manager Jim Hendry wouldn't comment on Edmonds, 37, because he technically remains property of the San Diego Padres until he clears release waivers.

But multiple Cubs sources said the team plans to pursue Edmonds, and one said Edmonds has told his agent to talk to no one before talking to the Cubs. The Cubs have considered a left-handed bat a need for weeks.

Edmonds was dumped unceremoniously by the Cardinals last winter in a trade for minor-league third baseman David Freese and is motivated by the opportunity to help a division rival beat his old team.

The eight-time Gold Glove winner and four-time All-Star clearly has lost a step in the outfield and was hitting .178 when the Padres released him. His production has steadily declined since 2004, when he hit .301 with 42 homers and 111 RBI for the Cardinals. He hit .252 with 12 homers and 53 RBI in 365 at-bats last year. But he's a career .286 hitter with power (363 homers) when healthy and the Cubs believe the serious calf injury that kept him out of much of spring training might have bothered him more than he let on after being activated April 5.

Either way, one team source said, it's worth the prorated major-league minimum salary (about $280,000) to take a flyer on him.

The Padres acquired Edmonds after failing to land at least three other outfielders, including Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.

Courtesy Chicago Sun Times