Losing left-handed starter Ted Lilly for three weeks to a month should push Cubs general manager Jim Hendry in the direction of adding a starting pitcher before the trading deadline comes and goes.

The Cubs have been talking to a number of teams, including Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington, about obtaining a left-hander for the bullpen. The Lilly injury could necessitate moving Sean Marshall from the bullpen back into the rotation. The problem with Marshall leaving the bullpen is that it makes manager Lou Piniella vulnerable to lefty-righty late-inning moves without a reliable left-hander in the 'pen.

The Cubs have had conversations with the Pirates about left-hander John Grabow, one of the best left-handed set-up men in the league. A bigger trade with Pittsburgh, for a starter like Zach Duke or Tom Gorzelanny, may be the right avenue to follow with the loss of Lilly.

Other starting pitchers available right now, according to league sources, are Cleveland's Carl Pavano and two Arizona pitchers, left-hander Doug Davis and former Cubs No. 1 draft pick, right-hander Jon Garland.