Jones could be the next to go

Outfielder Jacque Jones is bracing for a trade that could come as soon as today, when the Cubs must move a position player off the roster to make room for a 12th pitcher as they return to National League play.

The Cubs have been talking to several teams about Jones, including Texas, San Diego and the White Sox.

''I'm not worried about it,'' said Jones, who has been told by people outside the organization that something could be in the works. ''If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll be ready to play.''

Jones hasn't started since Wednesday, sitting Sunday despite a right-hander on the mound for the Sox and center fielder Felix Pie getting a day off. Angel Pagan started in center and Cliff Floyd in right.

''We're not going to speculate, but we know we want to get back to 12 pitchers,'' said assistant general manager Randy Bush, who, like GM Jim Hendry, did not deny a trade is in the works. ''It's always possible. As Jim said, 'We're always open for business.' You're always talking to people.''

Jones, the Cubs' Opening Day starter in right field, is hitting .234 with two home runs and has started only three times in the last 12 games.

Despite indications that the Cubs' ownership uncertainty severely limits Hendry's ability to make moves, particularly if they mean adding salary commitment after this season, president John McDonough said there have been no such mandates and any trade possibilities are ''open to discussion.''

Closer Ryan Dempster, who strained a rib-cage muscle on the first pitch he threw Friday in a perfect ninth inning, said he felt better Sunday. But manager Lou Piniella said he didn't think Dempster will be ready until at least Tuesday and possibly not until the Cubs open a three-game series against Milwaukee on Friday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs are optimistic they can avoid placing Dempster on the DL. The right-hander said he had a similar injury when he was a starter and didn't miss a start.

Bob Howry, who pitched the ninth Sunday for his second save, is the Cubs' closer until Dempster returns, Piniella said.

Mark DeRosa was back in the lineup one day after he was a late scratch because of lingering effects from the ocular migraine he suffered Wednesday in Texas.

•  The Cubs are offering fans a chance to try out for the seventh-inning-stretch spots usually reserved for celebrities. Registration opens today at www.cubs.com and runs through July 22. Auditions will be July 27 at Wrigley, with winners performing Sept. 22.