CHICAGO–Having signed free agents Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, and Mark DeRosa, yet having not yet addressed the Chicago Cubs’ non-existent pitching rotation, Cubs G.M. Jim Hendry is expected to make a big splash on the pitching market, whether via free agency or a trade, at the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida.

Hendry is also expected to make a big splash at the three acre grotto pool of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as he tries to defend his three-time crown of “Biggest Splasher” in the G.M.s’ annual Mark Prior (Belly) Flop Competition.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=fM-f1qHmXYI]

Video footage of the 2004 competition.

“I’m expecting to be aggressive at these meetings, and really make a big splash,” Hendry said, unclear as to whether he was referring to his quest for pitching or for the “Biggest Splasher” trophy. “I’m going to jump in there headfirst. I can’t afford to just sit around and take my time getting my feet wet,” Hendry continued, clarifying nothing.

Whatever Hendry’s comments mean, it is clear that all eyes will be focused on him at the winter meetings. The only question is whether those eyes will be excited by his opulent spending or repulsed by his pasty corpulence.