Enquirer news services

The Chicago Cubs reportedly are prepared to wait on Greg Maddux as long as he wants, even if Maddux holds out until the start of spring training before deciding where he wants to play.

Maddux told the Las Vegas Sun he has four teams interested in signing him and he doesn't expect to make a decision until Feb. 16 at the earliest. Cubs camp opens in Mesa, Ariz., two days later, when pitchers and catchers report.

Despite the slow-motion pace of the negotiations, Maddux said it's not about the money.

"My intention is to play where I want to play and to play for a contract that's respectable," Maddux said. "I'm not out to make anyone look bad or milk 'em for that extra dime."

The Cubs are the only team to have acknowledged making an offer, a two-year deal estimated at $10 million to $14 million. The other three clubs reportedly in the mix are Los Angeles, St. Louis and Baltimore.

Whether the Dodgers will make Maddux an offer is still up in the air, and Maddux may have no other option than to take the Cubs' two-year offer. New Los Angeles owner Frank McCourt hasn't decided on his general manager, leaving current GM Dan Evans in a state of limbo as the start of spring training approaches.

St. Louis is trying to get some key players to defer money in a late effort to take a stab at Maddux, though majority owner Bill DeWitt Jr. termed the chances of signing him "remote at this point." Baltimore is considered the last option for Maddux, who has spent his entire career in the National League and maintains an encyclopedic knowledge of hitters.

• Night games at Wrigley Field would increase this year under a plan expected to be approved by Chicago officials this week.

The Cubs and the city have agreed to a plan that would phase in 12 more night games over the next three years. The Cubs currently are allowed to play 18 night games each season.

The team would be allowed to play 22 home night games this year and 26 in 2005.

TWINS: Jose Offerman agreed to a minor league contract with the team, which has an opening for a utility infielder.

Offerman, 35, spent last season with Bridgeport (Conn.) of the independent Atlantic League. He last appeared in the majors in 2002, when he hit .232 in 284 at-bats for Boston and Seattle.

MARINERS: Left-handed reliever Ron Villone agreed Monday to a $1 million, one-year contract.

The 34-year old Villone, a nine-year veteran, went 6-6 with a 4.13 ERA last season with the Astros.

HENSON FREE: Drew Henson became a baseball free agent Monday when he wasn't claimed on waivers.

The third baseman, who intends to pursue an NFL career, agreed last week to give up the remaining $12 million on his contract with the Yankees.