Cubs handed a Wrigley ultimatum

CHICAGO — The protective netting in place to protect fans from falling concrete at Wrigley Field must be replaced with a permanent solution if the Chicago Cubs want to play at the stadium next spring.

Building Commissioner Stan Kaderbek said at a news conference Saturday that the most recent inspections at the 90-year-old ballpark had not uncovered any surprises, although the city will not decide until noon Monday on whether the Cubs can play their home game that night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Regardless of that decision, Kaderbek said the nylon netting draped underneath the upper deck is not a permanent solution to the ballpark's crumbling concrete. Chunks of concrete have fallen from Wrigley's upper deck on at least three occasions since June.

"Clearly, we're not going to tolerate having nets up next spring," Kaderbek said. "We need to figure out what's causing the problem. It's just not acceptable to have nets up there for the rest of 2005."

Kaderbek said he ordered the inspections after a reporter noted during an interview Wednesday that some repairs at the ballpark were "shoddy."

The Cubs have been working since last month to retroactively obtain building permits for work done on the ballpark since 2001.

Cubs officials have said it is impossible to fix the problem during the season but they plan to do a complete repair job during the offseason.

BUCHANAN SENT DOWN: The San Diego Padres purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Marty McLeary from Triple-A Portland on Sunday and sent down utility player Brian Buchanan, a former Stinger. McLeary, obtained from the Florida Marlins in April, was 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA and 13 saves for Portland in 40 games, including seven starts. Buchanan, assigned to Portland, batted .200 with two homers and six RBIs in 38 games with San Diego.

METS RECALL GINTER: The New York Mets recalled right-hander Matt Ginter from Triple-A Norfolk in time for him to start Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. It's Ginter's third stint with the Mets this season, and he's 1-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 13 appearances — including 12 starts. To make room for Ginter, the Mets optioned first baseman Craig Brazell to Norfolk. He was 0-for-3 in four games this year. Brazell was called up last Sunday when shortstop Kaz Matsui was placed on the disabled list with back spasms.