I know many things can and should have happened with the Cubs this year, but to speak about the actual games, if any of you are still watching, is pointless. Hence I'm just going to kick around some trade scenarios, even though the eventuality of that happening with Hendry at the helm, is doubtful.
The quality players that are of value on the Cubs are few and far between, and the team and their prospective new owner will have to make some hard choices to turn this organization into one that can start the long process of developing their own talent.
Can anyone dispute that the way the Cubs have tried to field a competitive team doesn't work?
Does anyone think the Cubs are just a player or two from being World Series contenders?
Who are the keys pieces on the Cubs that could bring the most value? Well their isn't much and trading anyway any youth isn't an option unless the team was actually close to being set.
Certainly Soriano, D Lee, Ramirez and Zambrano are the biggest names, and all could bring the considerable youth and talent the team so desperately needs.
The market for pitching is so thin, you would think that Zambrano might bring the most value, but with his free agent status, sub par performances and emotional tirades this year, it's questionable how much. Any and all possible medical concerns have to be evaluated and if their are any health concerns, he must be allowed to walk at years end. If he's 100% healthy, it should enhance any value at trading deadline.
The next hardest position to replace would be the power hitting third baseman. If I were to keep any of these four it would be Ramirez, although a trade that would knock your socks off should be seriously considered.
D Lee plays first base, and I'm not diminishing his defensive capabilities, but a power hitting first baseman would be much easier to replace than a power hitting third baseman. He's at the top of his game and should definitely be traded.
Soriano attempts to play the outfield, and a considerable portion of his contract would have to be absorbed to trade him, but does a team rebuilding need a whiff machine at lead off that doesn't have a position? Now is the time to get rid of this guy before it's to late.
This isn't the 2004 Cubs, coming just 5 outs from a World Series.
I have long been of the opinion that a big market team should not have to blow up their team to win, but spend the money needed to add whatever impact players it could to be contenders. The present Cub team however, was constructed in such a hodge podge manner, and with the absence of any substantial minor league talent, a fire sale is the only course of action that can reverse the years of mismanagement.
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