Peter Christian, David K. & Soxman break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
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Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
I don’t care what David K. says, the Cubs are just fine. They might be the only team to be able to claim that they swindled Billy Beane (by nabbing Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin for a handful of minor leaguers that don’t look to be all that great) and they have been able to overcome a lengthy disabled list trip by Alfonso Soriano. Their rotation is very solid (and might get a bit crowded if Jon Lieber looks impressive during his rehab). Even with the Cubs recent struggle to score runs they are 2nd in the Majors in run production and the only MLB club to have a positive run differential of more than 100 runs. The one thing the Cubs do lack is a threat off of the bench. The starting lineup is pretty stacked (especially when Soriano is back) but there really isn’t any firepower on the bench to bring out in late inning pinch-hit situations. Oddly enough the team that has a few guys to fit that mold is the team they already traded with (A’s). The problem with going after that type of player while being in the Cubs position is that potential trade partners are going to try and go after the best the Cubs have in the cupboard to allow them to make a serious run at World Series (if you hadn’t heard it’s been 100 years since they last won a title) and since the Cubs have a relatively old team (5th oldest average age in the league) they will be very hesitant to trade any piece of their future (i.e. Josh Vitters or Tyler Colvin). If the Cubs make any other moves they may have to utilize their major league pitching depth to get what they are looking for.
 –Peter Christian
I do agree with Peter that Jim Hendry bamboozled Beane. Now if the Cubs offense would just give Harden some run support, the trade would look even better. Leiber is likely headed to middle relief duty once he comes back off the DL unless the Cubs think he can be more productive than Jason Marquis as the 5th starter. I disagree about the Cubs lacking a threat=2 0off the bench. With Soriano being healthy, the Cubs have Reed Johnson, Daryle Ward, Mike Fontenot, Ronny Cedeno, and Henry Blanco on the bench. In my opinion, that is the perfect amount of left-handed pinch hitters, pinch-runners, and defensive subs that a team needs to back-up their starters. Add in Micah Hoffpauir and Felix Pie as September call-ups and I think the Cubs are even more solid. Barring a serious injury, I wouldn’t expect the Cubs to make a move the rest of the way unless they can steal a veteran reliever or get a great deal on another bench player.
–David K.
The Cubs have already made their big strike with the acquisition of Rich Harden, but they might not be done! They still need to solidify the bullpen in the event Scott Eyre is not healthy. They have also been interested in Brian Fuentes and Damaso Marte and linked to Khalil Greene several times this season although the Cubs deny any interest. I really don’t see him improving the squad. Let’s face it, the Cubs are stacked. So long as they stay healthy and avoid curses, they are an odds-on favorite to go to the World Series.
–Soxman
 
7/17- Red Sox
7/18- Yankees
7/19- Rays
7/20- White Sox
7/21- Twins
7/22- Tigers
7/24-Angels
7/25- A’s, Rangers
7/26- Phillies, Mets, Marlins
7/27- Cubs
7/28-Brewers, Cardinals
7/29- Dodgers, Diamondbacks
There was an article on Yahoo that referred to Alfonso Soriano as the “most dispensable” superstar in all of MLB.” Of course, since mid June whenever I hear the name Soriano, I think of something else entirely…but that’s another story!
anyways, I agree with that statment compleltely, the Cubs didnt lost their ground becuz of missing his bat in the lineup, they lost it cuz the Brewers are locked and loaded! And they lost that ground after he got back anyway
what setup men are still left for the Cubs to get? Are Fuentes and Marte truly the answer?
well the Yanks already got Marte so that’s a no go… Why the panic for a set-up guy? Once Wood’s blister clears up (it’s a blister, not his shoulder), Marmol goes back to the set-up role and don’t count out Semardzija making an impact down the stretch either…
Can the former Golden Domer have a lasting impact as a set-up man? I haven’t seen him pitch yet, does he have the “X Factor” that is necessary for a late inning guy.
I absolutely DISAGREE that Soriano is dispensable. Just because the team picked up the slack while he was gone doesn’t mean they’d fare well without him come playoff time. They’ll need his bat, his speed and his arm in left when they face the big guns–they sure needed him last night against the Brewers. Looking beyond just the obvious stats on the page–2-for-4 including a HR–Soriano’s stolen base in the 1st and patience to draw a walk in the 9th were HUGE.
I do, however, AGREE, that the Cubs don’t really need any more firepower off the bench–especially with the way Fontenot’s been hitting lately. If anything, they could use another solid bullpen guy to give a break to guys like Marmol. The addition of Chad Gaudin is looking huge, but I’d like to be able to see him and the rest of the ‘pen get enough rest to be at the top of their games.
The only props I’ll give Soriano on his defense is his “range factor” which is some arcane statistic that only the biggest of stat geeks and sabermetricians understand, but if they say his range factor is good, then I’ll take their word for it. As for his patience at the plate in drawing walks….please, a leadoff hitter should draw many more BB than he does.
By the way everybody, I’m posting these comments in the Wrigley Field press box, with their Wireless network!
I’ve been in both baseball stadium press boxes within a week. JUICE!
Look for my exclusive with Bob Dernier very soon!!
i was in the bleachers for Samardjzkkijafcvbbzza’s debut last Friday, so I’ve seen him pitch. his velocity reaches 97, and he has a decent splitter to complement his nasty two-seamer. He’s just a rookie though, so I wouldn’t expect too much from him down the stretch…
Brewers… what?!?!
Didn’t praise his defense–praised his arm. Didn’t praise his high BB average–praised his ONE SPECIFIC walk in the 9th on Monday. Read more carefully, MR. Banks. Jealous of your access–hopefully I’ll be in the press box at Wrigley sometime soon, too. : )
p.s. Sorry Brewers, looks like the Sheets hit the fan tonight.
Yes Sarah, you got me on that one. taking a single point made by your debate opponent and then pretending like they believe the point is ultimately generalizable….and I created a “straw man” argument there in regards to his defense. These are cheap tactics that the American right-wing utlizes in debate. I’m better than that. sorry :)
These last two games at Miller Park have truly been “statement games”
I’m sure Dave would agree
Dangerous Don,
if you read this, I’ll bet this is your fav article ever. It’s about the Cubs and has pics of both Sarah Spain and Jenn Sterger. Too bad I couldnt find a way to make a Drew Neitzel and Rocky Harvey reference as well!
Woody’s injury is much mroe serious than what the Cubs previoulsy told us..what else is new