Felix Pie, Sean Gallager, Tyler Colvin, Donald Veal, and Cedeno for Erik Bedard

Matt Murton, Michael Wuertz, Sean Marshall for Melky Cabrera

Reasons:
Getting Bedard would give the Cubs one of the best starting pitching rotations if not the best rotation. When the Cubs go to the World Series and WIN they would match up alot better with lets say the Red Sox in the World Series against Beckett,Santana if they get him,Dice-K,Schilling, and Wakefield. I think a starting pitcher is our number one need cuz of how we face up against A.L. teams pitching wise. Make Theriot our leadoff hitter even though he had a low obp cuz he will be better this year.
Melky Cabrera cuz we need a center fielder and if we can steal him from the yankees then do it. He's an up and coming star.
The players in the trades the Cubs would be giving may be a little different but if we could do it without giving up hill then do it.

Rotaion:
Bedard
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Lieber/Marquis

Lineup:
Theriot
Fukudome
Soriano
Lee
Ramirez
Cabrera
Soto
Derosa

First I would move Soriano back to second base, he is going to have errors no matter where you put him so I would move him back to his org position. I would put Murton back in left field because I think he is going to be a good player. I would use Derosa as a super-sub spelling players to still get his 500 at bats. I would then trade Cedeno, Marquis, Marshall and another prospect to the orioles for Roberts and move him to shortstop. I would then have Theriot coming off the bench which will be an asset. I would then trade Felix Pie, Sean Gallagher, Kevin Hart and Josh Donaldson and another prospect for Carl Crawford. This would still leave the orgnization with players like Patterson, Colvin and Vitters. Pitching would still be a little thin but if Guzman can get healthy and Mateo or Samardzija keep getting better things will be ok.

I would then sign Shannon Stewart to help the outfield and maybe try to trade for a left handed or switch hitting bat, no idea who, but someone that isn't going to cost a lot of prospects.

opening day line-up would look like this.

Soriano 2B
Crawford CF
Roberts SS
Ramirez 3B
D-Lee 1B
F-Dome RF
Murton LF
Soto C

Bench

Ward
Theriot
Blanco
Derosa
Stewart

Starters
B-Z
Lily
Hill
Lieber
Dempster

bullpen
Howry
Ascanio
Cotts
Lahey

Set up
Eyre
Marmol

Closer
Woods

Shawn
What happen to Wuertz he was one of our best relievers last year and Soriano is better in left he can throw runners out at the plate trying to tag up or runners trying to get an extra base. I agree with you that Murton will be good but he doesn't fit into our out field trade him for a cf or a pitcher and I don't think Crawford's available.

1-Marshall, Gallagher, Marquis to the Mets for Carlos Gomez.

2-Josh Vitters 3B, Carlos Gomez CF, Rich Hill SP and Sam Fuld to the Twins for Johan Santana.

3-Ronnie Cedeno and Jeff Samardja to the Orioles for Brian Roberts

4-Matt Murton to the Padres for prospects.

Rotation

1-Santana
2-Zambrano
3-Lilly
4-Hart
5-Lieber

1-3 give us a shot at the World Series Tittle. Hill/Soto/Marmol have the most value right now and to get Santana giving only one is not bad.

Henry Blanco is almost done…somebody should groom Fox because the guy can hit.

Murton and Ascanio for J. Peralta from Cleveland.

This deal works because the Indians could use help in LF which is Murton's natural position. They also have Asdrubal Cabrera who is their SS of the future and no place for Peralta because Hafner has the DH spot tied down. Peralta with 21 homeruns and 70 RBI last year would bring plus power to the SS position for the Cubs. It also would allow Fukudome, who has a history as a patient hitter, to bat second. This would allow Roberts to steal more. Yes Roberts. You could tinker with the prospects to go along with Murton if the deal for Cleveland needs to be sweetened. As far as B. Roberts is concerned.

A package of Pie or Colvin and Theriot, Fontenot, and Gallager should get Roberts.

If helps the Orioles fill all of thier open positions. Sounds like a lot but it would be worth it.

Lineup:

Roberts 2B
Fukudome CF
Lee 1B
Soriano LF
Ramirez 3B
Peralta SS
Derosa RF
Soto C

Bench:
Blanco
Ward
Cedeno
Patterson
Fuld

I did not include a dream deal for Bedard for a couple of reasons: 1. The Orioles want way too much for Roberts but will want even more for Bedard. We would have to trade the entire Iowa roster for the two of them. 2. Rich Hill could be the next Eric Bedard if not better. I expect him to have a breakout year this year.

2 trades and 1 no-trade.

Any 2-3 of Cedeno, Murton, Gallagher, or Marshall for Roberts.
• I truly believe this one will happen. I am fine without Bedard. I didn’t like the idea of 3 similar lefties in the rotation anyway. Obvious benefit for the Cubs and it will help the Orioles in their rebuilding.

Derosa and prospect (insert name(s)) for Matt Cain of the Giants.
• The giants are said to be looking at 3rd basemen, namely Joe Crede. This team is old and looking to start anew (Giants). Derosa would fill their 3rd basemen need and the prospect(s) would help them rebuild at the same time. Cain is a strong, young righty that would fit perfectly between Lilly and Hill in the rotation.

Give Pie the damn CF job already.

Lineup:
Roberts (2B)
Soriano (LF)
Lee (1B)
Aram (3B)
Fuk (RF)
Soto (C)
Theriot (SS)
Pie (CF)
Pitcher slot

Rotation:
Zambrano
Lilly
Cain
Hill
Lieber

Closer:
Wood

Setup Men:
Marmol
Howry

Long Man:
Kevin Hart

This is a playoff team on paper... offensively, defensively, and pitching... AND it is not farfetched.

Colvin, Murton, Patterson, Gallager, Cedeno and Marshall for Bedard and Roberts. Contingent on a good bill of health for Bedard.

Lineup:
Roberts ss
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3b
Soriano LF
Fukudome RF
Derosa 2B
Soto C
Pie/Fuld CF

Rotation
Zambrano
Bedard
Lilly
Hill
Lieber/Dempster

Bullpen
Marmol
Wood
Howry
Eyre
Wuertz
Hart

Bench
Pie/Fuld
Ward
Theriot
Blanco
Fontenot

Sacrificing the future for a team that should compete heavily for the World Series for the next 4-6 years.

A few transactions....

* Going to Texas: Murton, Cedeno, Colvin, Veal and Wuertz. Cubs receiving Michael Young (SS), Gerald Laird (C)

* Upon acquiring Laird, He would be sent to Arizona
for Orlando Hudson.

* Going to Bridgeport: Sean Gallagher, Jason Marquis, and a mid level prospect. Cubs would receive Javier Vazquez (SP)

The lineup would be:

Young SS
Hudson 2B
Lee 1b
Ramirez 3B
Fukudome RF
Soriano LF
Soto C
Pie CF

P Zambrano
P Lilly
P Vazquez
P Hill
p Lieber

Jim (TP) - why would the Dbacks trade O.Hudson for Laird? They have Snyder and Montero if I am not mistaken. I am not trying to bust your chops... I am just a fan of Hudson and am curious if you know something I don't.

I like the Derosa and a prospect to the Giants for Cain.

Also Murton and Ascanio to Cleveland for Peralta.

And LEAVE SORIANO AT LEADOFF!!!! His best numbers are there and it gives the pitcher an immediate threat.

Lineup:
Soriano LF
Theriot 2B
Lee 1B
Fukodome LF
Ramirez 3B
Peralta SS
Soto C
Pie CF

Rotation:
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Hart
Lieber

Cliff:

I thought Laird would be a slight upgrade at Catcher, and Hudson is in his walk year.
No offense taken, a good question. I like you idea of Matt Cain, that would be great move.

Trade Pie, Colvin, Murton, Cedeno, Patterson, Gallagher, Marshall, Veal and Dempster for Bedard, Roberts, and Payton

Sign Lofton

Line-up
Roberts
Lofton
Lee
ARam
Soriano
Fukudome
Soto
Theriot

Bench
DeRosa
Fuld
Payton
Blanco
Ward

Rotation
Z
Bedard
Lilly
Hill
Lieber/Marquis

Bullpen
Wood
Marmol
Howry
Wuertz
Eyre
Lahey

Carrie Muskat and serious cash considerations to the Orioles [salary dump]. The Chicago Cubs @ MLB.Com sign free agent Neil, Brian and Saun from the CCO. In return Jim[Tinley] gets a non-guaranteed spring training reporter spot invitation in Bridgeport and decides to become friends with Ozzie and AJ. Good luck at camp Jimbo!

LOL!! hilarious Agustin!!!

Augstin:

Thanks for shipping me down to Bridgeport. You mean you couldn't set me up with the same gig in Venezuela or soewhere else I might enjoy.

Neil:

What moves would you make if you were the G.M.?

OK, so I've been playing a lot of MLB Power Pros for the Wii... now, I'm assuming the computer GMs act EXACTLY like real GMs would, so I'm going to tell you the moves I've made, assuming they would easily go down in real life. Bear in mind, I'm starting with the roster we had at the beginning of the season, so we can't make all of these moves.

#1 - Cliff Floyd & Izturis to TB for Elijah Dukes (salary dump!)

#2 - Michael Barrett to Oakland for Jason Kendall

#3 - Ryan Dempster to Detroit for Bonderman, Verlander, Zumaya (very realistic)

#4 - Bonderman & Cotts to Baltimore for Bedard & Markakis

#5 - Zambrano to NYY for Cano, Wang, Cabrera

#6 - J. Jones, Marquis, Cedeno to Anaheim for Figgins, Weaver, E. Santana

#7 - Lilly to PIT for Snell (salary dumpage)

#8 - Howry to BOS for Okajima & Pedroia

#9 - Melky Cabrera & Eyre to FLA for Hanley Ramirez

#10 - Kendall to CLE for Betancourt, V. Martinez, Hafner

#11 - Figgins & Marshall to ATL for Brian McCann

My lineup, then, is this:

H. Ramirez - SS Murton - LF Lee/Hafner - 1B A. Ramirez - 3B Soriano - CF Cano - 2B McCann - C DeRosa - RF

1) Verlander
2) Bedard
3) Hill
4) Wang
5) Snell
Weaver, Santana (always need a few backup starters)

Relief:
Wood (closer)
Marmol
Betancourt
Weaver
Zumaya
Okajima
Santana

Bench:
Markakis
Hafner
V. Martinez
Theriot
Potsy, my pathetically light-hitting SS creation

All of these moves are guaranteed to happen, if Hendry would just propose them. The GM engine in my Wii is so advanced, it cannot possibly fail.

I would try to get one more good to great starting pitcher. First on the list would be Bedard, and if the Orioles ask for too much then offer Marshall or Murton and a prospect to the A's for Blanton

Aaron,

That is your shortest, least "JH bashing" post of year. I don't always agree with what you have to say, but always enjoy reading your extensive posts!!!

Mike... I am sorry but I was not sure if you read the article leading up to this debate. REALISTIC.
Ok well I am done with that part.

I would trade Marshall, Fontenot, Murton, Colvin, Cedeno, and Dempster (and eat part of his salary) for Bedard and Roberts.

Then I would trade Marquis and Fox to the Giants for either Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain.

I think these changes will help keep our Starting Pitchers relatively young with the additions of Bedard and Cain/Lincecum.

Lineup would look like:

2b - Roberts
SS - Theriot
1b - Lee
3b - Ramirez
LF - Soriano
RF - Fuke
CF - Pie
C - Soto
Pitcher

Bench
DeRosa
Blanco
Ward
Fuld
Patterson

Pitchers:
Bedard
Zambrano
Lilly
Cain / Lincecum
Lieber

Bullpen:
Wuertz
Howry
Eyre
Cotts
Marmol
Wood -Closer

i would trade cedeno, marshall, gallager, colvin, and marquis for roberts and bedard.

Jason? IMO you are not being very realistic either! ...Marquis and Fox to the Giants for either Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain...is very unlikely. I mean Fox rocks and Marquis is a good/safe #5 but Common'. The Blue Jays offered Alex Rios for Lincecum and the Giants passed. But hey, I guess we all agree that we are one Dominant SP away of being a great team. And if the Orioles accept your proposal, I'd be more than happy and would even throw in Gallagher and Petrick.

Bedard,Cain,Blanton,Lincecum,Santana,Burnett, our very own Lester...maybe that breakout year by Hill [wich I doubt will happen]....but yeah, one more solid starter.

Marquis and Fox for Lincecum????? Boy do I want some of what your smokin. No offense to any of the posts so far, but usually when I see a "you be the GM" article I just wait to see the great offers roll in. People please remember that for a deal to be realistic it has to be a WIN-WIN deal for both teams. We can't send our junk and expect to get back top players (unless we deal with the Pirates again).

A lot of shuckin' and jivin' going on here. In the meantime, nobody's watching the store. The Mets are stealing Livan Hernandez right from under our noses--pretty well cooking our geese (or brats) for '08.

We seem content to pay no heed to an available "innings eater" who can pitch batting practice in a real game for 7 or 8 innings. Come on Faithful--it's time to get back to serious work!

LOL...that was a different Aaron...

I actually think Hendry has done a great job thus far by NOT trading our top prospects for yet another dose of veteran presence, which we do NOT need at this point. We NEED young, rising talent, much like a Miguel Cabrera, Melky Cabrera, Bedard, etc. But, c'mon, throwing the rumored 4 or so top level prospects for Brian Roberts is a move in the WRONG direction...I don't care what anyone says about Roberts...he is NOT the answer, and inevitably, with this steroid cloud, not only will he produce poorly because of that IMO, but also because he was a user, so his production will probably drop because of that too.

Pre steroids era, they used to say the prime years would be from about 25-32 or so, and Roberts is at 30...AND has a steroid cloud over him.

I would trade Marshall, Marquis/Dempster, and Fox/Cedeno for Roberts, and that is ALL--just 3 mid-grade players.

For Bedard, if he's even available to us, I'd trade Gallagher, Patterson, Mateo, Murton and whoever didn't get traded for Roberts out of Marquis/Dempster and Fox/Cedeno...That would be 6 players for one---2 major league ready players (Murton and Marquis/Dempster), and 4 other high potential players...I would NOT include Pie or Colvin though.

If I could, I'd get a third team involved, and find a way to trade for Adam Dunn. I would then ask Soriano before we made the trade if he would like to follow in the footsteps of Sosa and Dawson, and move to RF, with Fukodome moving to CF, and insert Dunn in LF. We would arguably have the scariest lineup in the majors with this mix:
Soriano-RF
Cedeno/Theriot-SS
Lee-1B
Dunn-LF
ARAM-3B
Fukodome-CF
DeRosa-2B
Soto-C

I'd be fine with the rotation if we can get rid of Marquis or Dempster, and add one through trade like Bedard....OR just promote Gallagher and have him battle it out with Hart, Marshall, Hart, Ceda, and Veal for the final spot.

I'd be fine with a rotation of:
Z
Lilly
Lieber
Hill
Ceda/Gallagher

Actually, I'd be thrilled if Ceda could win the job outright. I just think if we're going to wager the farm on anything, it ought to be for an offensive CF, and an offensive-minded SS. I'd give up a TON of prospects for Figgins, and I'd give up like 3 or 4 for Peralta.

Aaron...

Your direction is refreshing. I totally concur that we should let Gallagher, Ceda, Hart, Marshall and Samardzjia battle for roles in spring training, and see what results. For some reason I think Bedard is a bit of a health risk.

Regarding Roberts, I'd offer Marshall, Murton and Cedeno. If the O's balk, then I'd walk, and feel fine with that.

I still think, regardless of the some of the farm prospectus', that a few of the kids will step up this year under Pinella.

I would start talking with Tampa and try to knock their socks off for a deal for Crawford and Kazmir. Tell them to take their pick of 6 players from our system, including any minor league youngster, Murton, Pie or Cedeno. An outfield of Soriano, Crawford and Fuk would be awesome! It would balance our lineup a bit more, and after signing Crawford to a long term deal, would be around for at least 4-6 years, giving our system time to develop more youngsters. I think Crawford or Fuk could handle center field and I think Kazmir would be at least as good or better than Bedard. I would think Tampa would be getting at least 2-3 starting positions and probably 2-3 strong pitchers.

If this would not work out, I would give Pie the job in center and tell him it is his to lose. I would also like to get another pitcher. I really think Rich Hill is going to have a super year, and I hope Lilly has another year like last. GO CUBS!

what is with everyone putting hill #4 in the rotation he could be #2 this season he did great and he can only do better

1 zambrano
2 hill
3 lilly
4 lieber
5 demp/marquis/marshall if not traded

Mike,
Great job with the computerized-GM trades!
It just goes to prove that the perfect 82-0 season I had with the Bulls (via video game) is also totally realistic...

Tradable assets: anyone on the farm, Murton, Cedeno, Marshall, and Pie. I would keep Marmol...hard to find good young pitching like that.

I loved the idea of getting Michael Young (SS) from Texas...although I have no idea if he is available. Let's give Texas Cedeno at SS, plus any two pitchers from our farm of their choosing, plus Bobby Howry. I like Howry, but they probably need a proven MLB player to give up Young, and not just prospects.

If Bedard is healthy, and available, the Cubs should get him, and Roberts. Trade Murton, Marshall, and any 2 pitchers they want from our farm, plus Pie.

Now we still need a CF. Is Lofton still available? I would sign him at least as a backup.

Then trade Ryan Dempster and Tyler Colvin to the Yankees for Johnny Damon. With Clemens done, Petite and Mussina on the downside, they could use a good pitcher. Damon has not been the same player, and may benefit from a change of scenery.

Damon
Roberts
Lee
Soriano
Ramirez
Fukudome
Young
Soto

Rotation:
Bedard
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Lieber/Marquis

That, CCO Readers, is a World Series winner.

Yes...I know...I gutted the farm. But don't worry, you won't have any place to put your draft picks for 3 years, so you will have 3 more drafts during that time to replenish the system!

Your welcome, Jim Hendry.

Jim, you are the first to ask me what I would do. So here ya go....

I would steer clear of Erik Bedard unless Andy MacPhail drops his asking price. The medical questions brought up in the last week is enough to let Bedard go west....if he ends up hurt, you have traded your depth and would be left with a very shaky rotation.

I would try to include Jason Marquis in any trade with the Orioles. They are rumored to like the fact he is an innings eater and would give them a big league starter, not a project like Gallagher.

I would try to trade Marquis, Ronny Cedeno, Eric Patterson, Welington Castillo and Sean Marshall for Brian Roberts....if needed throw in Josh Lansford. I like what Roberts would give the Cubs and the fact Mark DeRosa would give Piniella a very good player off the bench to spell Lee, Ramirez, Fukudome, Roberts and Soriano.

Cedeno would fill the Orioles need at short, Patterson would fill their need at second base, Marshall would give them another option in the rotation and Castillo would give them a solid catching prospect. Castillo just received a NRI to Spring Training but with Geovany Soto and Josh Donaldson, Castillo might get lost in the Cubs organization. Ramon Hernandez has two years left on his deal, with a club option for 2010, and Castillo could give a very weak farm system a viable catching prospect.

I would find out what Kevin Towers would be willing to give up for Matt Murton. Despite the fact he swings and misses a lot, I like Khalil Greene, especially his defense. Would Murton and a couple of prospects be enough to pry away Greene?

Greene, Roberts and Pie up the middle would give the Cubs a solid defense but Greene and Pie at the bottom of the order could give opposing pitchers a lot of easy innings. Ryan Theriot and Mark DeRosa on the bench, would give Piniella a much stronger bench than last year....with quality depth, just not warm bodies. DeRosa, Theriot, Fuld, Ward and either Blanco or Hill, unless someone else emerges in Mesa, is solid with a lot of flexibility.