I still like my Sori + for Zito + deal which is more future based than winning now. Matt is about right that we likely take our chances with what we have--since we are still close in the Central.

If we go about 3W-6L in the next 9, here's a blockbuster that is surprising. It assumes that all of you who think Soto is a fat problem are right. (I don't, and I'm still waiting for anyone's confirmation.)

The deal: Soto, Dome, Miles and Ascaino go to the Yankees for Cabrerra (CF), Molina (C), #3 prospect Montero (C-1B), Illinois own Zack McAllister (RHP) and LHP Wilkin De La Rosa (24).

Montero at age 19 has a line of .286-6-21 in 121 AB's at AA. McAllister at 21 is 5-4, 2.25 ERA, 78 H in 92 IP, 27 W and 75 SO's at AA. His prospect ranking is 6. De La Rosa's is about #15.

Posada is hurting and is 38. The Yanks (I think) would relish Soto. This is likely Damon's last year. Cabrera (26) plays CF for us and bats 1 or 2 as a switch hitter. His line is .281-8-35 with a .342 OBP and 5 SB's in 256 AB's.

We get younger and move one of our big contracts. Perhaps, Hoffpauir or Fox supplants Bradley in the OF.

Why do we need to rebuild? We have a good team right now and it's not going to change a whole lot next year. We have young talent in the minors, they may not be "Big Name" prospects, but for some reason our whole minor league system is winning at all levels. I would say Vitters is untouchable, along with maybe Cashner.

I am still a big fan of Brian Roberts. Can we add his payroll? Only Hendry knows. If we could I would do something like this:

O's Get: Samardzija, Fontenot, Caridad, Hart

Cubs Get: Roberts

Maybe there is someway we could add Sherrill to that deal.

I would trade Soriano and Bradley if I could.. Soriano plays like an old man in the outfield and running the bases.. imagine what he is going to be like in a couple more years.. I would do the Soriano/Zito trade in a minute. I live in Northern Ca. and have talked to a few Giants fans and they would love to have Soriano.. or maybe they just are fed up with Zito and his contract.. one persons junk is another mans treasure.

As to Bradley I don't think he is wanted by anybody... so I would send him down to Iowa till he gets his swing together or just cut him..

I would platoon Fox and Hoff in left field... Johnson and Fuld in center and put Kosuke back in right

Soto and Hill ... I would make it clear to Soto that he better get himself in shape..

Theriot-Fontenot-Ramirez-Lee-Baker-Blanco... DFA Miles

When Dempster comes back either Hart or Stevens would go down.

As for Blanco I feel this kid is too good at defense to let go... his career batting avg. is 243 in 110 games played. that can be brought up 30 points or more with more time in the game.. he doesn't hit for power like other infielders but their career avg isn't much better

Brian Roberts = 283

Miguel Tejada = 288

Orlando Hudson = 283

I am sure Blanco can get his avg. up there also...

Patton, I don't have a clue what to do with him or why he is still here... I guess they see something that we don't.

Giants need a power bat at first and an outfielder. They wanted DLEE and if they get him, I'm afraid they win the National league with Konfu Panda and that pitching staff.

Hypotesis;

Give them the Hoff to play first base[who I'd love to keep] if they take Milton Bradley's full contract for a PTBNL. Period. He is not a club house cancer but he is a field cancer and a MOMENTUM killer.

Soriano stays, after all he is down the order now which was what we all wanted to begin with and there he will have great numbers for a 6th hitter. Fox plays right and spells Rami[who looks hurt or ready to re-injure]. Get Brian Roberts or Freddy Sanchez if approval to add payroll is aquired. For everything else, we have the parts to do it if they perform. Send Harden to the bp and drop Gregg and Heilman who suck and are the real problem of this team.

**The Astros will never catch us as they have the Latroy curse to deal with.

I understand Jim C, i've heard the Zito one before and i don't see the point. as agustin has pointed out, hitting the 6 hole i think we can all live with Soriano's streaks a little easier.

and agustin: ...i don't even know what do with that. i love the way everyone decides to write someone off after 1/2 season. i don't the Milt deal or contract, but i don't think it's time to give him away, not yet.

and how do you plan to "get Roberts"? Hendry has been trying to 2 years. i'd like to hear your plan.

I would love to trade Bradley. Realistically, I think is is impossible.

However, the following is viable.

* I'd send Soriano & Hoffpauir to SF for Zito and Sanchez.

* I'd trade Sanchez and and minor leaguers to Toronto for Rios and Cash.

* I'd trade Rich Harden and Mike Fontenot

to NYY for Robinson Cano.

* I'd trade Fukudome to KC for Teehan, and Juan Cruz.

Rotation:

Lilly

Wells

Zambrano

Dempster

Zito

Line up:

Fuld CF

Theriot SS

Bradley RF

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3b

Rios LF

Cano 2b

Soto C

why in the world would you trade one huge awful contract for another (Soriano - Zito)? that is a silly move that doesn't help any of the situations. and why add in Hoffpauir? the kids a hitter and Lee will be gone in another year.

if you can trade Harden and Fontenot for a young, big name IF, i think they have to look for a SS. Cano is great hitter, but to improve, the Cubs need to move Theriot over to the right side of the IF.

and finally, what's with the Teahen obsession? he primarily plays 3B - poorly, 1B and RF - poorly as well. he does not have the power a team looks for at those positions or the glove to make up for the lack of pop.

Just trying to be creative.

It's not like we can trade Soriano for a guy making 5MM. I'm not crazy about Zito. Sanchez is the guy we want, and a guy who could be traded for someone like Rios.

Aaron,welcome back...missed your posts...

and hope you and family are ok....

I agree that the team needs to overhauled for the future...BUT...July 20th...2 games out...ownership not settled yet...equals no big trades.

btw...you can't trade Marshall now unless you get a better replacement for him...he is the '09 version of DeRo for the pen...the glue that holds it all together...far beyond his actual numbers.

I was a proponent of trading Harden and Miles in a package...until Demp went

down. We can't do that now...because we don't know how Demp's toe is going to affect him...Ascanio hasn't found his once impressive form...Wells and Hart

are still works in progress....So Demps

injury means we have to hold on to Harden

where normally I would have dumped him...

and the longer we wait...the lesser prospect we get back.

By themselves...Miles/Baker/Blanco/Fontenot

represent an area of movement...only

Fontenot has one option left...and I don't see him going down...but either

being traded or remaining a backup.

So that means dfa's or trades. Theriot needs a backup so he doesn't fade down the stretch...we don't want Sanchez...

he represents more salary next year and another older player.

So...make the run at Lugo...and key in on Eric Young Jr...for next year...and beyond...the trade for EY Jr...Tony Thomas and either Ascanio or Papelbon

should get that done...maybe one more prospect on our part.

At all costs...keep Miles off the field

in the majors...Trade him anywhere for a PTNL and we pick up 1/2 his salary. Someone will bite on that. If we pick up Lugo...dfa Baker.

I like a lot of your bigger moves...but they have to wait for the offseason...

In reality.

I know this way off from the Cubs, but what do you think Roger Goodell should do with Michael Vick? There is a big debate going on in my office and that they don't think a dogkiller should be able to play. In my mind he served his time and should able to play.

Hey Cubs Fans!

I want to let you all know about an opportunity for one lucky Cubs fan to win a once in a lifetime Wrigley Field moment. Valspar is conducting a raffle to throw out the first pitch before the Chicago Cubs games versus the White Sox on September 3rd, plus two tickets to the game at Wrigley Field. Second and third prizes are baseballs autographed by Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano. You can enter to win at http://www.valspar.com/fieldcolors/, and the contest will run through August 3rd.

Good luck and Go Cubs!!

Todd, I agree with you on not overhauling this year. If these guys played to their capabilities, they would win the division by double figures. Let's get to the playoffs and see what happens. GO CUBS!

Aaron you have some good ideas, but i strongly disagree with packaging Marshall for some rentals. if the plan is to get younger (and hopefully cheaper) you have to hold onto Marshall. if not for the future then as insurance to step in for any of the current starters who now all have had DL time or injury.

i like the idea of Sherrill, for this year. but not for prospects! he's old and ready to blow. i'd offer McPhail Gregg. i know, closer for closer is a stupid thing, but McPhail might do it with a prospect position player or two.

is it true that they are paying Freel $4mil? saw it on Cot's contracts.

Freddy Sanchez or Lugo -- yes. Sanchez wouldn't cost much in players. and a real hitter would be nice. but ultimately, a good young SS is key, move Theriot to his natural 2B.

Absolutely if they can find a taker on Harden, go! i like you're to idea, Aaron of sending him to LAA for Woods (+ ?). that kid has worn out his welcome there but has such great upside...and at SS!

All they can hope for now is that Soriano has a monstrous stretch run, goes on a classic tear and takes them to the playoffs (and he is perfectly capable. i'm thinking the 07 run). Then, maybe with the memory of his disastrous start buried, maybe, they could find a trade suitor this winter. let's just hope Hendry will be gone and the new GM won't also be forgetful. they have to free themselves of Soriano, HAVE TO, and that is the only scenario i can see.

then you only have to work on Milton and Fuku (tho he's taken nicely to the lead-off spot, i'm gonna give him a pass for little while).

Same scenario for Z. trade him in the winter. if he loves the new Yankee Stadium so much, let go have his meltdowns and temper tantrums there. and you know they would take him. get some prospects. personally, i am done with Z, he has proven that he will never "grow up" and be a leader. he's a pain in the ass that contract just balloons.

Almost forgot...in the Sanchez deal, I think I'd trade Fontenot, and Marshall, but also include Tony Thomas, and Colvin for Sanchez AND Ian Snell if possible, as Snell has worn out his welcome, but is still affordable, and has enough upside to replace Harden once he departs next year (in all likelihood)...which brings me to the next point I forgot.

TRADE HARDEN!!! Trade him to anyone that will take him, and do it fast, before he gets injured or hurts his value more with another poor performance. I'd say Phillies, Angels, Rangers, etc. might be good destinations. In the case of the Rangers, I'd trade him straight up for either Mitchell Moreland and another AA prospect, or for Chris Davis, and a low level high ceiling prospect.

The though in any trades of our veteran players is to re-tool for upcoming seasons at 1B, 2B, OF, and even 3B (if ARAM moves to 1B). We need to get young, up-and-coming bats with high upside. Moreland and Davis sure fit the bill there, especially for when Lee departs next year.

Also, if Hendry were smart, he'd gauge interest in Lilly. I know, I know...Lilly has been our most consistent performer on the mound, but he's closing in on his mid-30's, has a bum knee right now, and is prone to give up the long ball. I say capitalize on his increased value right now, and get the most in return you possibly can. From the Phillies, we might be able to get a haul of Michael Taylor, Jason Donald, and a pitching prospect. From the Angels, we could nab Brandon Wood, Figgins, and a pitching prospect most likely.

I just think we need to look at the facts. Our rotation is very good...even with Dempster injured and Harden sucking. Z, Lilly, and Wells have done a fantastic job this year, in spite of not receiving much run support. Dempster has also done fairly well. Hart has filled in admirably as well, so we have capable replacements. If you're going to deal, why not deal from a position of strength?!? I'd be more than comfortable with a rotation of:

Z

Dempster

Wells

Hart

Jay Jackson/Samardzija/Papelbon/Ascanio/Mathes/Cashner/heck, even Chris Carpenter (even though he's in high-A)

If we can get better now AND in the future, I say go for it. But I firmly believe that if Hendry doesn't start dealing some veterans, we'll be absolutely screwed in the years to come.

Look massive overhaul isn't necessary this season. We are 2 games back in the standings and 0 in the loss column. Our starting pitching when healthy is as good as anyones and our bullpen with Gregg and some others stepping up is finally looking like an asset again. We appear to have enough overall depth to get it done hitting and pitching wise. I think in 2 weeks when Geo and Dempster get back we'll be just fine and at that point Hart goes down and we find something to do with Blanco, his glove is great but we have enough infielders and his bat isn't there yet. Also before the injury Geo was starting to turn it on. that leaves us with this roster:

CF Fukudome/Johnson

SS Theriot

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

LF Soriano

RF Fox

2B Fontenot/Baker

C Hill(Soto when healthy hits 7th)

bench:

Baker

Johnson

Hill

Hoffpauer

Bradley

if Bradley hits again he gets his job in RF back otherwise he's the highest paid PH in the league. Hoffpauer gives Fox, Lee and Soriano days off. Our SP goes the same as before Z, Lilly, Harden, Dempser, Wells and bullpen stays close to the same. Gregg, Marmol, Guzman, Marshall, Heilman are locks to stay with Samardzija and Stevens the more open spots. With BJ Ryan in the minors maybe he takes a spot if he can get back to where he was even last year. Also as insurance for Soto what about Paul LoDuca he wouldn't cost a player or much money but since he hasn't played this year don't how good he would be. My point really is that we have a team that needs to play to its ability and be healthy if that happens we'll still be in it when the last day of the season is here. And on top of that there is one guy we can logically get to fill a hole we do have for the price we can afford. Sherill is good reliever but I wouldn't give up Fox to get a guy that isn't a instant fixer. More likely would be a player similar to Jeff Baker doesn't help or cost much. Now if Miles has to come back maybe we drop a reliever for him till we can DL him again.

I agree with your lineup. If Bradley can't hit bench him. Fox and Hoffpauer can handle it in right. Right now I really like what Lou had done with Fukudome and Johnson in cf. Fuld is a good player but he doesn't fit in the needs of the Cubs right now. I would really like to sign Lugo and then we could DFA Miles, Blanco, and Baker. Even if we picked up Lugo I would still want Fontenot at second. The only guy in the pen that I'm worried about is Heilman. He can't come in the game if there is runners on base. He should be just pitching mop-up duty at this point. Hopefully Ryan can be ready to go soon.

Todd, I like your lineup. The only thing different I would do is switch Fox and Sori around.

As the roster currently stands...we have:

rotation: Z, Lilly, Harden, Wells, Hart

*Dempster is on the DL

pen: Gregg, Marmol, Guzman, Heilman, Marshall, Samardzija, Stevens

*Chad Fox and Patton on the MLB DL

**BJ Ryan waiting in the wings

catcher: K Hill

*Soto on DL

1B: Lee, Hoffpauir

2B: Baker, Fontenot, Blanco

*Miles on DL (due off soon...and rehabbing HORRIBLY with around a .220 avg at Iowa)

SS: Theriot

3B: ARAM, Fox

LF: Soriano

CF: Fukudome

RF: Bradley

OF: Johnson

So, with Chad Fox and Patton not likely to pitch for us again this year, we have to find spots for Dempster, Soto, and unfortunately, Miles when they get back.

-In Dempster's case, it's a no-brainer...they'll just send Hart down.

-In BJ Ryan's case, Stevens goes down

-In Soto's case though, who goes down? In my opinion, it'd be unfathomable to think of Fox going down since he his VERY valuable when he can catch, and play corner IF and OF (so for argument's sake, let's take him out of the picture). I guess you'd have to either DFA Baker or Blanco, or option Fontenot or Hoffpauir down.

-Similarly, when Miles gets back, you have to do the same thing. In that case, I'd probably DFA Baker AND Blanco, as Fontenot can play SS if necessary, and Baker has shown nothing that would warrant him sticking around.

However, I pose this question for all of you.

Let's say that we were able to sign Lugo off the scrap heap. Then what?

Here's what I would do:

1)DFA Miles, then your subsequent move after signing Lugo would be to DFA Blanco as well. The thought here is Lugo can play both SS and 2B if necessary, and Fontenot can return to his utility role.

2)Additionally, a logical move would be to trade Fontenot. So, what I'd propose would be contacting either the Royals, Pirates, or Marlins about Teahen, Sanchez, and Uggla respectively, and offer Marshall (assuming Ryan has recovered) and Fontenot in return. The thought process here, is that you want a big bat, and some versatility (both Teahen and Uggla can play 3B and 2B, with Teahen also playing the OF). Sanchez can hit pretty much anywhere in the order, but would be perfect at the top. So, in the HIGHLY likely event that Bradley doesn't turn it around, having one of those guys on the team makes it easier to lift Hoffpauir or Fox off the bench into a starting role while Lugo and Teahen/Sanchez/Uggla split time at 2B and other positions. Lugo would be your primary back-up at SS, and would allow you to keep Theriot fresh down the stretch without sacrificing a whole lot of offense. In both cases, you get rid of Fontenot, Baker, Blanco, and Miles...so, your replacements become Lugo and Teahen/Sanchez/Uggla.

3)I'm also trying to find a taker for Gregg. He still holds a little bit of value, and Guzman or Marmol are clearly the more logical choices at closer than Gregg. While Gregg has gotten his breaking pitches over slightly more than earlier this year, he's still VERY hittable with his straight 92-93 mph fastballs. I'm thinking our pen might be better off with Marmol and Gregg at the back-end with BJ Ryan, and Heilman and Gregg gone in favor of Ascanio and either Stevens or Hart (once Demp is back). If you trade Gregg now, while he still has a little value, at least you get something in return rather than risk offering arbitration and having him accept in the offseason, thus losing any draft compensation.

So, these are very doable moves as far as I'm concerned. My other "pie in the sky" moves would be:

1)Soriano, Fukudome, and Bradley for: Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, and anyone else the Jays want to get rid of. We pay half of Fukudome and Bradley's deals, while they pick up all of Soriano's deal. This move would save them over $30 million in the long run with escalators in contracts for Wells and Rios.

2)We then flip Rios to the Braves for Escobar

3)After we get Escobar, we either move Theriot to 2B or ship him for prospects

The OF would then be (in my opinion):

Fuld-LF

Wells-CF

Fox/Hoffpauir-RF

*Johnson all-around sub

Escobar would replace offense lost by Fukudome. Wells would replace what's lost by Soriano, and using Fox or Hoffpauir, who have already surpassed what Bradley's given us in far less AB's, would also be a plus. If you still do my move to add Teahen/Sanchez/Uggla, then it adds even more offense, and your bench is even stronger with Lugo as well.

I just can't stand Bradley, and if there's a way to get him off the team, I say you make ever effort possible. He's a clubhouse cancer, terrible at defense, and is a poor left-handed hitter right now. If we get rid of him, we're instantaneously better with Fox or Hoffpauir out there instead. (and, you might also note our record without him...as we're like 10 games over .500)

Side note: I would NEVER go after Sherrill, considering what they'd want for him. He's HORRIBLE. He had one or two good years, and he's like the lefty version of Gregg...only worse, if you can imagine that. No thanks!

I agree with you that we need to pick up Lugo he is better then Baker, Miles, and Blanco. We need to try trade for Sanchez, I think that we can get him for cheap because of the size of his contract.

As far as Sherrill you know there going to want Vitters. They way overvalue that players. We already have players in house that are better then Sherrill. If Ryan can get back to old self I think we will be fine.

Bradley, Fukudome, and Soriano are not going anywhere nobody wants those contracts. The players would never drop there no trade clauses. The Bluejays can't make those kinds of moves with the money they have. The only way Bradley would be going is if they DFA him, and thats going to happen. I think the only move the Cubs can really do is to sign Lugo. There hands are tied with the budget.

Aaron, I understand why you like Yunel Escobar so much and I won't deny the fact that he has talent and potential, but believe me the guy is not worth it.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-offense-sputters-against-mets-94930.html

The article pretty much sums up Yunel Escobar. For every 3 good games he has he'll have 2 games just as bad. Chipper Jones even questioned his toughness after yet another "injury" that kept him out of the lineup for a few games and some guys on his team even insinuated that he ducks out when he has to face tough pitching. I don't mean to ramble on about the guy...but seriously, I despise Escobar about as much as you love Dunn.

I hate to say it, and I'm sure you don't want to hear it, but maybe the best course is to start "rebuilding".

We need to get cheaper and we need to get younger. Boobaby1 is right "There is not a whole lot that the Cubs can do. They have way too many exorbitant contracts, too many no trade clauses, and not a lot of prospects in the minors". Now I know this may mean giving up on the next 2 or 3 seasons, but we need to get the toxins out of the system if I may put it that way. Part of the rebuilding would also mean a new gm. Not sure at this point who exactly, but they can NOT be an over-spender but not be tight either. If we can trade the bad contracts then fine, but we may just have to let them play through it. In the meantime start the rebuilding behind them so that by the time they are gotten rid of, everything behind them is all set to go. Lets face it, a cleansing of the system or a refresh might be a good way to go right now. Too many things to fix and not enough time or intelligence on Hendry's part to do it.

And just to put in my 2 cents, if I were gm, I would have signed Dunn instead of Bradley to begin with. Granted hind sight is 20/20, but I was in favor of that in the first place. How many of you would rather have Dunn now over Bradley, and for the same price?

The Cubs are interested in Sherill. According to Ken Rosenthal, thanks to MLBTR.

Crain Keeney said they can add Mark derosa contract before he was dealt to the Cardinals and I thought if you DFA, you only have to pay for this year.

I couldnt find if Baker was out of options and that is why I put Fontenot oo.

Marco Scuarto would be a great addiditon and move Theriot to second, Marco olny has 3 errors that is good and he is healthy.

Waldo,

1)You forgot the Cubs owe Miles 2.7 mil

next season as well...they won't dfa him now.

2) Baker can't go down...he's out of options

3)The Cubs will have to cut payroll after this season AND try to get younger...that means absolutely no increase in payroll now unless we can

be guaranteed of shedding Large contracts first...and the move is a blockbudter...and that isn't happening.

If I was the GM:

Cubs get Gorge Sherill

O's get David Patton, Justin Berg and Matt Craig.

The 0's are willing to trade Sherill and are trying to get younger.

Sherill is making 2.75 million and they will be able to take that on.

Cubs get Nick Evans and Jon Neise

Mets get Reed Johnson

They are deperated for OF right now and Johnson will help.

Johnso is making 3 million. So the Cubs are up .25 million.

Cubs get Marco Scutaro

Blue Jays get Nate Spears Esmailin Caridad and Matt Matulia

Scutaro is making 1.1 million and is a FA after the season. That will not hurt.

Cubs are down .85 now. He is older and they are also trying to get younger. Also has only 3 errors at SS in 92 games, not bad.

Cubs DFA Aaron Miles and pay his 2.2 million.

After all this the Cubs will have to add 3.5 million. That is pretty good by making 4 moves.

Send Baker or Fontenot down to minors to get work in. Who ever has the beeter bat stays up.

Roster:

C: Soto, Hill

IF: Lee, Hoffpauir, Fox, Theriot, Scutaro, Baker or Fontenot, Ramirez,

OF: Soriano, Bradley, Fukudome, Fuld.

Starters:

Zambrano

Lilly

Dempster

Harden

Wells

Cl Gregg

Set-up Marmol

set-up or 7th Guzman

Long Relief Marshall

Righty Heilman

Righty long relief Samardzija

righty Stevens or if Ryan gets his command and velecity back left Ryan

Starting Lineup, what Pinella might do:

Scutaro SS

Theriot 2B

Lee 1B

Ramirez 2B

Bradley RF have to get lefty up there.

Soriano LF

Kosuke CF but when soto come back he goes here.

Hill C

Pitcher P

I like this better and it barely adds payroll. This makes it a better team in my opinion.

Thoughts?

Nice tittle Neil.

One more thing: Baker has to go down to Iowa to keep Johnson in the outfield.

I should say here's the lineup Lou should play:

Fuld CF

Theriot SS

Fox LF

Hoffpauir RF

Rameriz 3B

Lee 1B

Scales 2B

Hill C

Pitcher

Their is not a whole lot that the Cubs can do. They have way too many exhorbitant contracts, too many no trade clauses, and not alot of prospects in the minors. So, on that note, I will say that if I were the GM......I stand pat on my offensive line-up and hope that the ship rights itself and the Cubs actually get completely healthy and gain some team unity. We all know that you only have to play extremely well for one month (October), which the Cubs have not done, but their is always hope.

With the recent signing of BJ Ryan, I as GM would like to expand on the pitching from the left side in the bullpen, and I would also call on my buddy Andy McPhail for a pitcher. Since there is no apparent room for Jake Fox as an everyday player, so I would package him and Kevin Hart to the Orioles for George Sherrill (contract expires after this year). This gives the Cubs a bona fide lefty in the bullpen who also is a closer, plus the Orioles would get a potential 3B/DH player since they will probably not resign Melvin Mora. It also gives them a decent pitching prospect in Kevin Hart. Plus both players are cheap for a while, and they will probably lose Sherrill to a higher bidder anyways after this year.

In fact, it would also give the Cubs an option to either sign Kevin Gregg, Geaorge Sherrill, or both after this year since both contracts are up at years end.

JHendry has bound this club up with lousy contractual agreements with Sorry-oh-no! and Funko and Bradley and DLee and Zambrano and Aaron Miles and Dumpster and . . . can't make a real trade. Might pick someone up off the scrap heap, but that's all.

1st Move: Fire JHendry. This silly talk of "eating" contracts. Some folks talk like the Cubs are the Federal govt that can just print more money when they need it as they toss players into the dumpster. JHendry doesn't have a clue! If there is any kind of real fiscal restraint with the next owner, JHendry will be forced to play with what he has for years to come, and the Cubs will be second division losers.

Who to replace JHendry? Steve Stone. Right now!

2nd Move: L-O-U. I'd give him one of two choices: either we start playing the hot hands to make this team win, or you leave via the back door today. Whatsitgonnabe,big boy? It makes no difference to me. We just stopped cuddling Sorry-oh-no! this very instant. Bradley, Z, all the head cases either come to play and keep their mouths shut, stop kicking over Gatorade dispensers, and act like a man, or we'll discipline them with fines, suspensions and harrass them until their agents demand a trade or they decide to quit their contracts. Let them change their own diapers!

3rd Move: Fuld recalled. Blanco DFA'd. Scales recalled. Miles sent to Iowa. Oh, Miles doesn't like it? He can quit right now if he wants, but we're not putting up with any mouth at this time. So sorry!

Either go to Iowa and get your swing back, or else quit without pay right now. Whatsitgonnabe, big boy?

4th move: we really need a catcher. You can forget Soto doing anything in 2009. He's too outta shape. He'll hit .210 with 3-4 HR the rest of the way, if he comes back before August 1, but you're dreaming if you expect more out of Soto. His party is completely over for 2009. It ended the moment he got Rookie of the Year. So we have to hope we can find a scrapheap catcher, or else promote one from the minors. Hill is very good defensively, but no bat at all. Can't trust Fox--if he plays C like he plays 3B, nah. I doubt there are any scrap heap catchers, so we'll have to ferret one out of the minors. Bring him up.

Bullpen:

Heilman: demoted to garbage time, or even Iowa if we need the roster space. Stevens moves up a notch.

The pecking order in the pen has to be:

Gregg--closer

Marmol--closer & setup man (going with hot hand)

Marshall- LH specialist

Guzman--setup

Stevens--6th/7th inning setup

Samardjiza--6th/7th inning setup

Starters:

Zambrano

Wells

Lilly

Harden/Hart (when Harden/Dumpster on DL)

Dumpster

Heilman is odd man out when next roster move on pitching staff occurs. Only going to carry 11 pitchers.

C: Soto, Hill

INF: Lee, Scales, Fontenot, Theriot, Rameriz, Fox, Baker

Outfield: Fuld, Funko, Bradley, Sorry-oh-no, Hoffpauir.

There's your 25.

The Cubs have to make at least one

"Housekeeping" move...we have too many

infielders when Miles comes off the DL.

Baker and Blanco are out of options.

Fontenot has one option left. Miles has this season and 2.7 mil...due next season.(Once again thanks for overpaying JH)....I don't really have time for the research...neither Baker nor Miles do

anything for me. Solutions anyone?

For next year...I do like Eric Young Jr...currently at AA Colorado...we could package...Tony Thomas and perhaps Pabelbon or Ascanio to get him...he

would be a great lead off prospect...and has overall better #s and speed than Thomas...but Thomas has more power projection...But I'm thinking speed/ss/

and lead off potential at 2nd...this could settle and solidify 2nd base for the next decade.

The Cubs should trade Reed Johnson and Rich Harden.Both are unsigned for 2010 and with the Cubs payroll,they do not fit into the Cubs plans for next year.Trading Johnson opens up a spot for Sam Fuld.How about to the Rockies for AAA Second Baseman Eric Young Jr.He's hitting around .300 with around 50 steals and could solve the Cubs lead-off problems.

Per the Tribune...

"Fox's average is up to .326, and his 19 RBIs in 86 at-bats are only two fewer than Bradley's 21 in 222 at-bats." Thank goodness Pinella has hinted that 'ol Milton will likely sit a few games while he (Lou) personally works on his batting approach. $10m year and Bradley's now a AA student needing help. Geez!

In regards to trade-deadline activity, my only suggestion is to dump Bradley & Soriano (though I know most now will say that "Soriano is back"...yeah right!), eat some of those contracts, and just get some good solid prospects in return. Fuld, Fox, Hoffpauir and Johnson just need to get more regular playing time. I really think this team can win regularly with a change in mindset, and dumping the above two will send a nice clear message.

I think the next 3 days in Philly will be very telling for the north siders. The Phils have won 8 straight. We need to win atleast 1 game there, but most importantly, we need to be competitive and play sound fundamentals.

The Cubs are in no position to eat anything. They've a full belly as is.

Keep the team in-tact and just play Fox.

Easy as that. Bradley can come off the bench until he finds himself again. And he will.

Soriano will do as he always does. Lightswitch on, lightswitch off.

You are missing the disruption that Bradley and Soriano have on the team with their performance and attitude, as well as the fact that their presence takes playing time from more deserving roster members.

But ok, keep this team in-tact...and good luck I guess.

Bryan...I agree re Soriano and Bradley...and how badly they've hurt the team...but in reality...how do we dump them?...No one really is going to pay the premium we are paying...nor are they going to want to give up good prospects/players in return...and that is the whole problem...we have 2 highly paid Marquee players that no longer play well.

Neil...are you trying to attract Aaron

from his deafening silence hiatus?

His posts are missed.

I'll get back to you on trades...but as

GM of the Cubs...the first thing I would do...is something I've never heard a GM

ever do...apologize to the faithful and admit I screwed up the entire 2008/09

offseason...and ask for a "do over".

It will not happen...not only would I, the GM, look bad, but I would lose the efforts and respect of the players I did sign...but this is fantasy...isn't it...

it would be nice to hear the words.

unfortunately, I had a family matter to attend to, along with the first road trip with the team I've gone on this year. So it's been pretty difficult this past week for me.

Anyhow, I'll weigh in my thoughts below