Also, with Z moving to 'pen, the Cubs have GOT to call up a Right-Hander from Iowa. My money is on Jay Jackson, though Blake Parker and Jeff Stevens are possibilities. For Parker/Jackson, Cubs need to make a 40-man move, but there are several easy ones.

Justin Berg will probably be sent down, or maybe even outrighted. I wouldnt' be opposed to sending Caridad as well, and bringing up 2 guys. HELP!

Keith, Blake Parker is on the Cubs' 40-man roster. So he could be an option down the road. He struggled in "pressure" situations during spring training so he could be another walk-machine.

I like Parker, just needs to throw more strikes.

Apparently with Z move, Gorz is going to the 'pen. I suppose that's the only move you can make, though he's been a pretty solid starter, and it's not like we need another lefty in the bullpen.

We really do have a log-jam of starters; that's 6, and we have 2 more close to ML-Ready (Jay Jackson and Cashner).

Why do you it is "apparently" Gozelanny to the pen? I read that Lou and Larry do not think he is good in the pen and would rather have him start.

I am not going to speculate because frankly, I have no idea what those think anymore, or how they come to the conclusions that they do.

What I would like to see happen is one of the current SP's be traded. Gorzelanny has decent value, he is relatively young, lefty, is showing improvement and has shown good stuff over the course of an entire season in the past (2007). As for Jackson and Cashner if there is no desperate need then it would be foolish to rush them up. Let them throw and build innings. I don't think leaving starting pitchers that appear "ready" down in the minors for an extra year is the same as with hitters. And if they are going to be starters at the ML level, then I'd much rather see them start for an extra year on the farm than be brought up to pitch in high leverage relief roles or mop up duty. I don't like that.

This Z thing is an absolute conundrum to me.

I'm looking forward to seeing him in person this week. Working for the Cardinals single A team (I know I hate it but it's a job) I can see him for free. I hope he turns out to be who we all think he will because if he does we could have a very solid, young middle infield for years to come.

I do not know about you guys but I definitely dig Theriot at 2B. He has looked much more comfortable, his range is tolerable, his throws are more accurate (One last night going towards the base, planted and threw back to first). And I know that it may not be prototypical of a second baseman to be a singles/doubles type hitter but I have never had a problem with Theriot's offense. I think he fits great as a #8 hitter on a typical NL offense. If we had a legit top of the order threat, and thumpers in the middle Theriot would be sufficient in the 8 hole as the hitter that he is. I like him a whole lot better than Font/Baker.

I have to comment on the Hanley Ramirez/Castro debate...my answer is a resounding NO!!! Hanley is a great player no question, but as stated he will be a 10 million dollar player VERY Soon. I do not know about you guys but I am tired of 10+million dollar players that have hustle questions...I do not need to see another multi million dollar vet walk to first on balls smacked off the wall.

I am extremely high on Castro and he has given me no reason to question him at the ML level. He is 20, he fields the ball well, he is hitting well, he is inexpensive and will be for a while...now if you could tell me that we can land Hanley and have Castro at 2B...then we might be playing in a realm that I like...but the last few years have taught me that payroll flexibility is HUGE!!!!! As tempting as the offer sounds I have to say no...but really would I be all that upset with a Hanley Ramirez in this lineup...HA Nope!

Z back to the rotation...who goes??????? Or do the Cubs work with a 6 man, Brenly said last night that Silva looked a lot better with an extra days rest and mentioned that it helps alot of pitchers...Silva was throwing 92MPH BTW!

I really do see a trade coming soon...3 second baseman, and 6-7 starters if you count the minors...something has to give.

Either way...optimism is slowly creeping back into my head...a win in Philly would really help to get the blue kool aid a flowing again... go get em boys!

Go Cubs!

Theriot sticking around until Lee is ready, could work out nicely.

Positional look

SS/2B - Lee/Castro (plus good depth)

C - Soto and plenty of depth

OF - Colvin and Jackson - Byrd through 2012, Soriano 2014? plus other prospects

That leaves 3B and 1B for long term options and Vitters hopefully takes one of those spots, hopefully 3B from ARam. Then we need to hit the jackpot on one of the 1B FA bonanza over the next few years.

By 2012 ??

1. Lee SS

2. Castro 2B

3. Jackson CF

4. Fielder 1B (or other FA signing)

5. Vitters 3B

6. Colvin RF

7. Byrd LF(or other player from system)

8. Soto C (or other catcher from system)

Tony i like it, but why not cut theriot loose and bring up his clone in Darwin Barney?

I would trade Theriot in a heartbeat, if it meant getting some real prospects and the salary relief that come with moving him. Barney is not Theriot. If Lee is ready by 2012, then I would be fine with Theriot until then. I would rather pay Theriot, than sign some other overpaid vet, to many years and to many dollars and impede the ability of Lee to come up when he is ready. With Theriot, you won't be long term committed and can move him easier.

Nice Profile.

I am in favor of trading Ryan Theriot, this year if we are Sellers, and the off-season if not. As a SS he is below average defensively, and as a 2B he is below average offensively. He should really be a super-sub, and at $3+mil heading to another arb year, is starting to get expensive for what he brings.

Darwin Barney, though, is NOT a Theriot-clone. Apparently, he is much better defensively, but offensively he isn't that good. He doesn't draw walks and has no power. He is basically Augie Ojeda, though doesn't switch-hit.

and what about soriano?

In my future dream scenarios, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and there are no bad contracts left on the roster :)