Levine says that if Peavy runs dry that our next move is Randy Wolf. Not a bad option, IMO.

The Cubs already have 4 decent-good starters. Wolf might work well as a 5th/innings eater-type guy. He’s lefty and allows us to isert Marshall wherever he’s needed.

Oh, btw, I’m the new guy. Looking forward to contributing.

Braden Looper and Aaron Heilman.

Garrett Olson. Yes, his MLB numbers look awful, but he’s young. He’s got a Rich Hill-type repetoire, touching low 90’s on the fastball at times, big curve, and a decent change. In the minors, he was very good against lefties (stats are at minorleaguesplits). Why do I bring that up? Well, you deal for Olson and you could try him as a starter, or you could use him in the pen, with Sean Marshall as the starter instead.

If we can’t hit a top name, like a Peavy, why not? Olson is cheap, fits the lefty criteria, also offers the potential to move Marshall fully into the rotation if they wanted. Look, as much as I’d like for Pie to somehow surprise and come through … he just won’t have the opportunities next year and it might be time to move on now and get something. Now, indications were the Orioles wanted Cedeno along with Pie before they pondered it. I’d be willing to do that (neither guy really has a role with us, and getting a young cost-controlled arm with some upside is worth it, IMO) but of course you hope to bargain that down (or to get a prospect tagged on). To be honest, I still don’t know why Baltimore would even consider dealing Olson considering their rotation issues right now. Maybe that was just another red herring in the offseason. That said, certainly I’d try to investigate if it was legit and we couldn’t hit a top arm because well, I’m not too enthused about any of the other FA arms out there, outside of Lowe (and I’m assuming he’s too costly in this scenario).

is going to be the best option. he already missed out on more money by not accepting arbitration. and with sheets most likely going to end up with the rangers, lowe talking with the mets and the braves, garland’s options are running thin. i could see him maybe signing a 1 yr deal for 6-8 mil, and testing the market again next season. either way, i think hes a solid option for this upcoming year and would fit nicely on the cubs roster.

Garland takes the ball every 5th day and pitches deep into ballgames. He can get lit up from time to time and probably can’t be counted upon for more than a 4.25 ERA at best, but I would love to have him.

Trouble is Garland will probably get nice money for three years. I doubt seriously Jim Hendry would stick his neck out that far on Garland, especially when he doubtful has the dollars to do so.

I see where the White Sox are on the verge of signing Freddy Garcia to a minor league deal. That’s a good thing for them. I wish we were taking another dip in the Wade Miller type waters. Sometimes it can work. Makes sense when we don’t have a lot of extra coin lying around.

i don’t see any market for garland at all. at least not one thats going to give him 3 years. the reason i say he goes for the 1 yr deal, is heading into next season, theres no sabathia, lowe, burnett. garland comes to chicago and puts together a decent year, he ups his value for next yr when the pitching market isnt flooded with big name guys. im sticking with the 6-8 mil a year scenario. maybe he for 2 years even.

Clement got invited to ST by the Red Sox, and already went through rehab and is apparently healthy. I doubt he’ll make the Red Sox squad, so why not trade a recently acquired pitcher in the DeRosa deal for him? It couldn’t hurt.

Got invited to ST by the Blue Jays.