I’ve never been as high on Vitters as many other Cubs fans, so I’m not the right person to speak about him. That said, at some point, the organization has to think about the future, whether we like it or not. Yes, it’d be great if we could win now, and I would sell the farm to win now if possible, but with our financial situation, we’re limited to really, one big move, and I’m hard pressed to see any one player out there that would substantially change the dynamics for 2010.

This doesn’t mean I’m down on our chances in 2010 – rather, I think a lot of the improvement has to occur internally (namely, Soriano/Soto bouncing back, someone stepping up in the bullpen, Fukudome being consistent year-round, Theriot showing more 2008 than 2009 if he’s going to hit at the top of the lineup).

Look at our financial picture, though. We’ve got an aging core with a lot of money committed. Most of our key players are at stages of their career where they aren’t going to go up anymore. They might stay at their current level for a couple of years, but most of our guys are at the plateau. At some point, we need to be realistic about this core’s chances without damaging 2011-2015 chances.

I’m not suggesting we toss the bag on the next couple of years. For the right move, you still ponder making a swap and trading prospects. That said, primarily, I would let this string play out without making haphazard moves. Now, I’d be willing to ship 2 of our top assets away, along with a lot of other pieces, to try and land Granderson, but you have to draw the line at some point. I’m not suggesting a firesale either, but just let this current roster play out and let our kids develop unless the deal is too good to pass up. Our system’s got some talent and depth for the first time in about 4 years. Even if they don’t pan out, there’s value.

Again, for the right move, you ponder anything. But … I’m hard pressed to think there’s that 1 move out there, which is what we’re basically limited to this offseason, and as such, I’m just not supportive of the idea of shipping off Castro right now. His value will almost not drop dramatically due to the age and level he will be at next year. A potential solid shortstop is a good enough asset – a potential stud shortstop is a rare asset, and hence why I would hold onto him.

is without a doubt overhyped right now. That said, guys can certainly emerge within a year’s time. He didn’t really come out of no where either – he just elevated himself from an intriguing asset to the low levels to a potential elite asset.

That said, maybe he doesn’t pan out to the high projections some are suggesting. Thing is, I don’t think Granderson takes us from one level to another, and Castro’s value is unlikely to drop dramatically due to age and level (unless he absolutely bombs in AA/AAA). I just don’t think it’s worth it right now, considering that we’re at the in-b/w point, the end of this core, while looking to the beginning of another core.