With both the sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts family and the trade deadline imminent it is time for the Cubs to do something they should have done two years ago, make the trade for Brian Roberts.  The last couple of months could turn out to be a blessing for Jim Hendry.  Just a couple of months ago everybody was complaining about our depleted farm system.  These last few weeks have shown that maybe that's not the case at all.  Even if it is the case that these guys are just overachieving for the time being we might as well take advantage of the opportunity, right?

Bobby Scales, even though he is 31 years old, has proven that he can offer something at the big league level.  Jake Fox and Micah Hoffpauir have proven that they can be major power bats.  I know Randy Wells is the man right now but if we can get optimum value out of him I think you have to jump at that opportunity.  Mix in a package of young prospects and even a Fontenot, Miles, or Baker into a deal for Brian Roberts.  He is exactly what we need, a switch-hitting bat to break up all the right handers and someone who can steal some bases and play defense.  I feel like this would give Blanco the opportunity to play some shortstop as well (imagine that DP combo).

Also, I just wanted to open up a discussion on Rich Harden.  I could not help but notice on Saturday that his velocity was at about 88-89mph.  It seems to me that when we first acquired him he was throwing about 93-94 and was mixing in some more breaking balls rather than just straight 4-Seamers and change-ups.  I know that one of the reasons for this is because of his arm issues.  However, if he is throwing an 88 mph fastball and an 83 mph change-up there are going to be a lot more days like Saturday.