Trade status

Hendry doesn’t want to have the traditional, white flag, rebuilding firesale—but he has to be open to making some deals and potentially dropping salary, while also helping the team in the near future.

In order to be competitive, we need two corner infielders, and above average starter, and more talent in the outfield. I don’t see any way of competing without getting either Fielder or Pujols in the off-season. There isn’t that kind of impact first or third baseman available on the trade market, and we need a huge infusion of talent this off-season. So let’s ignore first base in our midseason plan.

I think there is a potential trade target we should look at in the outfield that would fit this team well—Matt Kemp. The Dodgers financial constraints will not allow them to lock him up, and he’s going to get expensive this off-season. The price would certainly start with Brett Jackson plus other talent, but I think that’s ok—that is the kind of deal a team wanting a quick turnaround with a big budget should be making. Matt Kemp is what we dream Brett Jackson could become, and he’s only (I think) 26. He’s the 3-hitter we’re missing.

As for third base, we have some flexibility given the youth and range of our infielders. Castro could make a shift to 3rd or 2nd, and Barney can play second or short. So we could conceivably add a player at any of those positions and be covered. The market is pretty bare there http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/2012-mlb-free-agents.html and highlighted be Jose Reyes, who seems like a long-shot. Aramis Ramirez on a one year deal might not be a terrible idea, considering the alternatives.

The rest of the focus, imo, should be on dropping bad contracts and acquiring a starter who is or could be a 3rd starter or better. Marlon Byrd could be an attractive trade candidate to a team like Pittsburgh that needs some outfield help that is cost-controlled. Kerry Wood would net a significant prospect from Arizona, would potentially come back after the season, and would conceivably approve a deal to his off-season home in Phoenix. Ramirez is more of a long-shot given his apathy for playing for a contender and his 2012 option, but is worth attempting to move. Carlos Pena has significant value to a team needing left-handed pop, and his deferred money gives the receiving team some flexibility. Fukudome seems like a good add for a team that needs a patient hitter with good defense and without plus power.

I for one am not disappointed that they aren’t itching to trade Jeff Baker. He is cheap and versatile, and for a team with expensive holes to fill over the net 9 months, his value might be higher to us than on the trade market. Soto would have value, but his value has likely diminished, and the Cubs alternatives next year poor enough that I’d hang on to him. It’s not realistic to trade Soriano, and if he’s hitting in a Castro-Barney-Kemp-Fielder et lineup, I’m less concerned about his well documented deficiencies.

and would be nice to have coming off the bench next year. go ahead and DFA.

The trades that I could see happening are:

Kerry Wood to Arizona. They have expressed interest, and he has said he wouldn’t accept a trade He does own a home there, and he seams t be the type that would like another chance to pitch in the post season.

Carlos Pena to Pittsburgh, Cleveland or San Francisco. He would be a big upgrade for all three, and there isn’t a big need for 1B elsewhere.

Aramis Ramirez to Anaheim or the three teams above. I don’t really think he is going to waive his NTC, and if he does he would probably require his option for next year be picked up and I think that would just leave the Angels.

Fukudome to San Francisco or Boston. He would really help the Giants and he would even be an upgrade over J.D. Drew for the Sox. In order to get anything of value in return the Cubs will probably have to pay some of his remaining salary.

Marlon Byrd same as above.

Ryan Dempster to Boston, New York, Cleveland or Arizona. I don’t really see him getting traded but all three make a lot of sense to me. If the Cubs want something of value they will probably have to kick in some money here too. Boston has a ton of injuries, and Daiskuke comes off their books this year Dempster would fit in real nice in his spot. The Yankee’s need him worse than Boston if they are going to win the division.

There are others that I would like to see traded, but they aren’t ever going to happen

Trade 25 guys for a bag of balls? Add Jim Hendry to the mix and maybe a team will throw in a batting cage?

I’d take Soto off because his value is low and you’re unlikely to find anyone better for next year.

I’ve done a 360 on ARAM. Again, I think you’re unlikely to find anybody better for next year, so I think you’re forced to pick up the option.

I’d put Dempster and Wood on the yes list. Demp would have great value, possibly even being the #1 pitching target for a lot of teams, especially given his strong finishes. Every year some pitcher gets energized by a trade to a contender and reels off 8 of 9. Demp could be that guy this year. He should bring a decent ML-ready prospect; otherwise keep him.

I would think Wood may accept a deal to the Phillies in an effort to get a ring. Just negotiate next year’s deal first so he knows he can comeback if he wants to.

trade baker?to get a body to stick in the minors.if you could get something then sure. the players the cubs want to trade are untradeable. soriano,z,fukudome and ramirez.everyone else brings back nothing in return.

 Bruce Levine article linked to in the pregame article. The most interesting thing to me is he says Aramis’s option doesn’t kick in if he’s traded, he just gets a 1 mil relocation bonus if traded and otherwise his contract is the same with a 2 mil buyout next offseason.

If true, that makes a Ramirez trade MUCH more likely, as all they have to do is convince him to leave. He becomes one of the most attractive trade pieces on the market, up there with Carlos Beltran who is expected to net a top pick.

If we lose Ramirez we have absolutely noone with power next year and he’s one of the best 3b man not named Bombtista! To trade him or not keep him would be a terrible terrible mistake! I can’t understand all of you who want him gone ..even for a “prime” prospect. He’s probably the best 3b man in NL.