Offensively, yes, if they could stay healthy but what "prospects" are we talking about trading for Thome, and who backs up 1b since he's a good bet to get injured at some point. I'd rather do Zambrano for ARod straight up (assuming ARod agrees not to opt out), and then try to maybe pick up a couple pitching prospects by dealing some combination of Izturis/Theriot/Fontenot/DeRosa. The rotation next season would still be respectable (Hill, Marshall, Marquis, Lilly, Gallagher/Guzman), but the offense would be a force to be reckoned with, especially if Murton learns to play RF or Fontenot continues to hit at 2nd allowing DeRosa to move to RF. Moving Z or another of the expensive guys is the only way I think the Cubs could take on a salary the level of ARod. I'm not necessarily condoning a move like this. I'm just saying the only possibility of DLee being moved is in a situation where the Cubs could pick up someone like MRam, or ARod and then spin a deal for a stopgap 1B like Thome. It would be tough to justify moving DLee if it wasn't for an elite player. I agree w/ your setiments about Z for ARod. I'd prefer the Cubs just re-sign him, but if they decide they can't I'm all for trading him for ARod. If ARod waives his right to opt out of his deal.