A-Cal

I would think the Cubs already have a first round pick, since they can't be traded in the MLB. Hey man! I was on my first cup of coffee! Good catch though! :lol:

If they try hard enough, we could get a first round pick or at least top 5 next season!

Z has expressed interest in the White Sox, right? Hendry should just put him through waivers, ala Alex Rios, and have Kenny Williams scoop up another bloated contract. Z can then go on to finish top 3 in the AL Cy Young next season.

That's pretty much the case. Most of the guys who'll ask for more than $150k over slot don't deserve it and/or won't get it. A lot of them seem to be high floor/low ceiling types. How much should the Cubs be spending in the draft?

remember when people thought the mariners were going to be tough nuts this season!? lol

Seriously. The folks that think Theriot's worthless seem to be unaware of just how many awful SS are getting regular ABs around MLB. The league's littered with the likes of Everett, Lugo, Izturis, Brendan Ryan, Betancourt, O Cabrera, Cliff Pennington, etc etc. Theriot would be an upgrade on several teams. This is very true. I just hope that Jim isn't holding out hope for a climb in the standings still.

No doubt. I am all about being positive, and behind one's team but dear god they are just not good.

Epstein, "He's overpaid." Hendry, "OBP." Epstein, "Right, but I need the price to come down a bit Jim." Hendry, "OBP." Epstein - *click*

Multiple sources tell Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com that the Cubs recently approached the Red Sox to "gauge their interest" in Kosuke Fukudome. McAdam writes that the Red Sox have walked away from talks, at least for now, because the Cubs have refused to take on a significant part of Fukudome's remaining salary. Fukudome, 33, will earn $13 million this season and another $13.5 million in 2011. The Red Sox have a clear need for an outfielder right now, but that is a significant price to pay for a player who has batted just .261 with a 776 OPS in the major leagues. No-trade clause aside, the Cubs will have a very difficult time trading him to any team. Source: CSNNE.com

2016 Chicago Cubs - World Series Champions

I have him on quite a few teams. He has been a solid little youngster thus far. The funny thing is I advocated picking up pitchers against the Cubs last season in fantasy. It seems it is also a worthwhile practice this year as well. It is sad, but definitely a benefit if you are a Cubs fan!

Why would have to be a contract swap for Fukudome? Given the escalated contracts, his production, and ability to play CF, I don't see why the Cubs would have to trade contracts as it would likely defeat the purpose of trading him which would be to clear payroll and obtain younger players. If not a contract swap, then they will have to eat a significant portion of the contract to get anything of value in return. Kosuke is an interesting case. Even eating some of his contract, I don't see teams giving up much of anything for him. In all honesty, why the hell would they? In two seasons he has established his hot start and then fade into the summer sun track record. It seems to be happening yet again this year.

I think Theriot may find his way to the Mets or Twins, but more likely the Mets. I have no idea where Lilly goes, but he is definitely gone. Other than that, I don't think there will be much activity. I do hope I am wrong though. I also love how Fukudome can block a trade to half the freaking league. I am trying to think of a contract swap for him, but I am coming up empty thus far.

Blah. [expletive] little bastard!

Hold on to your butts folks. This is Lilly's gift to us, and our season highlight before he departs in a few short weeks.