We are still trying to win next year aren't we? Why in the world would you trade one of your top two starters? As some others have pointed out, I don't think trading Lilly means they aren't trying to win next year. They may have the SP depth to do both. If the offense is going to be upgraded, they likely need to free up some money. I think Lilly, and possibly Dempster, are among the few tradeable assets the Cubs have they may bring is some reasonable value and free up cash. I'm not sure who fits the bill, but they could deal Lilly to a pitching starved team and that team send back an impact bat at either second base or shortstop. Instead of a Lilly for prospects deal, do a Lilly for impact bat deal. The Mets? The Mets aren't giving up Jose Reyes for 1 year of Ted Lilly, and Luis Castillo sucks.