An emailer reports that the Cubs are awaiting word from the Orioles on this offer:
Cubs get:
Miguel Tejada, Erik Bedard
Orioles get:
Mark Prior, Rich Hill, Corey Patterson
This proposal is on the table. The report comes from Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000.
The pros and cons of this deal have been debated endlessly on this site. To restate my opinion: this move works as a "win now" move. The Cubs would add something like seven wins, so they’d need some additional upgrades or players outplaying projections to be favored as the division winner. A couple of options I like:
Platoon Jacque Jones with Matt Murton and acquire a slugging left fielder. Cliff Floyd would only become available if the Mets acquire Manny Ramirez. While the Cubs aren’t thrilled with Luis Gonzalez, he’s still a top ten LF and could push them over the top.
Trade for Jeff Kent. He’s one of the five best second basemen, and I’m firmly in the camp that Ronny Cedeno will not be a Major League success. Kent’s obviously a force in the Dodgers’ lineup, but the Cubs could come on strong and top the Mets’ weak offer. The Dodgers may want to get some young players in return before Kent’s contract is up. Just a thought.
