Cubs Trade Rumors

A few Cubs trade rumors, including speculation on my part:

Several sources claim the Cubs are interested in White Sox RF Jermaine Dye. Dye is making a paltry $7 million this season, meaning only $3 million or so is left, which the White Sox might even pick up a little depending on the players the Cubs would send their way. I'm not sure a Dye trade makes the most sense for the Cubs, but as long as they aren't giving up a huge piece of the future, it might be worth a shot since they are getting no production from RF now. Floyd is hitting .222 with no home runs and 3 rbi in July.

One site claims the Cubs are about to trade for Adam Dunn. Not surprisingly it's the same site that has claimed to have inside information from Dunn's people about the same trade for three years. The site is always posting outrageous, one sided trade rumors with the Cubs the beneficiary. They never come true. Ignoring the fact that this rumor has been circulated with the same inside "personal source" for three years, It's not going to happen. Dunn can't play defense. He would have to play RF for the Cubs, that's not going to happen.

Kansas City is said to be shopping Reggie Sanders. Sanders missed a good chunk of the season before being activated July 17th. He's hitting .333 in 21 games overall. He could be a solid, inexpensive pickup for the Cubs, although I haven't heard any rumors they are interested in him, but keep it in mind.

A Kansas City player who is rumored to be on the Cubs radar is pitcher Zack Greinke. Greinke was a starter his entire career who couldn't put it all together. After another mediocre start, 1-4, 5.71 era, he was moved to the bullpen and has responded well, going 3-1 with a 3.54 era as a reliever. Still, he's only 23 and KC would be crazy to deal him unless they got a better prospect back. I don't see the Cubs being able to offer that.

The Cubs are also rumored to be interested in Royals reliever Octavio Dotel, who has a mutual option with the Royals for next season that either side can void. With the year he is having, Dotel is sure to void the contract and look for a more long term deal. Dotel's ability to close makes him a much more expensive potential addition for teams looking at bullpen help.

I would speculate the Cubs will pass on picking up relief help and instead cross their fingers that Kerry Wood can return soon and give them a lift the rest of the season. It's not like they are desperate for relief help, even if Wood doesn't pan out. Their biggest need is to wake up the power bats, whether their own or with a trade. Their 7 home runs in July are a national league low.