Chicago Cubs

2013 must be an unlucky number. At least, the Cubs would say so.

2013 was a season of struggle for the Cubs, who finished in last place in the National League Central Division. With an abysmal record of 66-96, the Cubs were anything but entertaining.

Needless to say, the end of the baseball season wasn't exactly a tragedy for fans of Chicago baseball. Neither Chicago team was a privilege to watch; the Chicago White Sox finished the season at 63-99.

As minor league seasons end and the major leagues hit the final stretch, teams start calling up their top prospects for their first taste of life in the big leagues. It is a time to see major league pitching, get adjusted to speed of the game and shake off the awe of being a major league ballplayer.

September 1 marks the time when teams can have 40 players on the active roster.

A time that usually brings excitements to fans across the board. 

Most of us had already suspected that this was going to be a rough season for the Cubs. In fact, it was widely considered a rebuilding year with an eye on 2014 and beyond. So, considering that they haven't been in the playoff race for the last few months, what makes September any different than June, July or August for the Cubs?

Yesterday's news that the Cubs will likely pursue free agent-to-be outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, which was reported by Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, shouldn't come as much

Matt Garza is arguably the best starting pitcher on the Chicago Cubs. He's certainly the best starting pitcher on the trade market this year. And that's good news for the Cubs, as their ongoing rebuild could very much benefit from a trade of Garza to a team that needs him more than they do.

All of this, however, doesn't necessarily make Garza a top-of-the-rotation starter.

According to a report from Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com, Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join a team that wants his power bat, so expect the rumor mill to include the 37-year-old slugger's name for the majority of July.

As the rebuilding continues, it will be another busy trade season for the Chicago Cubs. With the rumor mill already in full swing, there will be plenty of news to keep up with on a daily basis.

Theo Epstein and company have already done a fantastic job upgrading what was a pathetic farm system in their year and a half at the helm. They'll no doubt add to that stable of young talent with a bevy of moves leading up to the July 31 deadline.

Matt Garza is on the trade block and the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are interested in acquiring his services, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Carlos Marmol has finally worn out his welcome with the Chicago Cubs. The organization announced on Twitter that the relief pitcher has been designated for assignment: 

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 25, at 5:21 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

Just like many fans and analysts anticipated, the 2013 Chicago Cubs are struggling to stay relevant. If they have indeed decided to start shopping veteran players, as ESPN Insider Buster Olney reports, we must wonder which potential contenders will pursue their expendable talent.