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All is quiet on the northern front in Chicago baseball so far this winter.

Which is odd, because Jim Hendry's last few winters have been highlighted by more big game hunting than a weekend with Ted Nugent.

When a guy's resume includes bringing in names like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Kosuke Fukudome and Milton Bradley, and when you consider how public Hendry's courtship of each player was, the fact that there hasn't been much of a peep from Hendry so far in November is intriguing to say the least.

It's closing in on Thanksgiving and baseball circles are starting to heat up with discussion about players moving from one city to another.

The wonderful part of being a fan at this time of year is the speculation that comes with rumors, whispers, and just throwing junk at the wall to see what sticks.

In the spirit of discussion, I present to you an idea for discussion: the Cubs should explore trading third baseman Aramis Ramirez to the Phillies.

First, let's walk through the foundation of why this deal would even be a consideration for either side.

Various media outlets are reporting that 43-year-old Omar Vizquel, a potential Hall-of-Fame shortstop, is close to agreeing to a one-year contract to join the Chicago White Sox.

Vizquel would reportedly join the White Sox in a reserve role.

The White Sox have already made some changes to their infield this winter. Sox GM Kenny Williams dealt young second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields to Kansas City for Mark Teahen, and said he plans to play Teahen at third base in 2010.

Not sure if anyone read the latest foot-in-mouth interview from Chicago's North Side, but this time it isn't one of the usual suspects.

No, it wasn't Milton Bradley talking about how racist the fans were. And it wasn't Geovany Soto talking about the proper way to pack a bong during the World Baseball Classic.

This time, it was closer-to-be Carlos Marmol. And he was jumping all over the hot stove.

In a move that restores all hope to Chicago Cubs fans, GM Jim Hendry found someone dumber than himself and made a trade.

The Cubs dealt Aaron "The Gas Can" Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday for minor leaguers Ryne White and Scott...who cares. Heilman's gone, people! Party!

In a related story, the bag of balls that had been rumored to be dealt to Chicago for Heilman is relieved to be staying in Arizona for the winter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

I was wandering around various baseball sites today, and came across a thought that honestly made me laugh when I first read it.

"[The Cubs] have the finances... have a chance to win, which is what [Roy] Halladay will certainly require, and while the Cubs' farm system isn't atop the league right now, there are a few intriguing talents that could fill out a package for Halladay."

That's on ESPN.com's Rumor Mill. I've read a couple other places that the Cubs might be a "darkhorse" candidate to make a splash for the Blue Jays' ace.

On Thursday afternoon the Baseball Writers Association of America will announce who they’ve voted as this year’s National League Cy Young Award winner.

Unlike the American League Cy Young, there is no single front-runner for the award.

Rather, there were many impressive performances in the NL this season, leading many to wonder who will be crowned the winner.

A compelling argument could be made for a number of different NL hurlers, but in the end only one will walk away with the hardware.

Here’s a quick look at the top candidates for the National League Cy Young.

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