Come To Think Of It: Cubs Given Green Light To Shop At Midseason

The Chicago Sun-Times reported today that Cubs Chairman Crane Kenny anticipates payroll room to make moves around the July trading deadline.

This is good news for Cubs fans in that it gives the team a competitive advantage if the Cubs discover they need some help around midseason.

This also means that the sale of the team will be done by then. The Sun Times quotes Kenney as saying the Tribune and the Ricketts family are "very close to the terms of their deal," which could be wrapped up in May.

While other teams react to the economy and talk about slashing payroll, the Cubs will be active bidders. Let's take a quick look at who may be on the market by the deadline:

Jason Bay

I don't think the Red Sox will trade Bay, as they are always in contention and Bay is a big part in their success. But he will be a free agent following the season and can play center field in a pinch. The Sox have been unable to get the former Buc signed to a long-term deal.

Erik Bedard

The left hander was injured for much of last season, but appears healthier this spring. If the Mariners fall out of contention, they could make him available. If the Cubs have injuries to their staff, or Sean Marshall doesn't pitch well in the 5th starter role, this could be an interesting pick up.

Justin Duchscherer

The potential free agent is always a health concern, but if he is strong and pitching well, the A's could look to move him rather than risk losing him after the season and getting nothing in return. Batters hit only .210 against him last year. Of course, the Cubs didn't let an injury history stop them from acquiring another A's pitcher last year.

Randy Johnson

If the Giants falter early, they could make the Big Unit available. While 46, Johnson did post a 2.41 ERA after the All-Star break last season with 78 strikeouts in 86 innings and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 5-to-1. The Cubs did express some interest in him over the winter, so who knows?

John Lackey

Lackey is eligible for free agency after the season and the Angels have been unable to sign him. It is doubtful that they would move him since they will almost assuredly be in contention, but it bears watching. He has been strong so far this spring.

Joe Beimel

The Nationals just signed the lefty relief specialist, who had a 2.02 ERA in 2008, but they could move him to a contender if they get the right young player in return. The Cubs need a southpaw for the bullpen, with only Neal Cotts available (assuming Marshall is in the rotation), and this need may be exasperated if Cotts pitches poorly. 

Jake Peavy

The often rumored trade of Peavy to the Cubs just won't die. It is very unlikely that new owner Tom Ricketts would sink so much money into Peavy, but we know the Padres will be looking for payroll flexibility. We also know that Jim Hendry likes Peavy. An injury to Carlos Zambrano or Rich Harden could force his hand.