More Moves for Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs, who have already been active in the free agent market in their dealing of much maligned catcher Michael Barrett, may be looking to make at least two more moves in hopes of making a push for the National League Central crown.

On the Block:

Members of the Cubs roster that are openly available for trades include left-handed batting right fielder Jacque Jones, who is batting just .234 through 73 games with 2 home runs. Jacque has gone from the opening day center fielder to a situational player thanks to his struggles at the plate.

Gold Glove shortstop Cesar Izturis has also been the subject of trade talks because of the impressive play of several of the young Cubs infielders. Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot, LSU temmates in college an called up from AA Iowa during the season, are making a strong case to become everyday players in the Majors. Furthermore, Aramis Ramirez’s return from the disabled list earlier this week complicates matters further. His replacement, Mark DeRosa, will move back to second base when the Cubs return to National League play on Monday.

Piniella has made it clear to the media that the Cubs will return to 12 pitchers on Monday prior to facing the Colorado Rockies. What that means as far as impending deals remains to be seen, but it would be very hard to justify sending down a youngster for the sake of calling up a potential wildcard minor league pitcher. Given the log jam in the outfield, it is almost certain that Jacque Jones will be traded in the very near future.

Griffey to the North Side?

It’s no secret that Ken Griffey is unhappy in Cincinnati, and being moved from center field to left on a team that is sinking more quickly than the Titanic has done little to make him want to stay. Current Cubs manager Lou Piniella managed Griffey while in Seattle, and Griffey said publicly he wouldn’t mind a move to the North side.

Though the rumors are, at this point, pure speculation, Lou Piniella agreed earlier in a press conference that Griffey was “swinging a good bat”.

Griffey’s addition to the Cubs lineup would certainly be a welcome one. With 582 career home runs and a .557 career slugging percentage, he provides a proven left handed bat in the middle of the order.

However, when asked about possible trades of the aforementioned Cubs players, Piniella responded 'I have not discussed anything with our general manager about any trades, so I don't really know about anything,'

Given the Cubs current ownership situation, a trade of this magnitude seems unlikely. Currently, Griffey’s contract runs through 2008 with a 2009 option. It is unclear whether or not the fact that the Tribune Company’s sale (and therefore the Cubs) will be a hindrance to any possible moves during the year.

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