Cubs GM Hoyer all but admitted that the team is open for business: trade business as Sellers.
He said in the papers today that he has had various discussions with multiple teams about availability of players. Let the fire sale begin.
But with the Cubs being in dead last place and struggling with most parts of the game, how much value is there in trading for a Cub? It depends a) how how desperate a contender is to fill a sudden need or roster void; and b) how few other Sellers are out there in the market place. As of today, there are probably only 4 Sellers (Cubs, Astros, Padres, Twins) and maybe 15 Buyers.
So what about the Cub merchandise?
High trade value:
1) Samardzija RHP: Starters are always in demand in a pennant run due to a contender's team having staff injuries. Samardzija has been the most consistent starter that is affordable in a trade. He could get a Marshall like return: a major league ready prospect, and a high and low level minor leaguer.
2) Ryan Dempster, RHP: The prototypical "rent a player," a free agent after the end of the season means no commitment by his new club. He has been pitching better than his record, and is viewed as a good clubhouse leader which could help a younger contender into the playoffs. He could get a high minor league prospect and one or two throw-in minor leaguers.
3) Matt Garza, RHP: A starter with prior trade value but who has underperformed since becoming a Cub. He is young but wants an expensive extension. As such, it narrows the potential Buyers to big market teams (Yankees, Red Sox) and may bring only one quality prospect in return.
Above average trade value:
4) LaHair 1B: He has shown power in his first full season in the majors. Negative factor is his age. Positive factor is that he has little service time so he is controllable and cheap. He only fields one position, first, which narrows the market to a fill-in, injury peacekeeper or a AL DH. He could probably fetch a good AA prospect and an underwhelming developmental project. The Cubs could take less if they want to promote Rizzo later this season.
5) R. Johnson, OF: GMs around the trading deadline always like to upgrade their bench for the stretch run. They are not looking for replacement starters, but good guys off the bench to pinch hit, spot start and play good defense. Johnson has been asked about for the last two years. He could probably get a good AA prospect and/or cash considerations.
Average trade value:
6) Russell, LHP: GMs also look to shore up any weaknesses in their bullpens at the trade deadline. In the past, a few teams "overspent" on relievers. However, lessons were learned the hard way. Russell projects to other teams as a lefty specialist in the pen. He could get a quality A-AA player in return.
7) DeJesus, OF: if a contender has a major injury to a starting outfielder, then DeJesus has trade value even though he is not hitting for power or stealing bases. He could command a similar value as the Red Sox gave for Byrd, a marginal AAA-major league player who is out of options (a classic AAAA player).
8) Mather, IN-OF: If a team is in need of a jack-of-all trades on the cheap, Mather could fit the bill. He can play third, first, all outfield positions and pinch hit with some power. He could get a developing AA player or two in return.
Below average trade value:
9) Soto, C: even though power hitting catchers are rare in the NL, Soto's nagging injury history and slumping batting stats are more negative than the promise of his rookie of the year season. Most teams have their main catcher in place, who is familiar with the pitching staff. Soto would become an expensive back up for most trade partners. As a result, his trade value would be low level prospects.
10) Barney, 2B-SS: Barney is turning into a Ryan Theriot Lite. He is average to below average in most elements of his game (batting, fielding, range, base running) so he projects not as a replacement starter, but the 25th man on the bench (an upgrade over a rookie or AAAA call up). He could probably get a low A player in trade.
No trade value:
11) Soriano, LF: With two bad knees, defensive short comings and bad plate discipline, Soriano has no value in the trade market. Even if the Cubs would eat the remaining $48 million left on his contract, no team would want to keep him on the bench for its term.
12) Stewart, 3B: With a current, nagging wrist injury and a below .200 batting average, Stewart is not the comeback player of the year that Epstein proclaimed when he traded for him. If this was a roll of the dice gamble, Theo crapped out.
13) Campana, OF: Campana is a one trick pony - - - a base stealer. He is also shown that he is a strike out machine. So he is not a lead off hitter or a defensive replacement specialist. Very few teams, if any, have the luxury to carry a pinch runner on the roster.
14) Baker, IN-OF: He has not played enough to be on any other team's radar. He would be at best a bench player with no outstanding above average skill set.
Investments:
The players the Cubs will not trade (unless the offer is overwhelming) because the following players appear to be foundational in the rebuilding process for the team.
Castro, SS: At 22, it is hard to find a consistent .300. The negative is his defense and OBP, but he could still be the cornerstone of the infield for the next five years.
Clevenger, C: As a left hand hitting catcher with some batting patience, he probably is slotted as the back up catcher next season if Soto remains with the club.
W. Castillo, C: Appears to be the perfect platoon partner with Clevenger if Soto is traded to another team.
Cardenas, IN: Appears to be the Barney replacement in waiting or the next super sub to replace Mather, Baker, et al.
