If the Cubs really blow up their veteran roster at the flea market trade deadline, we hate to rain on that parade but the Midwest does need it . . . . how does the rest of the seasonal roster fare in a talent drought?
1. DEMPSTER trade. He would most likely be replaced in the rotation by Volstad (yuck).
2. GARZA trade. He would most likely have to be replaced by a rookie pitcher coming back in the trade or by a recalled Randy Wells (ho hum).
3. BARNEY trade (to the Tigers). Barney would be replaced by Cardenas, which is a move to determine if Cardenas can be a full time player.
4. SOTO trade (unlikely). It would create a Clevenger-Castillo platoon.
5. DEJESUS trade (unlikely). He would be replaced by Sveum favorite Reed Johnson.
6. REED JOHNSON trade (possible to a contender trying to upgrade bench). He would be replaced by Campana, in another move to determine if he can be a full time player until Brett Jackson gets his artificially imposed 500 AAA at-bats for a call-up.
7. SORIANO trade (impossible). Soriano will remain the Cubs LF for the duration of his contract, until he is replaced in the future by Almora or Soler.
8. LaHAIR trade (no interest). Unless LaHair is tossed into a trade to get better prospects, he will remain the old rookie for the remainder of the season. If he is traded, most likely replaced by Sappelt in a minor league call up or by Baker.
9. MARMOL trade (highly unlikely). If he is gone, then Russell would be leading a closer-by-committee situation with Camp and Corpas.
10. CASTRO trade (super unlikely). Castro has been named a foundational piece along with Rizzo as part of the Cubs long term plans. He may only be replaced at short when Baez is ready in a couple of years.
