The Cubs told the world last week that the team was ready to wheel and deal their players well ahead of the trade deadline. Another lost season means the front office is going to reshuffle the roster deck.
One would have thought that meant "major league" talent on sale. But the omnibus sign is that teams are not interested in the talent on the major league roster.
The Cubs first traded utility infielder Brett Lillibridge to the Yankees for a player to be named later or cash. Lillibridge had been in Iowa. His claim to fame so far this season was the third choice at third base to keep Ian Stewart on the bench.
Next, the Cubs traded relief pitcher Hinsanori Takahashi to the Rockies for a player to be named later. Takahashi is a lefty who got hurt. He spent most of his time at Iowa.
So the early interest in Cub property is at the Triple-A level. Could Blake Parker be the next Iowa Cub to be traded? It really does not matter. More than half the bleachers were empty yesterday on a hot summer Sunday at Wrigley Field. Most fans have already checked out of this season. The front office is trying to split early, too.
The Cubs may designate for assignment Henry Rodriguez, the flame throwing ex-National who has more command issues than Carlos Marmol. Rodriguez's stay in Chicago was a short blip on the radar. The Cubs must want to show case a pitcher or make room for a potential two-for-one trade.
