It is apparent that the Cubs need to trade C Welington Castillo and LHP Travis Wood.
The question is whether the Cubs previous moves have been to stock pile these
trade chips to go after Cole Hamels.
The Cubs did put in an odd waiver claim in September for Hamels, so the interest
was there (but this was prior to Lester signing).
In the NL, Castillo's offense production is probably top ten, and he is a better defender
than most people give him credit for. So he is an upgrade for half the teams, so he is
valuable. Wood was very good two years ago, and not so good last season. But he is
an experienced, cheap left handed starter. He also has value.
Plus, the Cubs have a stock pile of infield talent to trade.
Teams like Alcantara because he has power for a little second baseman.
Bryant is untouchable, but could the Cubs trade a Baez and replace him with Russell?
The Cubs have been touting CF Almora this week, which means that they are pumping
the media to make other teams like this prospect?
Philadelphia would want a ton for Hamels.
But what about the Nationals if they want to move Strasburg or Zimmerman?
But for a package of Castillo, Wood, Almora and another pitching prospect, the Cubs would
need to get an ace in return, with several years of affordable control, not a rental.
