May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza (22) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

A poll by MLB Trade Rumors shows that most believe that Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer will be busy in coming months, as all five Cubs players listed in the poll received over 20 percent of viewer responses (More than one player can be selected in the poll by each viewer.

Leading all vote-getters, not only amongst Cubs players – but all of Major League Baseball, was recently activated right-hander Matt Garza. The 29-year old has made two starts this season for Chicago, tossing a combined nine innings and allowing four earned runs in the process. Opponents have struggled to make contact against the former Tampa Bay Rays star, managing a miniscule .161 mark this season. He has also struck out 12 batters in those nine innings of work.

Cubs left-fielder Alfonso Soriano also ranked near the top of the poll, managing 35 percent of the vote. The aging, yet still-potent bat recently caused a stir with remarks he made during the team’s recent losing streak, which was snapped in Cincinnati this afternoon.

“Yeah,” Soriano said when asked if he’s more likely to consider waiving his no-trade rights than he thought he might be a few months ago. “But it depends on them. It depends what the team wants.  A chance to win, that’s the most important thing. But it depends on the front office. It’s not on me.”

So far this season, the 37-year old is hitting .262 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. Last year, he experienced a rejuvenation for the North Siders, tagging 32 home runs en route to 108 RBIs. Soriano also posted a .322 on-base percentage, his highest mark since 2010.

Reliever Carlos Marmol, outfielder David DeJesus and starting pitcher Scott Feldman all also appeared in the poll, managing 22.1%, 27% and 19.9%, respectively.

Marmol lost the closer’s role earlier this season, and has since been somewhat improved. However, his numbers are still inflated from the shellackings he suffered in April. The right-hander is 2-2 with two saves, and an earned run average of 4.50 over 20 appearances. His 1.667 WHIP is his highest since his rookie season in  2006, when he posted a 1.688 mark.

DeJesus was one of the first signings of the new regime, and his reputation for finding a way on base has come to full fruition with the Cubs. He is batting .287 this season to go along with his five home runs and 16 RBIs, but has an on-base percentage of .355, his highest mark since 2010 with Kansas City.

Feldman was a high-upside, low-risk pickup this offseason for the Cubs, and has emerged as one of the best pitchers not just for Chicago, but in the entire National League. The 30-year old right-hander is 4-4, but has a 2.80 earned run average in nine starts this season, well below his career average of 4.67.

Stay tuned to Cubbies Crib as the season progresses for in-depth stories, the latest news and rumors, and game coverage.

February 23, 2012; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer (left) talks to president Theo Epstein (right) during spring training at Fitch Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

That organization was also employing  Cubs GM Jed Hoyer and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein at the time.

However, the story has surfaced that it was a medical staffer and not a “uniform wearing” member of the team or the front office who offered Schilling the PED alternative. In fact, it was Theo Epstein who reported the story to the MLB initially as he is required to do so under league rules.

Still, the issue of PEDs needs to be addressed… again. Collectively, PEDs haven’t the popularity of the game but it certainly hurts its credibility outside of baseball circles. What’s the solution? Who knows, as it certainly seems like the PED train ins’t going to be slowing down anytime soon.

Take solace in the fact that the Cubs have two people in authority positions who don’t tolerate PED use.

Jed Hoyer, during a press conference, spoke about his thoughts on Alfonso Soriano. Hoyer was quoted saying:

His preparation is off the charts. I think a dozen players in baseball went 30 homers and 100 RBI (last season). What we got in our first year was terrific. He knows how we feel about him. We’ve had communication with him over the course of the Winter. We’ll keep having that communication. But all of our thoughts on Sori are positive. He was so good for us last year, both on and off the field. It wasn’t necessarily exactly what we expected going in. It was just a wonderful revelation for us.

Clearly Hoyer still has some love for Soriano based on his work ethic and his attitude, but there’s no real set indication that the brass are hell bent on keeping him. This sounds like a quote from a GM who is trying to maintain value for a player while still making him feel welcome and motivated to play in Chicago next season.

Nov 1, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs new general manager Jed Hoyer (right) speaks after being introduced by president of baseball operations Theo Epstein (left) during a press conference at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

If Soriano were to be moved, it would leave a rather large hole in left field and in the Cubs’ offense. He was the clear offensive MVP last season, but a lot of that had to do with the lack of production the Cubs. If you want my take? I believe the Soriano will be the starting left fielder for the Cubs on opening day but is certainly subject to a trade at any moment. Most teams will likely want to see him in action at least one more time considering his age and his knee issues.

Soriano certainly still have value to the club and Hoyer recognizes that. It will take a good, young return for the Cubs to make a deal for him, not to mention a team that is willing to take some of Soriano’s salary in stride.