Ted Lilly Being Shopped, Derrek Lee as Well

It appears that Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry has put an open for business sign outside his offices. As according to a tweet by MLB Network insider Peter Gammons the Cubs are shopping Ted Lilly, and also have put first baseman Derrek Lee on the trade market as well. Now of all the players the Cubs have to offer, it is widely considered that Ted Lilly is their biggest chip to trade.

As of now, the only team to really go after Ted Lilly appear to be the Mets, who have Lilly high on their radar for the trade deadline. The Mets are believed to be in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, but they will likely not have enough to land the Cy Young pitcher, which is why they maybe going after Ted Lilly.

However, even though the Cubs may trade Ted Lilly at the trade deadline, Gammons reports that Lilly will likely be one of the Cubs top targets come free agency this off-season. I have to admit that this is not a bad idea for the Cubs, because if the Cubs can get a good package for Lilly, and then re-sign him in the off-season, that would be the best way of business. Although, the only thing that concerns me, is that once Lilly hits the open market he will be available to all teams, and the Cubs could get outbid by other teams.

Along with Lilly, the Cubs have reportedly put Derrek Lee on the trade Market. About a few weeks ago we heard rumors that the Cubs were in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Angels about a trade involving Derrek Lee, however those quickly died down. Among teams that I think would be interested in Lee are the Giants, and Angels.

One issue that may result in trading Derrek Lee, is that the Cubs virtually have no replacement for him at first base. One may suggest that Xavier Nady could be the guy, but he too has a strong chance of being traded. The likeliest scenario might be where the Cubs cal up Bryan LaHair or Micah Hoffpauir, and have one of those two fill the whole at first base.

With a month till the trading deadline, I would look for the Cubs to start making deals that will improve their team for the future.