Will Trader Jim Strike Again?

The deadline for contending teams to set their playoff roster is tomorrow at midnight EST.  Typically it also signifies the last of the major waiver trades of the MLB season. Tomorrow will likely be filled with a few trades as teams try to add pieces before their playoff rosters lock in. In a season where we have already seen General Manager trade away Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, and Derrek Lee will we see more players dealt off the Cubs before the deadline.

Hendry is probably hard at work looking for a landing spot for outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and first baseman Xavier Nady. Both of whom do not fit in the Cubs long term future.

The Chicago Cubs may benefit from Kosuke’s recent hot streak. As the reserve outfielder compiled an impressive series against the division leading Reds which consisted of 2 two run home runs. Fukudome does not have much value as a starting outfielder, but could be a valueable asset to have coming off the bench. From what I have gathered, the Cubs were willing to eat all of Fukudome’s remaining salary this year and a big portion of his salary next year when they were trying to trade him in June and July. The Red Sox and Nationals were among teams the Cubs engaged in conversations with regarding Fukudome.

As for Nady, he really does not have any trade value for the Chicago Cubs. As if traded he would likely only net the Cubs cash or a player to be named later. Despite his numbers being down this year, Nady has received interest earlier in the season before the non waiver trade deadline. Specifically the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers both showed strong interest in Nady at different points.

With Nady and Fukudome the exceptions, I do not really see anyone else on the Cubs roster that will be moved. Obviously the Cubs would love to rid themselves of the poor contracts that are Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano, and Aramis Ramirez but there is no one in their right mind that would even touch those players considering the remaining money left on their respective contracts. However, the Cubs would be taking a step in the right direction if they are able to unload Fukudome on a team before the roster deadline.