MLBTR readers expect Cubs to deal multiple players

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.

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