Cubs Rumors: Five pitchers the Cubs could target at the deadline

Oakland A’s – Scott Kazmir – Free agent after this season: 5-5, 2.38 ERA, 101 K’s, 109.2 IP

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Reports from Bruce Levine have the Cubs in contact with the A’s about Scott Kazmir as a possible addition. Once again, there are ties to Joe Maddon (Is there anyone in baseball not tied to Maddon?). Added to that, the Cubs have had a history of making trades with the A’s, as recently as last season. So could the roles be reversed this season with a chance for Oakland to get some talent back from the Cubs?

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Billy Beane generally doesn’t believe in rebuilding, so it’s believed his demands are going to be Triple-A prospects on the cusp of being big league ready.While the Cubs are trying to decide if they are a true contender this year, they must decide how much to sacrifice for a second-half rental.

The Cubs would by all means like to add a lefty to the rotation, and Kazmir has been one of the best even though the record doesn’t reflect that. He has a WHIP of 1.085, and he keeps the ball in the park. That would likely change as the spacious O.co Coliseum is a bit easier to keep the ball in than Wrigley Field. But sliding Kazmir into the bottom of the rotation would give them a formidable staff top to bottom.

Next: Second time is a charm..