Chicago Cubs: Trade deadline looms large for Theo Epstein

Chicago Cubs: Reinforcements for the pen or second base?

Some see a trade for a bullpen arm, especially a lefty, as likely.  That makes sense.  Mike Montgomery has been traded, Randy Rosario and Tim Collins are back in the minors, leaving Kyle Ryan as the only lefty in the bullpen.

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Others envision a move that would bolster production from the second base position.  Daniel Descalso has been benched and Addison Russell is still working to regain his MLB footing after being called up.  Robel Garcia has been good in the starts he’s made, slashing .333/.370/.875 for a 1.245 OPS in 10 games – but that’s an admittedly small sample size. Joe Maddon has used him only in spots where he matches up well.  Broader exposure would likely amplify the swing and miss that comes along with the power.

And what if they just stood pat. They’ve already acquired Martin Maldonado as the third catcher Maddon likes to have, especially given the need to rest Willson Contreras in the dog days of July and August.

Besides, the team has responded in blazing fashion after the All-Star Break, going 7-1, sweeping the Pirates, winning two of three from the Reds and winning the first two games against the young, powerful Padres.

Carl Edwards Jr. is due back from the IL and lengthens the bullpen further. The team is also likely to learn about Ben Zobrist in about week, according to Theo Epstein, though he said they are not counting on his return.