Article:Catching up with the Cubs

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to have some deep thought about the Chicago Cubs, so I thought I’d use my free time today to do so.

A lot of time, effort and energy has been used by Cubs fans to talk about the on-again-off-again trade involving Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. That talk heightened with the recent health concerns of current second baseman and super-utility man Mark DeRosa.

DeRosa’s health concerns could put a sense of urgency behind Cubs GM Jim Hendry to make a trade for Roberts. The addition of Alex Cintron gives the Cubs more depth in the infield, and the flexibility to trade Ronny Cedeno.

Another hint that has been recently dropped is the rumor that originated from ESPN 1000’s Bruce Levine saying that Orioles owner Peter Angelos has given Andy MacPhail the green light to deal Roberts.

Roberts recently auditioned for some Cubs scouts, angering Florida Marlins lefty Mark Hendrickson by swiping two bags. You can’t hate Roberts for trying to show off in front of his future employers, can you?

However, Roberts isn’t the only name being thrown around in trade rumors.

Jason Marquis has thrust himself into trade talks by saying he didn’t want to be on the Cubs if he wasn’t in the starting rotation. He obviously forgot that his manager, Lou Piniella, doesn’t give a damn about how you feel.

Piniella had this to say about the situation:

"Well, if that's the case, he can go somewhere else," Piniella said. "Win a spot in the rotation, you don't have to worry about it.”

Marquis might get his wish. He might get a piece in a swap for Roberts or Boston’s Coco Crisp.

Adding Crisp would be questionable, unless Felix Pie is involved in a deal for Roberts, which I find unlikely seeing that the O’s acquired Adam ‘Not Pac Man’ Jones in a trade that sent left-handed starter Erik Bedard to Seattle.

Spring training is only into its second month, there is still plenty of time to make a move.