Which players could the Cubs target at the trade deadline?
The Chicago Cubs have made a habit of making July trades under Theo Epstein, including acquisitions such as Jake Arrieta (2013), Addison Russell (2014), Aroldis Chapman (2016) and Jose Quintana (2017). This year should be no different, though there is the question as to what they have left in their farm system to use as bait and if it's enough to grab another big fish like the names above.cheap nike nfl jerseys china
On paper, the Cubs could use a playoff-caliber starter, but they've gone down that road several times over the past 12 months, with varying degrees of success, in acquiring Quintana, Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood. Their rotation is tied for fifth in the National League in ERA, though it hasn't passed the eye test to the extent that ranking suggests. Only Jon Lester has earned the trust of fans this season, but it doesn't seem feasible to bring in another big arm, considering the state of the farm. The answers really do have to come from within -- at least at the top of the rotation.
"There is no way we're going to go out and acquire starters the caliber of a locked-in Kyle Hendricks or a locked-in Jose Quintana and guys like that," Epstein said recently.
As if on cue, Hendricks turned in his best performance of the year Monday, and Quintana did likewise on Tuesday. The Cubs will have to rely on that happening a lot more frequently in the second half while also hoping to get Darvish healthy for a playoff push.
The team will look to fortify on the edges, especially in the bullpen, where the Cubs could use another left-handed pitcher. That has been a running theme over the past couple of years. They've traded for two lefty back-end relievers, Chapman and Justin Wilson, the past two seasons, and they're basically in need of the same this year. Their look from the left side has changed since April, considering that Mike Montgomery is now in the rotation, Brian Duensing has been ineffective (and hurt) and Wilson has been somewhat inconsistent, with a 1.4 WHIP.
Moore is an interesting name, as he is being transitioned to the bullpen after an awful stint as a starter this year. His ERA in the rotation is 8.02, but it's 3.29 in six games as a reliever. As with most starters who go to the bullpen, Moore's fastball velocity is up, jumping from 91.4 to 93.3 mph. Also, Moore played for Cubs manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay. That connection never hurts when making a midseason acquisition. And here's the other thing about Moore: He can start if the Cubs are desperate for an outing. He has that experience, and it can't hurt leaving hitter-friendly Globe Life Park and the dangerous AL West.
Adam Conley of the Marlins and Robbie Erlin of the Padres are two more names who have popped up on the radar. Of course, whomever the Cubs go after, there is sure to be stiff competition.
"Almost every contender is looking to add another reliever or two from each side," Epstein said.cheap nike nfl jerseys wholesale
Although Chicago's system isn't stocked with the blue-chip prospects it would take to swing a July blockbuster, there are still some pieces who could help bring back pitching help.
The Cubs traded third-base prospect Jeimer Candelario for Wilson last year. This year's version, David Bote, could net a similar-type player. Scouts have taken notice of him.
