If Phil Nevin decides to go to Baltimore, he should since that's about the 3rd time the Padres have offered him up, Sidney Ponson (one of my players to move) is going to the Padres. But that isn't the only reason I made this one up. (Ponson is a crappy pitcher; but I had to think of what Baltimore too - leaving the Cubs only an average trade.)

So, my second deal for the Cubs:

Seattle:

Raul Ibanez (OF/1B)

Eddie Guardado (Closer) or Ron Villone (Setup-servicable one)

for,

Corey Patterson

Rich Hill (or Mitre)

Eric Patterson (not included for Ron Villone)

Cubs get a fairly decent power hitter in Ibanez (a DH in the AL - but he can play LF and 1B if need be) and a quality, experienced closer in Guadardo. It gives the Cubs both things they struggle with - bullpen and a consistent hitting lefthanded hitter in LF.

As of August 1st, their lineup would be:

Hairston CF

Walker 2nd

Lee 1B

Burnitz RF

Ramirez 3B

Ibanez LF

Garciaparra SS - though him and Walker will switch, once he's 100% in the groove

Barrett C

Pitchers:

Prior

Zambrano

Maddux

Williams

Mitre (or Hill) - this changes if Wood can actually make it back AGAIN and the player traded away

Rusch (long relief) - spot starter

Scott Williamson (coming back off the DL) - (7th and 8th split)

Remlinger (boy he's out of gas, I think)

Wuertz (7th)

Ohman

Dempster (setup)

Guardado (closer)

Cubs then look like a contending team.  Seattle wouldn't mind losing a couple of salaries - though Sexson, Beltre and Ichiro are 30% of their payroll, these two guys (Ibanez and Guardado) aren't going to break the Cubs.  Corey MAY still have trade value. Rich Hill will get a shot today - to start - against San Francisco and Jason Schmidt. That could sell him to SOMEONE.

JP out.