Cubs Should Make Run At Pirates' Sanchez and Grabow

By: Mitch Heun

It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates are in their annual fire-sale of big contract players. They already shocked their fan base after trading All-Star center fielder Nate McClouth to the Braves for a sack of baseballs. After that trade came veteran first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Red Sox. Among recent talks have been infielders Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, and relievers Matt Capps and John Grabow. ESPN's baseball analyst Jayson Stark has recently reported that the Pirates are indeed fielding offers for Sanchez, even after they once claimed he was untouchable. 

After viewing last night's Cubs vs Astros game, there became a more apparent glaring hole at second base. The acquisition of Jeff Baker was merely a back up guy who could play a number of infield positions. While Fontenot has been hitting the ball better as of late, he can't be in an everyday lineup expecting to win this division. The Cardinals have become an offensive powerhouse in their recent additions of Matt Holliday, Mark DeRosa and Julio Lugo, and now it's time for the Cubs to step up and make an offensive addition of their own. 

Freddy Sanchez is having another strong season a the plate batting .296 with 6 HR and 34 RBI. His average has recently dropped on an 0-17 streak, but remained above the .300 mark for much of the season. As we all know, many of the current Cubs players haven't even come close to eclipsing the .300 average. Sanchez could bat very comfortably in the two hole, or possibly swap with Fukudome and lead off. This would drop Theriot down in the order, but he has been all over the whole season, flourishing in any spot. Fontenot may then become a welcome addition to the bench. He adds another left handed bat to go with Hoffpauir and Hill. 

Along with Sanchez could come lefty reliever John Grabow. While Sean Marshall has been solid in the bullpen, the Cubs won't be successful with just one lefty out of the pen. Granted, the recent acquisition of B.J. Ryan could be the left handed addition they were looking for. Only time will tell however, whether or not he can return to old form. Ryan is scheduled to make an appearance at AAA Iowa tonight. The Giants and Twins appear to be the current front runners for Sanchez, but when Jim Hendry is involved, there is no telling what can happen. This feeling comes with today's news that the Pirates will hold off on extensions for Sanchez and Wilson.