Soriano and Eyre back. The Cubs will decide soon on what to do at deadline.

The Cubs have activated Scott Eyre and Soriano from the DL. The sent Micah Hoffpauier and Kevin Hart to AAA. I would not be surprised if Hart and/or Hoffpauier's name comes up in the next week about possible trade chips. Both have had decent success in the ML level and could be a nice addition to a team that may want to start over.

I also think you will start to see Cedeno, Font, Hill, Pie, Ceda, Veal, Vitters, Samj, and others to come up in trade talks which are really starting to heat up with the deadline right around the corner.

The Cubs will decide in the next 4 or 5 days whether they need a bat, reliever, or another starter before the deadline ends on the 31st. They need to see how Soriano's hand is doing and how Eyre looks coming off the DL. Another thing that hinges on wether they make a deal for a reliever is on Wood. He is not likely to head to the DL now which is a relief but they will still keep an eye on him to see if they need to make a deal for a Fuentes, Marte, or Mahay.

The Cubs also look decent at the starting rotation. They could upgrade the rotation by trading or releasing Marquis and getting Burnett but that does not look likely even though the Jays have made it no secret that they would trade A.J.. The Jays said they have not received any calls on Burnett but they have said to like Ronny Cedeno and both teams have been scouting each other the past week or so.

The Cubs could use another bat in this lineup but where and who?? The Cubs should get a good lift from Soriano who returns tonight against the Dbacks but if the Cubs see any inclination that Soriano is not 100% they will make a deal for a big bat. The Cubs would prefer a left handed bat but besides Adam Dunn( will not be traded within the division), Raúl Ibañez ( who is not that big of a bat), and Barry Bonds (we will not go there) there is not much on the market.

One player that does interest the Cubs whether or not Soriano comes back is Matt Holliday. Now I know you all are saying where would he play, but trust me they would find a place for Matt. They could move Fukudome to CF, leave Soriano in LF, and put Holliday in RF. It would be a good defensive outfield, not to mention the lineup with him in it. WOW! The price of Holliday would be astronomical but he would be well worth it. Guys like Vitters, Hoffpauier( could eventually replace Helton), Veal, Marshall, and Ceda would really interest the Rockies. Lets face it they need young good pitching and we have that. Just keep your eye on the Rockies and Holliday because he is likely to be dealt right before the deadline ends, if traded at all.