Cubs Are Trying to Win!!!!!

The Cubs traded Jose Hernandez (who added nothing), and two minor leaguers to Pittsburgh for Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez.

What a great, great thing!

I was a little peeved when they traded for Hernandez. I kind of figured when they weren't playing him a lot, they were loading him up as trade bait.

Lofton is a true leadoff guy. That's what the Cubs have needed up top. He could stand to be a little more patient (especially since he's a veteran now), but anything's better than having Mark Grudzielanek leading off.

And Aramis Ramirez (whom I remember playing for the Sounds for a couple of seasons) has quietly put up nice numbers at third base for Pittsburgh. He's a very streaky guy, though. For now, I wouldn't think of putting him any higher than seventh in the batting order, especially if Moises and Karros have hot bats..

Speaking of Karros. What worries me about this whole deal are reports that in order to open a roster spot on the 25 man roster for one of these two new fellows, they'll be sending Hee Seop Choi down. I can't help but think this would be detrimental to the feller's confidence. Go with Karros' hot bat, but keep Choi on the roster.

Here's an idea:

Release Lenny Harris

Or make him a coach. I think that's why Dusty and Cubs GM Jim Hendry have kept him on the roster. He's a smart, smart player. And he's tried taking a couple of younger guys under his wing, showing them a couple of things.

He just hasn't been performing on the diamond, that's all.

This is good news, and it makes me feel a little better about the Cubs' chances.