It has been bad people, real bad.  5-9 start against the teams they have played is horrific.  It has been the same old story.  They have issues with the lineup and huge problems in the bullpen.  There is enough time and enough talent for the Cubs to turn this thing around.  However, they would have to take some action and quickly.  I believe a combination of using your young players and acquiring an arm or 2 for the bullpen is just what this team needs. 

The hardest part of my solution requires the Cubs to get rid of one of my favorite players, Ryan Theriot.  But for good reason.  Young Starlin Castro is hitting .380 with a .400 OBP and 3 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR and 4 steals in 11 games.  Not to mention that he plays an outstanding shortstop.  He provides much needed range and athleticism up the middle of the cubs defense.  His presence in the lineup would also be a huge boost.  I would continue to bat him #2 in the order.  He would provide a spark to this lineup by getting on and stealing bases.  He has also shown that he has decent pop in his bat.  He is the real deal and is only 20 years old.  The Cubs can’t afford to wait any longer.

Theriot is really a 2nd baseman who has been playing SS.  He has mediocre range and and has seemed to lose a step in the field this season.  Moving him to 2B is a real option but with Fontenot and Baker playing well it may be tough to sit one down.  unless their is an injury or a fall or in production from either of the current 2nd basemen I would look to trade Theriot.  Ryan Theriot has been a solid major league player for the Cubs, but there comes a time to move on.  That time is now.  Starlin Castro is for real. 

On to the more pressing issue, THE BULLPEN sucks.  The Cubs need to add 2 legitamte right handed set up guys to the pen.  There are a few places to look…

Free Agents:

John Smoltz-  Future Hall of Famer who may not want to play this year.  He has both started and pitched out of the pen if definitely worth a phone call.

Braden Looper-  Looper is a former closer turned starter.  He had a bad year with Milwaukee last year as a starter, but he can be had for nothing and is worth taking a flier on.

Minor league system:

Andrew Cashner- One of the Cubs top prospects is currently a starter in AA Tennessee.  Cashner has great stuff and was a closer in college.  So far the Cubs have expressed a desire to continue his development as a starter in the minors.  He could be an answer in the bullpen ala what Adam Wainwright did for the STL Cardinals in 2006.

Blake Parker- The closer in AAA Iowa was a PCL all-star last season.  he has an explosive fastball and if off to a great start.  He has a poor spring which may make the Cubs tentative to bring him up.  Anything is better than the status quo and Parker has the stuff to be a very effective pitcher.

Trades:

Most likely you will not see a trade until late May at the earliest or more likely June-July.  The best available I see in a few categories.

Best Available and most expensive:

Heath Bell- All-Star closer in San Diego would cost a top prospect and other pieces.

J. Soria- Closer for the KC Royals.  Young stud would also command a big return.

Next tier- not as expensive but will cost you a solid piece or two:

Matt Capps- Closer in Washington. The Cubs failed to sign him as a free agent in the offseason.  He would look great in the 8th inning.  Ryan Theriot could be centerpiece of this deal.

O. Dotel- Pittsburgh.  Veteran, lots of experience good stuff.

The guy I want.

Mike Adams- Set up man in San Diego.  I think you can get Adams for a combo of Ryan Theriot, James Russell and another prospect.  He has been lights out the last two years and would help shore up the bullpen right away.

By adding Adams or anyone to the pen and calling up Starlin Castro the Cubs could turn things around.