Imposter Alert

Who was that bearded man? And why is he hurling a baseball so well? This is huge if Matty can keep throwing humdingers. It makes waiting for Prior to heal and Maddux to right himself possible to do without falling to far behind.

It also makes Matty good trade bait.

While I see the Cubs adding a player or two before July 31, I don't see them adding a ton of salary. That means you have to lose one of three players: Alou, A Gonz or Clement. Now, A Gonz is highest on the wish list to go away, but the least likely as he... well... sucks. Alou is the highest paid and plays the least valuable position. And is the oldest and more likely to tail off at the end of the year.

Clement is also the easiest to replace. You've got to figure that one of the top minor league pitchers will be ready by mid-year.

How about Clement and Jae Kuk for a shortstop?

And while I'm dreaming, I'd like a pony.