**OFFICIAL CUBS REGULAR SEASON THREAD**

[Clark]

Cubs fans on here have a strange fascination with LaHair and Campana. It reminds me of the Darwin Barney talk last year.

It really doesn't matter that they suck because they're cheap and the Cubs aren't going anywhere regardless but if the Cubs are going to be good in 2014/15 none of these guys should be playing significant roles.

[ssckelley]

In the Tribune:

3. Keep on eye on Josh Vitters. While Luis Valbuena has been a nice fill-in for third baseman Ian Stewart with the Cubs, Vitters may have turned a corner. The 2007 first-round pick is hitting .327 with a .965 OPS in June, and has raised his season totals to .293 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs. He could potentially give the Cubs another dangerous bat against left-handed pitchers (season totals against them: .318, with a .982 OPS), although you hear the Cubs are still concerned about his strikeouts and his fielding. The guess here is he’d already have gotten to the big leagues if Jim Hendry was still in charge. He should be here soon despite the regime change, although it’s possible that Theo Epstein will use him as a chip in a midseason trade if he doesn’t like the way he projects.

Play them all, let's see what they've got.

Your Morning Phil: Quintana, Pierzynski, Vitters - chicagotribune.com

[DuffMan]

vitters makes roger dorn look slick fielding

[Clark]

I could give a **** if Vitters can play 3rd base or not. The Cubs could move him to a corner outfield spot for that. Vitter's problem has been his complete lack of plate discipline. With his swing he doesn't need to be great in that area.

His walk percentage is up which is a good sign.

[ssckelley]

Cubs are going after another Cuban prospect Yasel Puig. They have until July 2nd to get the deal done before the new financial rules kick in for international prospects. The Cubs are willing to spend money on prospects, in fact the Cubs are offering to pay more of Dempsters remaining 14 million depending on the quality of prospects they get in return.

Chicago Cubs Rumors: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

[hawkfarmer]

Puig has a deal with the dodgers. bigger than the soler deal

Los Angeles Dodgers have deal with Yasiel Puig, sources say - ESPN Los Angeles

[hawkfarmer]

Lukewarm Stove: LaHair, Headley, Garza, Dempster, Greinke, Soriano, Hamels | Bleacher Nation | Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Commentary

[ssckelley]

Puig has a deal with the dodgers. bigger than the soler deal

Los Angeles Dodgers have deal with Yasiel Puig, sources say - ESPN Los Angeles

Thanks for the update, I did not look at the dates on the article I was reading. I am not surprised by the Dodgers throwing a bunch of money at Puig since it will be the last chance any team has to outbid others for international prospects.

It makes me sick about LaHair. I mentioned back in May the Cubs should have shopped him when he was on a tear. Hopefully he will get on another hot streak soon.

[hawkfarmer]

Some here have been clamoring for LaHair as a full time outfielder, I just don't see that working with the Theo plan. I think he ends up getting traded, but not for much. Likely a package deal with Dempster.

[HawkHater]

Hey all. Does any body know the pitching matchup for tomorrow. Tomorrow is my first Wrigley experience. Good thing I can watch two great teams :S

[hawkfarmer]

I'd guess it's about Garza's turn again. Maybe Wood.

[HawkHater]

Just by judging their depth chart it looks like Wood. Hmm.

[woodyk1]

I'd guess it's about Garza's turn again. Maybe Wood.

Correct. Matt Garza vs JA Happ (Astros).

[bcl20]

Cubs fans on here have a strange fascination with LaHair and Campana. It reminds me of the Darwin Barney talk last year.

It really doesn't matter that they suck because they're cheap and the Cubs aren't going anywhere regardless but if the Cubs are going to be good in 2014/15 none of these guys should be playing significant roles.

If Barney continues to play like he has so far with the Cubs he is an asset and I could see him being a starting second baseman on a good team. He's an ok hitter (for 2b) and plays good defense. He's a 1-2 win player and worth having around.

Campana's speed is an asset for sure, if he can improve his bat (possible because of his age but I don't really see it happening) he could be a solid player and I never really trusted LaHair, especially during his hot streak.

[ssckelley]

After an off day they have Clevenger starting over Soto in today's lineup. I know I have been preaching playing the kids but Soto could use the at bats to improve his trade value.

Six lefties in the lineup today: 1 DeJesus, 2 Castro, 3 Rizzo, 4 Soriano, 5 LaHair, 6 Clevenger, 7 Barney, 8 Valbuena, 9 Maholm.