Zambrano?

There are reports that the Cubs are debating whether to shop Zambrano this offseason or not. Zambrano would be a perfect fit in the Twins starting rotation as long as he stays healthy. He is an innings eater and a strikeout pitcher that this team needs (we all know that Baker is not a strikeout pitcher, even though he leads this team in strikeouts).

What would it take to get Zambrano? Well there probably aren't any minor leaguers the Cubs want from the Twins organization. The Twins do however have a player that the Cubs would be extremely interested in - Jason Kubel - who would be the left-handed power hitting outfielder they covet.

Now I am a huge Kubel fan and have been for quite some years, and now he is starting to reach his prime. He is a legitimate .300 hitter with 30 HR potential who has started to hit lefties just as well as righties since the all-star break. Just like any trade however, you have to give something to get something. Kubel is signed to an extremely affordable contract for the type of hitter he is growing into and it would be tough to trade a guy who the Twins have been patient with. However, with the growth in overall team power - Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer each hitting close to 30 HRs and with Delmon Young hopefully reaching his potential - the Twins can afford to trade some power hitting for power pitching.

If both sides would agree to a straight up deal, it would allow the Twins to start Span, Gomez, and Cuddyer in the outfield (Gardy's preference) and have Delmon Young get his ABs as a DH and rotate in the outfield giving the other outfielders a day off. Delmon Young is about 3 1/2 years younger than Kubel and hopefully can start reaching his potential next season.

Granted, the Twins would have to get the go-ahead to add the contract of Zambrano, and still be able to re-sign Mauer, but a move like this would really go a long way in showing Mauer that the front office is willing to do what it takes to add players to make a run at the world series.