The most talked about rumor of the off-season would likely be the possibility of bringing in current Detroit Tigers center-fielder, Curtis Granderson. The Tigers have expressed interest in dealing a few of their players in order to dump salary, and Granderson could definitely be one of those players.

A Granderson trade wouldn't be cheap, but would it be worth it? It is likely that the Cubs will trade disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley in the off-season, and move Kosuke Fukudome to right fight. This would create a glaring hole in center, with Sam Fuld or Tyer Colvin being the only legit in-house options.

Granderson has multiple years left on his deal, which is a plus. He hits with great power and has good speed. Why wouldn't they make the deal? Granderson doesn't hit well against lefties, and would likely cost multiple prospects. What are your thoughts?

If Granderson is acquired, it raises the question of what to do with Milton Bradley. Many names have come up when talking about a Bradley trade, including Luis Castillo, Pat Burrell, Kevin Millwood, and Vernon Wells. Notice a pattern? The Cubs would likely have to participate in a bad contract swap in order to move Bradley without having to pay much of his remaining salary.

Could the Cubs get away with keeping Bradley for another season? This is a question I have been asking myself for a couple weeks now. I dislike Bradley's attitude as much as any other Cubs fan, but Bradley has nowhere to go but up after a disappointing season. Also, it doesn't hurt that the Cubs brought in Rudy Jaramillo, his former hitting coach with whom he had tremendous success. I just don't like the idea of trading Milton for someone like Pat Burrell...how would that be an upgrade?

The Cubs don't figure to be very active in free agency this off-season, as they don't have much payroll to work with. At this point, it doesn't seem likely that the Cubs will re-sign either Rich Harden or Reed Johnson. The Cubs were rumored to be a possible suitor for Matt Holliday, but that'll never happen. Period.

A few other holes that stand out for the Cubs are at second base, closer, and another starter if they are unable to re-sign Harden. As of now, the opening day starter at 2B will be Jeff Baker. He finished the season strong, but I'm not sure he'll be able to be a solid everyday guy for a team like the Chicago Cubs. Should the Cubs acquire a new 2B in the offseason or hold off and give top-prospect Starlin Castro time to work his way into a starter.

Carlos Marmol could easily be the everyday closer again next season, but how much trust do Cubs management have in him? Jose Valverde and Billy Wagner are among some of the free agent closers.  

What are your thoughts on some of these options? Do you have any other solutions? This offseason promises to be a very active one for the Chicago Cubs. This could get interesting...

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Lou Piniella has recently been quoted saying that the Cubs may need to add some speed for next season. The Cubs have the lowest number of stolen bases this season. With a noticeable hole at second base, Figgins would be an obvious candidate.

Chicago's offense has struggled mightily this season, and the addition of a bat should help. Figgins is batting .305 so far this season, with 47 RBIs. Combine his batting ability with his extreme speed, and Figgins makes a lot of sense for the Cubs.

With all of this being said, there is only one problem: Figgins is likely to compile lots of interest this offseason, and he won't come cheap. Will the Cubs be willing to add MORE salary to an already high-paid offense?

If the Cubs do indeed sign Figgins, he will likely bat lead-off and play 2B. While on the topic of the offseason, let's discuss some more possibilities...

Milton Bradley has been the most talked about player this season for the Cubs, and many people think that they will try to actively shop him in the offseason. With Bradley heating up as of late, I'm not sure if I completely support this.

I do understand he is a "clubhouse cancer," but unless they can get another big name player, how is that better for the struggling offense? If they have the payroll to go out and sign/trade for someone better, then go for it. Otherwise, stick with him, and see what he can do next season.

I've heard ideas of trading Bradley and just letting Fox play everyday in RF. Although that sounds fine at first, I'm not completely sure he can keep up playing EVERYDAY. Plus, Bradley is a slight upgrade in defense.

Why not keep Bradley and let Fox get some starts here and there, especially when Bradley is struggling. Let me know your thoughts...

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This will likely come as a big blow to the Cubs. They're already missing another starter in All-Star Ted Lilly. It is still unclear who will take Zambrano's spot in the rotation.

Just as it seemed like the Cubs were getting everyone back, another Cub goes down—catcher Geovany Soto was activated from the DL yesterday.

Zambrano has put up good numbers this season. He was 7-5 with a 3.35 ERA when he went down. Let's just hope we won't be down for long...

Most of the focus was on John Grabow when he and Gorzelanny were traded to Chicago. Grabow went straight to the major league team while Gorzelanny was sent to the triple-Aclub. It wasn't long until Gorzelanny was added to the Major League squad.

Tom Gorzelanny was the starting pitcher for the Cubs on Tuesday night. He wasn't anything short of brilliant. He went seven-and-a-third innings, giving up only three hits and one run.

Sean Marshall was actually pitching when Gorzelanny's earned run crossed the plate. Marshall came in with runners on first and second.

Gorzelanny made the start in place of the injured Ted Lilly. Lilly is only expected to miss a couple more starts, so where do you put Gorzelanny after that? The No. 5 starter is Randy Wells, but he has been spectacular. Wells looks like he'll be staying in the rotation for a while.

How about the bullpen? That could be a possibility, but it's already a little crowded down there, and he would likely have to take a spot away from someone like Jeff Stevens, a young player with potential. Plus, Gorzelanny has always been the starter-type throughout his career.

Gorzelanny will likely be given his next chance to shine Monday against the Rockies.

Let's see what he can do. He might make future roster decisions interesting.

The Cubs' slamming of the Astros came after routing them 12-0 the day before. Everyone in the lineup is contributing, and you no longer hear anyone saying the word "slump."

Kosuke Fukudome went 3-for-3, and was only a home run away from the cycle. Soriano went 2-for-3 with two walks, while both Jake Fox and Milton Bradley belted home runs.

Pitcher Kevin Hart started off a little rough, but finished nicely and got the job done. Hart went six innings, giving up three runs on six hits.

The Cubs have added bullpen help, making a trade for Pirate's left-handed relievers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny. The Cubs will send Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio, and Josh Harrison. This trade will give Piniella some flexibility in the bullpen with another lefty.

Depending on the result of the Cardinals game, the Cubs have a chance to re-gain sole possession of first place in the NL Central. Once they can get a few of their players back from injuries, it feels like they'll be tough to beat. Life is good for a Cubs fan.

Lilly, the team's only all-star, was putting up great numbers throughout the season. This will likely be a huge blow to the Cubs, who are all ready in catch-up mode.

Kevin Hart has already been penciled in to take Lilly's next start in the rotation.

Ted Lilly is scheduled to have knee surgery on Monday, the recovery time is approximately 3 weeks.

It seemed as if the hard work paid off. Bradley, pictured above, went 2-for-4 with 2 singles and an RBI. There were many other good signs from many Cubs such as Soriano who has continued to come out of his slump (going 2-for-5 with an RBI).

In the 6th inning, the Phillies lost their manager Charlie Manual, who was thrown out arguing a ball in the dirt which struck out Paul Bako. The Phillies were also held homer-less for the first time in the series.

Both starting pitchers got off to a good start, not allowing a run to either team through 3 innings. In the top of the 4th, the Cubs chipped off 4 runs, and never looked back. Zambrano was credited with the win while Jamie Moyer took the loss for the Phils. Kevin Gregg also picked up the save for the Cubs.

This win comes after some good news coming from Cubs GM Jim Hendry this morning. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors, Hendry announced this morning that the Cubs are able to add some pieces at the deadline if needed.

The Cubs have an off-day tomorrow, then will start a 3-game series at home against the Houston Astros.