Finding Relief For The Cubbies

Some changes must be made for the Chicago Cubs lineup and bullpen soon. I know it is early in the 2005 season, but the Cubs are already struggling to win games. If it's not the bullpen failing to hold a lead it's the offense being unable to score a sufficient amount of runs. Why must this happen almost every year? Letroy Hawkins has been shaky of late and sort of unreliable. Due to Joe Borowski's absence he has taken over the spot of closer for the Cubs. Their young relievers are still learning areas of the game and how to handle specific game situations. This is good, but that is not going to put Chicago over .500. When Mark Prior or any other starter goes the distance, pitching 7 or more innings and can't pick up the win due to poor relief work this is an embarrassment. Such unacceptable play should be corrected in as quick as possible.
Another area of weakness is the lack of overall productivity from the outfield. Jeromy Burntiz is a decent, respectable player that will get his shares of runs in a year, but there is no way he could ever replace the likes of Sammy Sosa or Moises Alou. The Cubs GM needs to think bigger and consider another quality outfielder that has more potential that is proven threat in the National League. This inevitable will give them a edge in the NL Central. The Cubs need to make a trade or two to bring some resurgence into the lineup. Don't worry about having to sign this potential player to a big fat contract until the off season. I think the Cubs GM needs to stop being cheap and pick up guys like Lance Berkman, Adam Dunn, Jose Guillen, or possibly even Austin Kearns (depending on how healthy he is during the year). If they have the opportunity to trade for one of these star outfielders by moving a starting pitcher with a few draft picks or an infielder they should jump on it. This would be the smart move instead of waiting for better offers that may never develop.