Are the Chicago Cubs Interested in Aaron Heilman?

Bruce Levine reported in his blog that the Cubs have expressed interest in Aaron Heilman. The former Notre Dame pitcher was traded from the Mets to the Mariners earlier during the Winter Meetings in a three-team deal that included the Cleveland Indians.

Heilman was 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP in 78 games out of the Mets' pen last season. Heilman has stated this offseason that he wants to be a starting pitcher again.

Levine reported "the former Met is considered by the Cubs a possible missing link to their bullpen for next year." Levine indicated the Mariners are looking for a middle infielder and with the signing of Aaron Miles, Ronny Cedeno "might be available in a deal for Heilman."

Ronny Cedeno is out of options and would not make it through waivers if the Cubs released him. Cedeno began 2008 on a positive note and appeared to be on the way to turning the corner on his big league career. Cedeno finished with a .269/.328/.352/.680 line with two home runs and 12 doubles in 99 games.

Heilman was booed out of New York after posting solid seasons from 2005-2007. He was 7-7 in 2007 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP and held opponents to a .224 batting average. He has pitched in five games, with one start, in his career at Wrigley. In 8 1/3 innings he has allowed eight runs, four earned, on nine hits with a home run, walked three and struck out six....a 4.32 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP.