Come to Think of it...Cubs Eyeing Jim Edmonds

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are seriously considering the possibility of signing former Cardinal and recently released Padre center fielder Jim Edmonds.

On the surface, it seems like a no-lose proposition, as the move won't cost the Cubs in terms of players and the money involved would be small potatoes. But the question is, does Edmonds have anything left?

Apparently the San Diego Padres don't think so. With a .178/.265/.233 line, they released him on May 9. The soon-to-be 38-year-old former St. Louis Cardinal was acquired by the Pads last December with cash from the Red Birds in exchange for infielder David Freese.

In addition to his lack of offensive production, the Padres had been concerned about Edmond's ability to track down fly balls in spacious Petco field. Perhaps the more intimate confines of Wrigley Field will give him a better chance to be successful.

Edmonds had started the season on the disabled list after straining his right calf in early March. Activated on April 5, he went 16-for-90 with just one home run and six RBI for the Padres.

Edmonds is a career .286/.377 hitter, with 363 home runs and 1127 RBI. The left-hitting and throwing Edmonds had eight gold gloves in his career.

So, let's get back to the question of whether he has anything left in the tank or not. It doesn't appear so, but given the Cubs need to replace Felix Pie with someone capable of platooning with Reed Johnson, it might be a worthwhile gamble to take.

It has become clear that Pie won't develop playing sporadically like he is now, so he needs to go back to the minors and learn the strike zone. It is equally clear that Reed Johnson is not an every day player in the major leagues either.

So go ahead, Jim Hendry, and take the chance or find someone else to pick up to help in CF (Coco Crisp?). You have to do something, as this situation is not good for the club or for a young player like Pie.

Come to think of it, the main benefit will be giving Pie a chance to play regularly again.