The Good, the Bad, and the Chicago Cubs: Why Bryce Harper May End Up a Cubbie

As the Chicago Cubs—though still premature—close in on their first losing season season since 2006, one thing may be able to relinquish an utterly disappointing season.

Currently, numerous mock-draft web sites have the Cubs taking yet another pitching prospect, ranging from Alex Wimmers and Asher Wojciechowski, to Stetson Allie and Drew Pomeranz.

As seen with Chicago pitcher-prospects Jeff Samardizija and Jay Jackson, developement of young pitchers can be time consuming, and possibly result in career minor league pitchers. 

So the question should be asked: Does the Chicago Cubs front office have the patience to wait for another mediocre hurler to earn his stripes? And the question can be simply answered with an emphatic "no."

For Cubs fans looking for something to cheer about that doesn't involve the Blackhawks in 2010, draft day may be a short term solution to their spring woes. 

As draft day approaches (round one begins at 7 p.m. ET on June 7) Jim Hendry and the Chicago Cubs' executives need to find possibilities to trade up in the round from pick 16, to possibly snag catching phenom, Bryce Harper—no matter how far-fetched is may seem. 

The Washington Nationals have once again "won" the right to the first overall pick in the MLB First-Year Players Draft, and are on pace to draft Harper, who may surpass former first-overall pick, and National, Stephen Strasburg as the highest paid rookie. 

According to Cbssports.com, however, Washington—who ranks 23rd in team payroll this season—may not be able to afford yet another blockbuster player with their $61 million budget. 

The best option for the Cubs and the Nationals, may be to make a deal on Tuesday.

Derrek Lee is currently the leader in Chicago Cubs trade rumors around the organization, and would be a good fit for the Nationals, who depend on the un-dependable Adam Dunn at first base.

Along with Geovany Soto (.254 batting average with a .405 slugging percentage), Washington could have a set of experience National League veterans to anchor their already youthful squad.

Though the Cubs' chances of landing Harper are a stretch at best, Chicago needs to trade up from their current spot to capitalize on a rather deep amateur draft.