Come To Think of It: The Cubs Should Release Joey Gathright and Sign Jim Edmonds

Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella had this to say following Friday night's loss to the Cardinals:

"We've got no bench," Piniella said. "We've got an extra catcher [in Koyie Hill] and [Micah] Hoffpauir and [Joey] Gathright. We're going to have to get somebody in here."

One of the players Lou mentions, Joey Gathright, has been basically reduced to pinch-runner status. So being picked off on Saturday afternoon isn't good.

This means that he has stolen one base and given back another.

So, what I am proposing is for Jim Hendry, who assembled this lack of depth, release Gathright and sign veteran free agent outfielder Jim Edmonds.

Yes, the same Jim Edmonds who hit 20 home runs with a .343 OBP in 340 ABs for the Cubs in 2008.

At least let's see if he can still hit. He can't be any worse that Gathright, who has one hit in five ABs this season, and has a total of one career home run.

He's the classic player who can run, but can't steal first base. His career .327 OBP doesn't inspire much confidence.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Edmonds still wants to play in 2009. According to the report, Edmonds recently intensified his workouts and could be ready in about three weeks.

That way, he could split time with Reed Johnson in center, while Kosuke Fukudome goes back to right field until Milton Bradley is ready.

We need offense, that much is certain. Jim Edmonds just might be worth a gamble at this point, come to think of it.