Come to Think of It: If Boston Is Selling, the Cubs Should Be Buying

First of all, I realize that this may never happen.

But Buster Olney of ESPN.com raised the possibility, so we should at least examine the opportunity.

According to Olney, the Boston Red Sox have a surplus of pitching and may use some of that to fill other needs that their ballclub has.

For example, Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to return to the rotation soon, so Justin Masterson will likely go back to the bullpen.

And don't forget, the Sox have John Smoltz waiting in the wings. Also, they have Clay Buccholz in the minors.

So, as Olney speculates, Brad Penny may become available at some point in the very near future.

Again, Olney is only speculating at this point. But here is what he says:

"Eventually, it figures that Justin Masterson will go back to the Boston bullpen, and that will create the spot in the rotation for Daisuke Matsuzaka. If the Red Sox want to create another for Clay Buchholz, they would always have the option of taking offers for a veteran pitcher who has had quality starts in four of his six outings.

That guy is Brad Penny, who might be a nice fit for a team like the Milwaukee Brewers or the Mets. That's all speculation at this point."

Now, Penny has a history of injuries and erratic performance.

This year has been no exception.

The 30-year-old is 3-1 despite a horrific 6.90 ERA. He has allowed more hits than innings pitched, and has walked about as many as he has struck out.

But the Cubs need a starter and Penny throws 97 mph. Even if Rich Harden defies the odds and stays healthy, they need Sean Marshall in the bullpen to replace Neal Cotts.

I realize the Sox will be looking for a shortstop or a young catcher in return, and I'm not advocating trading Ryan Theriot or Geo Soto to get Penny.

Theriot has proven to be a solid hitter, if not a good defensive shortstop, and the Cubs have no one to take his place, unless you count Aaron Miles (I don't; he should be a utility guy).

And as bad as Soto has been, you certainly don't give up on a ROY just to get a journeyman pitcher.

So, who do the Cubs have to trade to satisfy the Sox?

Well, for starters, how about Koyie Hill?

I realize he's not proven, but he looks to be a serviceable backup.

And how about Reed Johnson or Kosuke Fukudome?

JD Drew gets injured a lot, and though Rocco Baldelli is off to a good start, his injury history is even more of a concern. He likely can't play on an everyday basis.

I admit there likely isn't a great fit here, but you never know.

Of course, there's a very good chance that the 20-12 BoSox will do nothing.

Paul Byrd is a free agent who is looking for about $3 million to sign.

He is another option.

As is Pedro Martinez. I guess the point here is that, with all of the injuries the Cubs are facing, we need some help to keep us in games until the likes of Aramis Ramirez returns.

Perhaps the Cubs would be better off trying to acquire a relief pitcher. That is, if you agree with what Lou Piniella is saying.

But, it's worth considering come to think of it.

What do you think, Cubs fans?