Cubs Trade Rumors: After Kosuke Fukudome Trade, What Are Jim Hendry's Plans?

Kosuke Fukudome was traded to the Cleveland Indians Thursday in return for two of the Tribe's prospects.  Despite comments made over the last month by people around the Chicago Cubs organization, there may be more moves to come.

It seems that Fukudome was dealt to Cleveland in order to give Tyler Colvin a chance to produce like he did when he got the opportunity in the big leagues last year.  Being that Fukudome is in the last year of his four-year, $48 million contract, that made it easier for Cubs GM Jim Hendry to get the deal done.

There are, unfortunately, players on the Cubs roster that will not be traded as easily as Fukudome was, for various reasons.  However, Jim Hendry has not hesitated to try and deal some of these guys.  Until the deadline passes, Hendry needs to do all he can to unload any, and all, players who aren't in the Cubs future plans.

Here is a list of players Jim Hendry may, or may not, trade by the July 31st MLB trade deadline.

Aramis Ramirez

Ramirez has reiterated for most of the year that he has no interest in being traded, and he wants to remain a Chicago Cub.  His stance became more flexible after Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. 

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Ramirez said, "...if they're looking to rebuild, I can't fit in.  So we'll see."

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who are currently two games behind the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, have made it clear that Aramis Ramirez would be an upgrade for the club at 3B.  The Pittsburgh Pirates are another club who can use Ramirez's bat in the meat of their order.

No deal can be done without the approval of Ramirez, so a deal is, currently, a lot easier said than done.

No matter how realistic Jim Hendry becomes about the team's immediate success, I don't see him moving any of his players within the NL Central, being that's the Cubs' division.  With that being said, I believe Ramirez will be traded to the Angels.

Carlos Zambrano

Carlos Zambrano has had his ups and down with the Chicago Cubs, and lately there's only been downs.  Zambrano told the media Wednesday night that the Cubs need to make changes, and he continued to say that he may be among those changes that need to be made.

The Cubs have recently attempted to rid themselves of the 30-year-old starting pitcher by contacting the New York Yankees, who apparently have no interest in him.  The Bronx Bombers are currently two-and-a-half games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, but they have a nice five-game lead for the AL Wild Card. 

The Yanks have made pre-deadline trades in each of the last five years, so you'd think, considering their current position in the standings and need for another starting pitcher, they'd be trying to make a move.  Maybe Zambrano just isn't the guy that GM Brian Cashman is looking for.

Do you blame them?  Because of Zambrano's large contract and personal baggage he's complemented with, I think he's going to be a Cub for the rest of the year and, most likely, all of 2012.

Carlos Pena

Recently, many sources were saying that Carlos Pena was bound to be dealt prior to the trade deadline, but things have changed.  The Cubs have said that Pena talks were exaggerated.

With that being said, I don't think Pena is going to be moved prior to the deadline.  He's had a much improved year from his production last year.  The Cubs are lacking in the first base department, and it doesn't seem like the club's 1B prospects are ready to be called up to The Show.  Don't be surprised if he's still in Chicago after Sunday. I've been an advocate for the Cubs to re-sign Pena for another two years, but for less than the $10 million he's currently making.

Alfonso Soriano

Jim Hendry and the Cubs are trying to move Alfonso Soriano as much as they're trying to move Zambrano, but Soriano comes with baggage, as well.  His contract is enormous, and he's a liability in LF.

The Cubs have come out and said they are willing to eat the majority of Soriano's remaining contract, but they're still having difficulties finding a suitor.  Not only does Soriano struggle in LF, but he does not hustle, and when he does, he has troubles avoiding injury.

A National League team is not going to trade for him because of his inability to field, so that takes away half of the teams available.  I believe Soriano will be in a Cubs uniform for at least the remainder of the 2011 season.