Chicago Cubs: Hanley Ramirez and Potential Trade Targets

While it remains to be seen what kind of spenders Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs will be this offseason, the rumors of players like Hanley Ramirez wanting out of Miami are creating some intriguing targets for the Cubs.

The Cubs should be interested in whatever they can get their hands on, as long as that fits what they are trying to build in Chicago. While it will be great to see Epstein build a team out of prospects and young talent, there is no denying that he will need to sprinkle the roster with some experience.

In order to build into the right direction, the Cubs should think about inquiring into some of these players.

Gaby Sanchez

With reports that the Miami Marlins were willing to move Gaby Sanchez with the potential signing of Albert Pujols, there is a chance that the 28-year-old first baseman just may be available.

Sanchez hasn't had overwhelming numbers, but there is still a lot of potential there. He has been consistent slugging 19 home runs and cracking at least 75 RBI in each of his first two seasons.

There is no doubt that Sanchez doesn't present the ideal power that the Chicago Cubs would be looking for, but he could possibly be their cheapest option.

If the Marlins are open to dealing him, the Cubs have many pieces that could be involved in a trade. It is rumored that the Marlins are looking to add outfield help, and perhaps a trade centered around outfielder Marlon Byrd could make things happen.

Casey McGehee

Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Casey McGehee has been performing worse every season since he entered the majors three years ago. While such a statement makes one weary of such a choice, the plus side is McGehee would likely come cheap and could provide the power that was lost with Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena.

McGehee had a really bad year in 2011. He batted .223 with only 12 home runs and 64 RBI. Those numbers don't stand out as any sign of promise. He did however bat .285 in 2010 with 23 home runs, 38 doubles and 104 RBI. At only 29 years old, there is definitely room for McGehee to bounce back.

He will be going through arbitration this offseason with the Brewers, but following a bad season, both sides could be far apart. If they can't come to an agreement, the Cubs should look to possibly snag their rivals' third baseman as a stepping stone piece.

John Danks

The Chicago Cubs should not be sold yet on their five-man rotation, so the fact that their in-state rivals the Chicago White Sox are looking to possibly move starting pitcher John Danks should intrigue them.

Danks had a down year in 2011, but at 26 years old there is no doubt that he can easily bounce back. Danks has a career ERA of 4.03, but he is also good for at least 200 innings a season and over 10 wins.

While Danks will not be a suitable ace or No. 2 starter, he would be a great addition to the back end of the Cubs' rotation with players like Randy Wells and whoever else is potentially fighting for that position.

In 2010, Danks went 15-11 with a 3.72 ERA. He also struck out 162 batters in 213 innings. While he isn't a strikeout pitcher, he is a quality lefty arm. That is something that the Cubs need, especially after losing out on Mark Buehrle and CJ Wilson.

Hanley Ramirez

The Miami Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez won't come cheap, and he definitely won't come without baggage. If he continues to be disgruntled though with the signing of Jose Reyes and his potential move to third base, perhaps the Chicago Cubs could focus their spending here.

Obviously, Ramirez would have to play shortstop, otherwise the drama would just continue. That would mean Starlin Castro would likely shift over to third base, an idea that hasn't been out of the question.

Ramirez can play, that is without a doubt. He just needs to be mentally there. Taking on a player like Ramirez would be a huge risk, but if he pans out it would be a huge payoff to the Cubs. He is only 27 years old and averages about 25 home runs a season.

He would come with a price tag of $15-16 million a season over three years, but perhaps the Cubs would be able to ship a package including disgruntled pitcher Carlos Zambrano over to Miami.

Gio Gonzalez

The Oakland A's lefty Gio Gonzalez is going to remain a hot commodity this offseason. While the Chicago Cubs likely won't be looking to dump their remaining top prospects on a great young pitcher, a move relieving some of the salary of one of their players could make it happen.

There are going to be a lot of teams coming after Gonzalez, especially if it becomes official that he is available. He is coming off of a 16-12 season in Oakland while posting a 3.12 ERA. He also raked in 202 innings while striking out 197 batters.

If Gonzalez does hit the market, there is no doubt that Epstein and Hoyer would be all over it. The real question is how much would it cost the Cubs to bring him in. That remains to be seen, but the most likely answer is that it won't be cheap.