The Cubs started Ryan Theriot at 2nd in the second game of the second half of the season, and this should be the first of many tryouts conducted for 2007. The Cubs are not going to make a run at the playoffs and to make some meaning for the remainder of the season the Cubs would be best suited playing rookies and gearing up for next year.

Ryan Theriot could win the job at 2nd next year if Todd Walker is not brought back and it wouldnt be the worst idea the Cubs have had. Theriot nearly made the team following spring training this year and will probably make another serious run at the team next year. For the I-Cubs he was a top of the order hitter with a .305 average and a .369 obp. 2006 was his second straight year with an average above .300 and an on base percentage above .365. For his career he has had good OBP numbers and hasnt seen them dip below .350 since 2002.

Geovany Soto is another prospect that should be given a shot in the bigs. Obviously Michael Barrett is going to be the starting catcher for the Cubs for a while but with Blanco becoming a free agent following the 2006 season it seems like a logical time to deal him to a team in need of a backup catcher. Soto has had decent stats in the minor leagues, hitting .266 with a .345 OBP (his lowest since 2003). He has little power, no speed and strikes out a bit, but he would provide a step up over Blanco and would be much more cost effective.

The Cubs could also try to retool the outfield by giving a shot to a couple of young outfielders in the system. Former first round pick Miguel Negron was claimed from the Blue Jays this season and has hit .329 with a .381 obp since joining the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx in 44 games (140 ab). Bringing up Negron would give the Cubs a little youth in the outfield if they decide to unload Jacque Jones and Juan Pierre, as most would expect. Negron has been written off by most as a bust, but his recent resurgence in the Cubs minor leagues should warrant a September callup if he’s still hitting well and he could prove to be worth a long term look. Lets not forget that Angel Pagan was another player that the Cubs got for little or nothing that has turned out to be a decent ball player.

Speaking of Pagan, he should be first in line if the Cubs decide to unload Pierre before the end of the season. Pagan has blazing speed, hits from both sides of the plate and has proven to be a great defender in his minor league days. I realize that he is probably a fourth outfielder at best on a playoff team, but he could turn out to be pretty decent if given the shot. This also eliminated the temptation to rush Pie to the majors, which would be a big mistake if the Cubs plan on Pie ever being an everyday major league hitter.

Another guy that the Cubs should showcase for the remainder of the year is Rich Hill. He has shown amazing dominance for the I-Cubs and started in the AAA All Star game for the Pacific Coast League. He has a pair of nasty big breaking curveballs that change speeds and his fastball has been well spotted so far in the minors. If given the chance in the majors he could turn out to be an effective starter and with Prior back on the DL it seems more than reasonable to give Hill the nod as the fifth starter over other canidates such as Rusch and Guzman.

The Cubs have quite a bit of work to do before the season is over and showcasing some talent would be in their best interest. There are only two things to do with prospects, trade them or play them. The Cubs could make the offseason quite a bit easier if they took a long look at some of the youngsters now and then decided what to do with them this winter. Guys like Ryan Theriot, Rich Hill, Angel Pagan and Geovany Soto could possibly step in next year to fill vacant roles and now is as good a time as any to begin the tryouts.

Have faith. Believe in ‘07