Chicago Tribune says Cabrera more likely than Nomar.

So how could the Cubs ever acquire Garciaparra without upgrading this year's Red Sox by giving them a legit major-leaguer? After all, Epstein wants the playoffs, not prospects, for moving Garciaparra.

It would have to be a three-team swap. If rumors are true that the Red Sox are seriously looking into acquiring Arizona's Randy Johnson, then the Cubs can get Garciaparra if Boston wants to dump his salary to make room for Johnson, who has $16 million coming next season.....

The Cubs appear much more likely to cut a deal with Montreal for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera isn't hitting well this year, but that almost makes him more attractive for the Cubs. Team scouts believe Cabrera can be a different player in a Cubs uniform.

Cabrera can be acquired for prospects. Garciaparra's price is a starting pitcher. The Cubs can do the former, not the latter.

I still don't think Randy will be traded. But that is typical Cubs philosophy that they think they can turn a question mark into an answer. I have to disagree that we could not afford to give up a starting pither. We wont be able to keep this rotation together forever, and if it means half a season of Nomar in exchange for half a season of Clement, I say it is a no brainer. We need Nomar's bat everyday more than we need Clement on every 5th day.

If the Cubs are sooooo concerned about losing Clement and trusting someone from the minors or Rusch then the Cubs should also inquire about Byung Hyun Kim. He has had some injury concerns this year but if Cubs scouts think he is fully recovered then they should swing a deal for him. Kim has 6 years in the majors and is only 25 years old. But if the Cubs were get him he needs to be a starter, not in the bullpen.