Phil on Nomar

Phil Rogers makes his case for Nomar Garciaparra.

Starting pitching has not been the Cubs' problem this year.

Even with Wood and Prior combining to make only 20 starts, the starters have a 3.59 ERA, the best in the NL. But Wednesday marked the fourth time in the last five games they have scored only three runs.

As pitiful as this seems, given the presence of Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee, they need to do something major for the lineup--not just add a spare part like Florida's Jeff Conine, who they also have been scouting.

According to sources, the Cubs-Red Sox talks center on Clement and Gonzalez for Garciaparra. Boston is trying to get Hendry to put a young player, most likely a pitcher, into the deal.

If there's a chance, seal this deal, Jim.

You won't need one of your top five starters if you do reach the playoffs. Garciaparra, however, could figure in every October game. That outweighs the loyalty you must feel toward Clement

.

Garciaparra only is hitting .323 lifetime in the playoffs. We don't need that do we?