(Courtesy of The Sports Xchange) The trading deadline is getting nearer and the Cubs are getting further away from not only a playoff bid, but a .500 record as well.

For some teams, that's a recipe for a huge fire sale before July 31. But that's probably not going to happen in Chicago.

"I don't see a whole bunch of guys going," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "You might see a guy or two, but I don't see a bunch of guys going. I don't think you've got to blow this thing up and start all over again. I highly disagree with that.

"You keep your nucleus. Some of your young players are going to be better, just through experience. Then you add a few and delete a couple. You've got a good team again, a real good team."

Middle reliever Scott Williamson was the first to go, as he was traded to San Diego over the weekend for two minor league pitchers.

Infielders Phil Nevin and Todd Walker and backup outfielder John Mabry could be on the block. Veteran pitcher Greg Maddux could draw some interest.

REPLAY: The Cubs, who were swept by Washington over the weekend, halted their skid by beating the powerful Mets 8-7 at Shea Stadium on Monday night. Greg Maddux, who hadn't won since June 9, picked up the victory to improve to 8-11 even though he gave up seven runs on 10 hits in six innings.

Phil Nevin, who filled in for the injured Derrek Lee (inflammation of his right wrist) at first base, drove in a pair of runs. Michael Barrett, Aramis Ramirez and Jacque Jones each homered.

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NOTES

--RHP Wade Miller (shoulder surgery last September) will throw four simulated innings before Tuesday's Cubs-Mets game at Shea Stadium. He could be close to resuming his minor league rehab work.

--RHP Carlos Marmol, who suffered a bruised hand and had to leave Sunday's game against Washington in the fourth inning, is expected to make his start on Friday against St. Louis.

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