The following is a trade rumor :

Bruce, on am 1000 says a 4 player deal involving a middle reliever and a power hitting OF could be coming in the next 2 days. In exchange, we would send an OF and a reliever of our own, as well as 2 prospects.

I wonder what this could possibly be.

Now, Bruce Levine is not the most accurate reporter in the sports news business. However, the Cubs' general situation is such that this report is pretty believable. Hendry does seem like the kind of guy who'd panic and agree to such a lopsided deal that would benefit the other team more than the Cubs. As to what the other team and the individuals involved would be, consider Hendry's record to date. The big trades that he's pulled off have either involved deals with teams that need to dump salary big time or involve Big Name Players.

Given this track record, it seems reasonable to assume that the Cincinnati Reds are quite possibly the team in question. The Reds' pitching situation is such that they would almost certainly be willing to take on LaTroy Hawkins and as for the Cubs outfielder, its no secret that the team is not terribly happy with Corey Patterson's spotty performance. As for the Reds, they have some good middle relievers in Kent Mercker & Ryan Wagner either of whom would be a marked upgrade over Hawkins. As for the outfielder, it could be Cub Killer Austin Kearns or Wily Mo Pena. However, given the fact that he is a Proven Clubhouse Leader, its quite possible that Center Fielder Ken Griffey Jr. might be Hendry's wanted man. Remember: last year Hendry traded for Big Name Player Nomar despite his injury history, so Hendry might be willing to overlook Jr.'s problems. Also, the Reds are deficient in top prospects, so its believable that they would hold out for some Cubs minor leaguers.

At first glance, the above speculation might strike you as being pretty spacy. However, compared with the goofy trade ideas of Phil Rogers (Trade a starter like Kerry Wood or Carlos Zambrano for some guy like Eric Gagne who pitches only a couple innings or so a week?) or some of the other local sports writers, it has a much firmer grounding in reality and does fit Levine's scenario.

Remember, you read it here first.