There’s going to be a Chicago Cubs Firesale perhaps

While perusing twitter today, I caught this nugget from USA TODAY baseball writer Bob Nightengale:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/208251258530824194″]

Either Theo Epstein or someone very close to Theo Epstein a high-ranking Cubs official told the reliable USA TODAY writer this:

The Cubs are letting teams know that nearly everyone but starter Jeff Samardzija is available, two high-ranking team officials told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of competitive reasons.

Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are veterans starters who can fill out the top of a rotation for a contender. Shortstop Starlin Castro already is a star at 22 but can be obtained for two impact prospects. First baseman Bryan LaHair, a surprise bright spot with 10 home runs, can be cleared to make room for top prospect Anthony Rizzo.

And the Cubs gladly will chip in cash for a team to take left fielder Alfonso Soriano and the more than $45 million left on his contract.

I figured the Cubs would try to capitalize on LaHair’s month of fun by way of trade, but dangling Castro? Then again, Castro has just five walks in 2012 and an OBP of .329, which isn’t going to jive with Theo Epstein’s rebuilding plan.

I still say the Cubs allow Castro to stay and become one of the better role-player suppliers around baseball in a short time. It’s too bad really.

Is it wrong that I have sympathy for the Cubs organization and their fans after spending time at the kingdom that is Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville and becoming enchanted?