Cubs Very Anxious To Move Lilly, Mets Still Interested

Chris DeLuca, sports editor for the Chicago Sun Times, reports that the Cubs want to trade Ted Lilly before his next scheduled start on Tuesday.

Lilly’s trade value skyrocketed after he held the Houston Astros to one run in 7 1/3 innings Wednesday. His next scheduled start is Tuesday in Houston, and sources say the Cubs would like to complete a deal before that outing.

He also writes that the Mets have shown the most interest in Lilly. The Detroit Tigers are also interested in Lilly after a breakdown in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks for Dan Haren. The Yankees are believed to be the frontrunner’s for Haren, and have no interest in Lilly.

The Mets had scouts at Wrigley Field on Wednesday for Lilly’s start against right-hander Brett Myers, who is also on the block and being shopped by the Astros. He has also drawn interest from the Mets.

Ted Lilly has a limited no trade clause, but can not block a trade to the Mets.

Lilly projects to be a Type A free agent after the season, which means teams could obtain picks in the 2011 draft if they offer him arbitration.

Currently, Lilly has a 3.88 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP in 17 starts for the Cubs.

I believe that with news of the potential season ending injury to Ben Sheets, more teams will turn their attention to Lilly as the deadline nears. Although not attractive as pitchers like Roy Oswalt and Haren, Lilly would be an upgrade and enable the team to shift Takahashi to the bullpen.

That said, if the Mets want him, they better act fast before the competition heats up.