My biggest concern for the second half is the Cubs bullpen.  Why not take a run at Toronto closer BJ Ryan.  Toronto has already been rumored to be in selling mode with AJ Burnett.  

Why would Toronto trade him?  Because he's due close to $6 million for the rest of this year on $12 million in each of the next two years.  The Blue Jays should be motivated by the idea of freeing up money for other more pressing needs (shortstop?)

Why would the Cubs want him?  He's got closer stuff, he's lefty and he'd be valuable insurance if a) Kerry Wood gets hurt  b) Carlos Marmol doesn't regain his control  c) Bob Howry continues his trend of allowing more than a hit per inning pitched.  Lou has already lost confidence in Eyre, Wuertz and Lieber and I doubt if more than one of those three is on the 25 man roster on August 31st. 

The other benefit in getting BJ Ryan is that he is signed through 2010 and the Cubs could lose Kerry Wood, Bob Howry, Scott Eyre and Ryan Dempster to free agency.

Of course, to complete this trade, the Blue Jays would need to assume some financial relief for the Cubs, which could come in the form of Jason Marquis (due $9.25 mil in 2009) and the final months of Scott Eyre's contract.   The Jays have 2 starters down due to injury and could use Marquis.  They could probably flip Eyre for a B level prospect.  Heck, I'd even throw in Ascanio if they added a CF prospect better than Sam Fuld in the deal.

11 man pitching staff could look like this:

SP Zambrano
SP Dempster
SP Lilly
SP Harden
SP Marshall

CL Wood
8th BJ Ryan
7th Marmol
RP Howry
RP Cotts
RP Gaudin

Candidates for 12th man
Leiber, Wuertz, Hart, Hill or whoever is hot in the minors at the time of need (Szmardja, Veal, the rotting arm of Chad Fox)

Thoughts?