Dempster Update, Left handed bat, bullpen help, Bruce Miles Q&A, and More!

Dempster Feels Good
Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster threw a simulated game today and could return to the Cubs rotation as early as Sunday if he gets the go-ahead after one more X-ray. Great new! The Cubs need Ryan back!

Lou wants Left Handed Hitter with Pop
Piniella still wants a left handed hitter with power. This past off season, Lou said he wanted just that, and he got Milton Bradley who has not lived up to his potential. The Cubs ended up with Bradley, because he plays right field and that was the need. Lou said, "Look, we still need a left-handed bat in our lineup who could hit and drive in some run." Piniella also mentioned that the Cubs lost Jim Edmonds this past off season, their main power left handed bat a year ago.

David Patton Update
Rule 5 pick David Patton will make a rehab start on Wednesday for AA Tennessee. He is on the DL with a strained groin.

Cubs Looking for Bullpen help
The Cubs have been linked to lots of relief pitchers, even though the team inked B.J. Ryan to a minor league deal. The Cubs may be interested in Nats lefty Joe Beimel according to the Tribune. According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs are looking for bullpen help and have discussed John Grabow with the Pirates. Multiple sources have mentioned that the Cubs are interested in O's lefty George Sheirrill. We've also heard from the Sun-Times and Levine that the Cubs are interested in Chad Qualls.

Cubs Can Add Payroll
According to Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs can add some pieces at the deadline, but don't expect them to enter sweepstakes for big names guys like Roy Halladay. The Cubs do have enough payroll to add a "midlevel" player light Sherrill or Qualls.

Bruce Miles Q&A
Tomorrow on my other site, MLB Corner, I will be hosting a question and answer with Bruce Miles from the Daily Herald. We will talk about what it's like to be a beat writer, the Cubs, and more! If you have a question that you'd like me to ask Bruce, email me at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com, Come and see the Q&A live tomorrow on MLB Corner at 3 PM CT and submit your question, or put it in the comments of this post and I will ask Bruce.

Hope to see you at the Q&A!