<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->CUBS IN BRIEF: DeRosa is indeed on team's radar
June 27, 2009
BY GORDON WITTENMYER gwittenmyer@suntimes.com
No, the Cubs aren't looking to replace Milton Bradley -- not yet. But sources confirmed Friday that the team had conversations with the Cleveland Indians about Mark DeRosa earlier this month when the Indians were shopping the versatile ex-Cub.
Baseball insiders expect DeRosa to be traded by the July 31 non-waiver deadline, and the Cubs could find themselves in position to reacquire him depending on the asking price and ownership's willingness to take on about $2 million in salary.
The January trade of DeRosa to the Indians for three pitching prospects has been a lightning rod for Cubs fans most of the season -- especially since third baseman Aramis Ramirez injured his shoulder May 8.
How well Ramirez performs when he returns from the disabled list, possibly before the All-Star break, could be the decisive factor in how hard the Cubs go after DeRosa, who was the team's only legitimate backup third baseman until he was traded<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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