Aaron Miles might not make Cubs fans forget about one of their favorites, Mark DeRosa, anytime soon. But the fact Miles doesn't figure to ever forget about perceived snubs by the St. Louis Cardinals could make him one of the most motivated Cubs in another season of high expectations in 2009.

Mark DeRosa for Aaron Miles? I wouldn't make that deal - definitely not an upgrade for the Cubs in 2009. But if you look at it from the Cubs' overall objective of balancing their lineup - without the perfect (not to mention affordable) monster lefty bat readily available -- then the bigger picture looks more like DeRosa and Felix Pie for Miles and Joey Gathright.

And that starts to make more sense, and even starts to look like an upgrade for the Cubs.

And when GM Hendry explains that the Cubs have few positions to choose from when considering changes, the Cubs' thinking on trading the popular and productive DeRosa becomes clearer. Not even counting the $3.3 million in net 2009 savings between DeRosa and Miles.

But DeRosa will certainly be missed - perhaps even more than Hendry and his front office realize.

Jim Hendry informed Kevin Towers today that the Cubs are moving on without Jake Peavy.

The Cubs are spending much of their time at the meetings going down the free agent path for the left-handed hitter they're looking for. Manager Lou Piniella said they're operating from a list of about four guys in this area. But while Hendry has started meeting with some of them and their representatives, Piniella today echoed the common belief that the Cubs won't land their big bat before the meetings conclude.