Could Ryan Spilborghs Be Traded to the Cubs?

Another day, and another rumor about a Colorado Rockies fan favorite perhaps on his way out of town. This time it’s regarding reserve outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, the lovable hustle guy who has, at times, come up with huge hits in important situations and seems to have all the potential in the world.

ESPNChicago.com reports the Chicago Cubs have been discussing a deal that would send Spilly to the Windy City.

The article doesn’t mention what the Rockies would get in return, only that Spilly is a solid defensive outfielder who can play all three outfield positions and that he would fill the fourth outfielder role in Chicago, much as he does for the Rockies.

The Denver Post’s Troy Renck chimes in from his vacation to pour water on the story.

First, he cites a “major league source” who downplays the Cubs’ interest, saying their search for a reserve outfielder is relatively low on the list of fixes for the perennially under-performing Cubs team. And, Renck reports, Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd doesn’t want to trade Spilly, and although Cubs manager Lour Piniella has “long liked” Spilly, Renck wouldn’t be surprised if the Cubs kicked the tires on the deal.

The Rockies have a plethora of talent in the outfield, such as Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzales, Dexter Fowler, and Brad Hawpe. Still, Spilly’s departure would be a big loss for the Rockies and the fan base.

He’s not the best player the team’s ever had, but he does make InDenverTimes‘ “Colorado Rockies Best Moments of 2009” for his walk-off grand slam against the San Francisco Giants. After he belted the late-night grand slam in an epic extra-innings game, Spilly charged around the bases almost as fast as he could. That kind of enthusiasm and heart isn’t typically imported via the trade market, so chances are Spilly isn’t going anywhere.