North: Cubs should make a play for Yu Darvish

The World Champion Chicago Cubs, currently in fourth place in the National League Central Division with a 17-17 record, are struggling and that's an understatement.

Before I address their problems, let me say that I still expect the Cubs to put it together and get it done.

This team, however, seems flat and unfocused, and I believe that the accolades have worn them down.

Think about it, they went from nowhere as lovable losers to world champs in just one year. And for the first time in 108 years!

But the call for worried fans to relax is the call from someone who doesn't get it.

I believe the majority of Cubs fans are calm, but they are a bit frustrated. Expectations were high to begin the season, and some of these fans still harbor some doubts over what might have happened in Game 7 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians.

Without a rain delay and a speech by Jason Heyward, the outcome might have been much different.

Some of the same folks telling everyone to relax are also suggesting New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey (2-2 5.14 ERA) would be a good addition to the Cubs staff. Sorry, but that's a panic move.

Bringing a skunk to a clubhouse is not the way to go. Harvey, 28, was recently suspended for three days without pay for staying out past curfew on a Friday night, playing golf on Saturday morning, and then failing to show up for the Mets home game that night.

Nope, I'm not interested.

Here's a trade I think would help the Cubs and put them in a better position: go get Texas Ranger pitcher Yu Darvish, who is 3-2 with a 2.96 ERA.

The 30-year-old Darvish has been dinged up in the past, but unlike Harvey he's a pro and could easily be a No. 1 on this club.

With Harvey, you are taking a chance, but I don't think you are with Darvish.

Here's the sticking point, though: which player will the Cubs have to give up?

First there's Kyle Schwarber, who should really be a DH in the American League. Then there's Ben Zobrist, a solid pro, but at age 35 he is getting older. And finally, they could consider a draft pick.

Before you shout no, imagine a pitching staff of Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Kyle Hendricks and Darvish. We're talking playoff city!

The blowback will be over Schwarber, the lovable folk hero, but he is not a leadoff hitter and he can't play the field. They could go in another direction and trade for someone else, but it is only mid-May.

Perhaps they should wait another month and see what happens.

Also, the Cubs could bring up second baseman/outfielder Ian Happ, but let's see what Cubs president Theo Epstein comes up with because he knows better than anyone this team isn't where it should be today.

By the way, Darvish will be a free agent after 2017, and the Cubs have the dough to pay him!

• Follow Mike on Twitter @north2north. Check out his podcast Monday-Friday at podcastarena.com, iTunes or audioboom. His column appears each Friday in the Daily Herald. For more, visit northtonorth.com.