Just because the Cubs wanted something doesn't mean you give it to them, at least that's not how its supposed to work.
1) this was in the offseason when none of them had pitched this year
2) Did AA even counter
Most fans are not upset at not acquiring an ace, most fans are upset because deals like for Headley or Prado didn't happen at the deadline, and those guys weren't asking for premier prospects they were asking for payroll take over