Two main factors played into the recent flurry of moves made by Cubs general manager Jim Hendry: money, and the wish of Hendry and manager Lou Piniella to have more left-handed bats in their lineup.
In transactions that were directly related, the Cubs signed free agent infielder/outfielder Aaron Miles, formerly of the Cardinals, and traded infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa to the Indians for three pitching prospects. If the Cubs were going to get more left-handed, DeRosa was their only option to trade. First baseman Derrek Lee, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and left fielder Alfonso Soriano all have no-trade clauses in their contracts, and Hendry had no appetite to trade any of them in the first place. Catcher Geovany Soto and shortstop Ryan Theriot also aren't going anyplace, so that left DeRosa as the logical choice.
Trading DeRosa lops $5.5 million off the payroll for 2009, with Miles making $4.9 million over the next two seasons.
Next up is a trade that would allow Hendry to free up more money.
Right-hander Jason Marquis, who will make $9,875,000 this year, is expected to be sent to the Rockies in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino, who has $4 million left on his deal. The Cubs are expected to pick up part of Marquis' contract. The deal was on hold pending both players passing physicals.
Hendry hopes the savings will enable him to sign free agent outfielder Milton Bradley, another switch hitter.
Last season, right fielder Kosuke Fukudome and center fielder Jim Edmonds were the Cubs' only left-handed bats. Fukudome faded badly down the stretch, and Edmonds shared time in center with Reed Johnson. If the Cubs can land Bradley, they'll be able to field what they hope is a much more balanced and versatile lineup with as many as four or five left-handed hitters on some days.
