DeRosa to Indians, Cubs sign Aaron Miles

Mark DeRosa will be an Indian in 2009 as he was traded for 3 Minor League pitchers (Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gaub).

This comes after the cubs signed Aaron Miles, a utility man that hit .317 in 408 plate appearances for the cardinals in 2008. Miles signed a 2 year/ $4.9 Million deal.

 

Why would the Cubs trade him without getting a good prospect in return? Odd decision.

 

they are freeing up cash. They got rid of Marquis as well. My guess is they are going to take another run at Peavy.

 

also, the Brian Roberts Rumors from last year have come back up. Miles isn't an everyday starter, but we do still have Fontenot (should start in my opinion) to split time with him.....I don't think we go after Roberts. We also still have Cedeno as Ryan Theriot's backup, who can also play 2nd base......If we do go after Roberts, Cedeno will be in the deal (probably Miles as well)

 

Marquis wasn't needed in the rotation and would have made a stink if asked to pitch out of the bullpen. DeRosa was a versatile, valuable member of the team. Fontenot could be a solid starter, but it's odd to sign perpetual hothead and injury risk Milton Bradley instead of just keeping DeRosa. And if the Cubs wanted to save money, maybe they shouldn't have spent $48 million on Fukudome.

Surely you remember the guy you said would be so great and who you thought would win Rookie of the Year. You know, the one I told you wouldn't be nearly that good but you argued with me anyway despite you constantly being wrong. Speaking of which, did Carl Crawford ever get traded to the Cubs? Remember saying that a Crawford deal was imminent and I said that you were a moron?

 

First of all, I don't hang on every offseason rumor/move, but on the surface I'm not crazy about these moves at all. I loved having Derosa on the team. For some reason I had more confidence in him in clutch hitting situations than most guys on the team....maybe all of them.

I do like Fontenot though. I'm just not sure if he's one of those guys that thrives on being a part-time guy and would wilt as an every-day starter. I could live with his stats for 243 ABs in '08 adjusted for 600 ABs.

Fukudome, eh....my gut says he's probably a .275 MLB hitter in the long run. I think last year saw the league adjust to him quite well, but I also think he's more than capable of readjusting somewhat in the coming year. I just hate that the Cubs have so much invested in him right now. Hopefully he shows more than I expect (and can justify the contract) from here on out.

 

I know the Phillies were heavily involved with talks for DeRosa what with Utleys return date a mystery