Cubs trade Gathright for Freel
MILWAUKEE _ We'll make this quick and be back later, making this a three blog night (since one is the loneliest number and all that).
But, as expected, the Cubs outrighted outfielder Joey Gathright to Class AAA Iowa and then traded him to Baltimore for infielder-outfielder Ryan Freel, who is expected to join the club here tomorrow.
The money comes out a wash, as Baltimore picks up the difference in salaries. Gathright was making $800,000, and Freel is at over $3 mil.
GM Jim Hendry says he likes Freel's versatility. In other words, the Cubs knew they were short on infielders and top-heavy with outfielders, and Freel can play infield and outfield. Hendry has liked Freel from Freel's days with the Reds.
Lineup:
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Fukudome, CF
Ramirez, 3B
Hoffpauir, 1B
Bradley, RF
Fontenot, 2B
Hill, C
Wells, P
Wells was officially called up from Iowa today to start. No word from MLB on Milton Bradley suspension.
I scribbled down on my napkin at lunch today, probably about the same time Lou was doing the same:)
Take your time with that neck D.Lee, you can't be too careful with those types of injuries. The Hoff can take care of the Brewer righthanders the next three days.
If the salaries are a wash this is an absolute no-brainer. I realize we have other needs but replacing Gathright with Freel is a win in my book. Well done Jim.
What's with no Lee in the lineup tongiht? I thought Lou said he'd be playing -- I think it's time to DL Lee - just to get him better (and to enjoy more of that HOFF-POWER)
I like it.
And as for Hoffpauir, yes, it was a pleasure watching him swing it in Houston these last two days.