Cubs trade Eyre to Phils for local product

The Cubs were able to get something for Scott Eyre after all. After designating the veteran lefty reliever for assignment Tuesday, they were able to deal him to the Phillies today for Class A righty Brian Schlitter, a resident of Park Ridge and a graduate of Maine South High School.

One of the best parts for the Cubs is that the Phillies will pick up the rest of Eyre's salary for this year, or about $1.2 million.

"I'm happy for Scotty," said Cubs GM Jim Hendry. "It's a good day for everybody today. It's good that Scott's getting back into a pennant race, and he'll help the Phillies. The Phillies are a first-class organization. We've got good reports on the pitcher we got back. He's a big kid who throws hard."

The Cubs will send Schlitter to their Class A Daytona club. Schlitter has pitched against Daytona this year, so the Cubs have gotten a first-hand look. He was 4-3 with 6 saves and a 2.22 ERA for Clearwater. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Schlitter was born in Oak Park. In 48 2-3 innings this year, he has struck out 58 while walking 21 and allowing 1 homer. He has a groundout to flyball out ratio of 1.83. The Phillies took him in the 16th round of the June 2007 draft. He attended the College of Charleston.