Action at the Winter Meetings
The Cubs made a move today in Nashville, trading pitcher Will Ohman and newly acquired infielder Omar Infante to the Braves for relief pitcher Jose Ascanio. Infante, who the Cubs got from Detroit for Jacque Jones last month, never even got to put on a Cubs uniform. I know many people were wondering why we needed another infielder and here’s your answer, for trade bait. Ohman had had his issues with Cubs management last season, so this move doesn’t surprise me. Ascanio, who was 2-2 with a 2.54 ERA at Double-A last season, will provide even greater depth to the Cubs bullpen. He also had 10 saves and struck out 71 while walking only 18 in 78 innings. Gotta love a guy who throws strikes.
Hendry and the Cubs are staying pretty quiet about Kosuke Fukudome, the Japanese left-handed slugger who has yet to decide if he wants to come to the US to play ball. If he decides to leave Japan, the Cubs will definitely try to get him, as will the White Sox, Giants, Padres and Rangers. I want him not only for his average, speed and on-base percentage, but I want to hear Ronnie say his name!
Since Fukudome most likely won’t make a decision until after the winter meetings conclude, that leaves Hendry still looking for a left-handed right fielder. They’re not growing on trees, so I’m foreseeing a trade after the meetings conclude. I just hope we don’t give up Murton. I see lots of potential in that guy. Prior might be on the block, considering that he’ll be up for free agency in 2008. I just don’t want him pitching for St. Louis or any other Central Division team. It will be bad enough if he goes on to be a superstar, I certainly don’t want to face him multiple times a year.