Cubs News For 01/28/09

Scratch that; the Cubs trade Garrett Olsen and Ronny Cedeno for Aaron Heilman (so they could also make room for Paul Bako, I assume). I no longer like this move, as Garrett Olsen seemed to be a player the Padres highly coveted and was often mentioned in 3-way trade rumors for Peavy. This leaves me wondering if the Cubs even have any pieces left that may interest the Padres outside of Josh Vitters.

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Today, the Cubs moved another out-of-options (OOO) player in Ronny Cedeno, whom we traded to the Mariners for Aaron Heilman. I really like this move, as Heilman is an underrated bullpen arm with great control (3+ K/BB from 2005-2007, had a bad year last year). This move should shore up the Cubs late game security.

Next on the Radar is Rich Hill, who three unknown teams are allegedly interested in. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to sell low on Hill; we should at least give him a shot in spring training to prove himself as still capable of pitching.

Another move made today (as predicted) is the Cubs signing Paul Bako to a one-year, $750,000 deal. I don't understand why we didn't just resign Henry Blanco, who usually posts CS% in the high 30's/low 40's.

Finally, a few rumors on the rumor mill. According to ESPN, the Cubs are in talk with Juan Uribe to replace Ronny Cedeno as the team's primary utility infielder. Additionally, ESPN is reporting that the Cubs are planning on pursuing Randy Wolf and Braden Looper, who is almost as bad and expensive as Jason Marquis, if they cannot get Jake Peavy.