Looking at the DeRosa trade

Mark DeRosa was traded to Cleveland to join his former teammate Kerry Wood. There has been much controversy about this trade and whether it was considered positive or negative. It seems like more people were upset about this move than letting Kerry Wood leave via free agency. Kerry Wood never lived up to his potential in Chicago after his big splash with his 20 strike outs game in his rookie season. With Carlos Marmol and other bullpen options everyone knows we didn’t need to overpay for him.

In DeRosa’s short two years as Chicago Cub he became a fan favorite because of his work ethic, attitude, performance, and versatility. Mark Derosa always gave his best effort. He never dogged it like other players we have. In addition, he never complained about playing multiple positions and batting anywhere in the order. He played every position with his best effort and provided top defense everywhere around the diamond. I actually felt his best defensive position was third base followed by second and then right field. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes regular third basemen in the future.

Mark DeRosa was a big part of the Cubs success last year and helping them winning the National League central division title. Last season DeRosa led the Cubs in runs scored with 103, was fourth on the club in doubles with 30, tied for second in triples with three (others with three were Fukudome and Lee), fourth in home runs with 21, was third in RBI’s with 87, fourth in total bases with 243, fifth in walks with 69, and has a solid average of 285 with a on base percentage of 376, and a slugging percentage of 481. He also stole 6 bases and was not caught stealing. That shows he is a smart base runner because that isn’t really a part of his game. He did all of this in 505 at bats (fourth on team) while playing 149 games (Tied with Ramirez and Theriot). No matter where DeRosa played being his 95 games at second base, 59 in the outfield, 22 at third base while filling in for Ramriez when injured or to give him a day off, or his one game at first and shortstop respectively, DeRosa never missed a beat with the glove or let it affect his bat.

Mark DeRosa was coming off a career year at 33 years old. The chances of him repeating are slim. Even if he does in 2009, he will leave as a free agent after the 2009 season when his 3 year deal will end. Hendry signed him for a reasonably priced deal, and he will demand a big pay raise because of his production and versatility if his 2009 is similar to 2008. The Cubs have the habit of keeping players or getting players way past their prime. With trading DeRosa now, they are selling high and getting the most they can for him. The Cubs didn’t get any top prospects, but DeRosa isn’t a marquee player and they seemed to get the most they would for him.

They have other options for second base and other needs to fill on the team. The Cubs signed Aaron Miles who is another career utility man, like DeRosa was before he came to the Cubs. Miles is a switch hitter who will probably share playing time with Fontenot
at second base. The Cubs still have moves to make so we will see how the team shapes up.

Now that the Cubs have some young pitching prospects and they appear ready to make another move or wait until the right opportunity occurs. They could have the barging chips needed to land Jake Peavy, Brian Roberts Jr., Chone Figgins, and other players they are targeting.

Mark DeRosa will be missed in Chicago, but if Hendry can follow up with the right move, this will make the Cubs much stronger in the long run.