12/31/08

Utility Options Disappearing

The Cubs signed utilityman Aaron Miles to a $4.9mm two dear deal. Miles was one of my top choices to replace Wilson Betemit. The Cubs then sent Mark DeRosa to Cleveland for three minor league pitchers(Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gaub). These moves, along with the reported Luis Vizcaino-Jason Marquis trade, have shaved some salary from the Cubs' payroll, meaning they could re-enter trade talks with the Padres about Jake Peavy. The previous deal had been close, and players had even been agreed upon, but the Cubs needed to reduce their payroll if they were going to get Peavy. Now that they've got the reduced payroll it seems like the only barrier in front of a Peavy trade is the ownership situation of the Cubs, which has to be settled before a Peavy trade is made.

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