Cubs Trade a Legend
It's a sad day in Chicago as the Cubs traded Greg Maddux to the Dodgers for Cesar Izturis. Technically, it's a pretty fair trade. A 26-year-old Gold Glove shortstop with no stick for a back-of-the-rotation veteran with a 9-11 record and 4.69 ERA on the season. Izturis is only two seasons removed from a very good year and he might benefit from a change of scenery, as he was stuck in LA behind Rafael Furcal. On the other hand, Maddux has always been a better second-half pitcher, and his influence in the clubhouse over rookies like Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol was priceless. In Hendry's defense, it's pretty likely that Izturis will contribute more in 2007 than Maddux will, and there's a decent chance of him returning to 2004 form. Personally, I wouldn't have traded Maddux unless I got an offer that was hard to refuse. Izturis is not such an offer. As my buddy Dave said, he's a younger Neifi or an older Cedeno. Nothing special.
The Cubs also traded Todd Walker for a 19-year Dominican that throws fire in A-ball. He may or may not ever reach the majors, but it was a decent deal. Walker was a guaranteed goner after the season, and at least the Cubs got something for him. Besides, his trade clears the way for Neifi to get another 200 at-bats this year. Joy.
I'll be in the bleachers tonight for my first up-close look at the new digs. I get to see a decent pitching matchup, too, with Prior versus Webb. I'll have a beer for Mad Dog, too. Go Cubs.