Capn Design Archives: So This Isn't a Rebuilding Year?

So This Isn't a Rebuilding Year?

July 23, 2003

Yesterday the Cubs picked up Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez from the Pittsburg Pirates for Jose Hernandez and two minor leaguers. This is a great deal. The Cubs really needed to fill in the slots at center field and third base.

Kenny Lofton is getting a little older but he is a great fielder and potentially a great batter. He will do just fine for us until Corey comes back next season. Aramis Ramirez could be the Cubs' next Sammy Sosa. Sure, this is a bit of a stretch, but the kid is amazing with a bat despite some inconsistency last year and the beginning of this season. If Dusty and the Cubs can keep him happy and in sync with the team he could be a big boost. It seems that the Cubs are hoping Ramirez is a permanent solution.

Aside from this being a good deal, it is a sign that the Cubs are going to give the penant a shot this year. It isn't a rebuilding year. There will be no fire sale. I am excited and I am Tivo-ing the game tonight to check out how the new Cubbies fit in.

By the way, here is a plug for RBI, a great/young baseball blog. Froom the proprietor of what used to be Daserbeam.

Comments (2 comments so far)

Comment #1:

This was a perfect trade for the Cubs. They got exactly what they needed - a centerfielder who can lead off (and then step aside for Patterson next year) and a rising star third baseman like Cubs fans have not seen in a while (I believe that since 1995, the Cubs have had a different third baseman every year).

Plus, they got rid of Jose Hernandez. I never liked him because he strikes out so much. Get this - he has 1,174 career strikeouts. He had 180+ in 2001 and 2002 and 121 already this year - the most by far in the majors (Jim Thome has the second most with 107).

And they didn't have to give up any of their young talented relievers... yet. Pirates GM Dave Littlefield said that the player to be named in yesterday's deal ''is one that we'll be pleased to get.'' Not sure what that means.

Posted by Daser on July 23, 2003 at 2:01PM

Comment #2:

Pittsburgh! With an H! Why must everyone disrespect my city?

Stupid Chicag Cubs, stealing my favorite-named player.

Posted by Lizzie on July 24, 2003 at 7:42PM

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