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.