The Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals have come to terms on the following deal:
Cubs receive
OF Cuddyer, Michael, $9m (2014)
P Oliver, Andy, $0.5m (P-n/a)
OF Parker, Kyle, $0.5m (P-n/a)
Cards receive
SP Garza, Matt, $10m (2014)
+ $5m in cash considerations for 2011
C Norris, Derek, $0.5m (P-n/a)
The Cubs make this deal to strengthen an offense in dire need of some everyday players. Garza is off to a terrific start, but my pitching depth allows me to make this move. If I was close, having both Garza and Verlander would be quite a tandem, but seeing as that I am quite a ways away from being a contender, having two top of the rotation guys is a luxury. Cuddyer is a player I had a lot of interest in during the off-season and Oliver is a young arm who could become a contributor in relatively short order. However, Parker is the player I am most excited about. He is a young, exciting bat who could become a mainstay and perhaps even a star. I am very high on him. Thanks Paul for the smooth negotiations, it was a pleasure as always. Cards to confirm.