The Curse of Wrigley Field

The Cubs made another deal as they traded left handed reliever Sean Marshall to the Reds for Travis Wood and some prospects.  Marshall was one of the best relievers last year but Theo Epstein sold high and picked up Reds starter Travis Wood, Dave Sappelt and Ronald Torreyes.

Wood has a nice rookie campaign but he had a tougher time in his sophomore year last as he was shuffled back and forth between the Reds and their Triple-A affiliate.  Wood had a 4.84 ERA and a 1.491 WHIP.  His walk rate was up and his strikeout rate was down which isn’t a good trend but he doesn’t turn 25 until February so he definitely can be worked on.

Sappelt is a major league ready outfielder who made his debut last year with the Reds.  He turns 25 next month.  He wasn’t very effective at the plate but he was really good for Louisville so he could end up at a fourth or fifth outfielder.  Torreyes is only 19 and he was really good for Dayton in 67 games.  Not too shabby for a second baseman and while he’s a few years away, he could be a gem if he continues to develop at the plate.

The Cubs locked up journeyman outfielder Reed Johnson to a one year deal yesterday. I like these kind of moves.  The Cubs aren’t going to compete this year, so let’s plug some holes with some temporary veterans to let the farm system play out.  Johnson has some nice doubles power and he finished with 22 doubles in 266 plate appearances.  He doesn’t walk much though which hurts him but if he can replicate his .816 OPS next year, I’ll be happy.

There’s a physical pending so the financial aspects of the deal haven’t been released.  He made just under a million last year and my guess the deal is for about that same amount.