Cubs trade A P Bear Bay for CLE LHP Cliff Bartosh
First thing I did was look him up in BP2005.
Good: He has had a high K rate (which fits in) and a low HR rate.
Bad: He’s a younger Remlinger – used as a situational lefty, he doesn’t really have a history of getting them out.
Eh. We’re going to be working on this situational lefty spot all year, I figure, and it would’ve been the same with Randolph or Ohman. (Assuming they have options – and now I’m faintly recalling Ohman might not. Hmm.)
I don’t put a lot of a value in Bay, because it’s a long road from single A to the Majors, which not everyone makes. Plus, they’re dealing from a strength.
40 Man Impact: He takes the empty spot gained by putting Vasquez thru waivers. That leaves no room free for Chad Fox, unless Dave Kelton is moved. It’s all but a sure thing Kelton’s gone – the only possible upsides is a trade for a marginal prospect, or him being slipped thru waivers.
Related: It was pointed out to me here that since Scott Williamson signed a minor league deal, he doesn’t impact the 40 man roster – he’s a veteran who’s agreed to be on Iowa’s roster, and Iowa’s DL. When/if he’s activated this system, it’ll become more of a deal.
Hidden Benefit: This must mean they’re expecting to use Rusch in the rotation at some point.
There was a crazy report on Comcast tonight about the Cubs bringing up *13* pitchers. I’m pretty sure I must’ve heard it out of context and the reporter meant “12 pitchers on the active roster and Mark Prior”, because it’s insane otherwise. Plus, the only guy who could be sent down is Dubios, and I believe BleedCubBlue. on him at least getting to ride the pine. (Should’ve believed him on Bartosh!)