Buccos flip El Caballo to Cubs

[Colby]

Pirates-Cubs trade #7+?  Carlos Lee was a value but is still a major liability on my books.  I have talked to a lot of GMs about re-dealing him a few weeks back but nothing materialized until Mike came knocking on my door again.  This deal frees me up next year, brings in a young capable replacement in Gardner and gives the Cubs multiple OF options that they can afford.

to
OF Lee, Carlos, $16.5m (2012)
X-OF Lee, Carlos, Money Paid by LAA, 6m in 2011. 6m in 2012, $-11.5m in 2010
+ $4m in 2010 from Pirates
OF Gillespie, Cole, $0.5m (P-n/a)
OF Cunningham, Aaron, $0.5m (P-n/a)
MI Izturis, Cesar, $2.5m (2010) + $2m in 2010 from Pirates

to
OF Gardner, Brett, $0.5m (P-2012)
OF Diaz, Matt, $1m (2010)
MI Guzman, Christian, $8m (2010)
X-MI Guzman, Christian, Money from WAS, $-7m in 2010

[bridgestone]

to
OF Lee, Carlos, $16.5m (2012)
X-OF Lee, Carlos, Money Paid by LAA, 6m in 2011. 6m in 2012, $-11.5m in 2010
+ $4m in 2010 from Pirates
OF Gillespie, Cole, $0.5m (P-n/a)
OF Cunningham, Aaron, $0.5m (P-n/a)
MI Izturis, Cesar, $2.5m (2010) + $2m in 2010 from Pirates

to
OF Gardner, Brett, $0.5m (P-2012)
OF Diaz, Matt, $1m (2010)
MI Guzman, Christian, $8m (2010)
X-MI Guzman, Christian, Money from WAS, $-7m in 2010

Cubs accept.  Gardner was one of several cornerstone pieces but the return is a proven veteran OF who surges in the 2nd half and two OF prospects at the major league level.  Colby and I have done a lot of trades but this is one of those deals that truly suits both of our clubs.

[Mr.TradeKing]

Maybe Lee is worth it. Who knows? However I do like Gardner a lot and would have made the same decision. 

~MTK

[Colby]

Maybe Lee is worth it. Who knows? However I do like Gardner a lot and would have made the same decision. 

~MTK

He is definitely worth it for either a playoff team or a large market squad like the Cubs.  Considering Lee's 2010 price tag is nearly free, I wouldn't be surprised if Lee was dealt again to a team in the playoff hunt (such as one of the three NL Central teams in that race).  Heck, he's already been on the Astros, Pirates, and now Cubs... so it looks like he is just moving up the standings of the NL Central.  I guess the Reds are next?

[Dan Wood]

I don't want that porker. I refuse to stock the clubhouse with tasty cakes 24-7.

Nice trade fellers

 

[lp815]

I don't want that porker. I refuse to stock the clubhouse with tasty cakes 24-7.

Nice trade fellers

 

If Lee is tastycakes, what's that make Sandoval?

[Mr.TradeKing]

He is definitely worth it for either a playoff team or a large market squad like the Cubs.  Considering Lee's 2010 price tag is nearly free, I wouldn't be surprised if Lee was dealt again to a team in the playoff hunt (such as one of the three NL Central teams in that race).  Heck, he's already been on the Astros, Pirates, and now Cubs... so it looks like he is just moving up the standings of the NL Central.  I guess the Reds are next?

He may be cheap in the short-term by Lee has to be considered in the long-term based on his contract. I agree with Dan.

~MTK

[MillerTime]

Approved, looks fair.

[Dan Wood]

Colby please put through on fantrax. Thanks