Cubs trade Cruz

Well, Cubs fans can stop wondering whether Juan Cruz will turn his potential into results. The Cubs traded him to the Braves along with Steve Smyth (who is soon to be 26 and has topped out it looks like) for left handed pitcher Andy Pratt and second baseman Richard Lewis.

Looking at the stats I'm not sure what Pratt and Lewis bring to the table although Pratt seems to be improving and could make an impact in Chicago if needed. Lewis has also improved in his second professional season and showed some plate discipline in A ball last year. Pratt will likely start the season in Iowa however since this move can only mean that Sergio Mitre has won the 5th starter job until Prior gets healthy. When we were in Mesa a couple weeks ago Mitre did throw well against the Royals, certainly better than Cruz has shown. Cruz threw last Saturday and while he gave up a few runs he looked better than I'd seen so far this spring. You hate to lose someone with the talent of Cruz. It's too bad the Cubs couldn't find a way to help him use that talent.