Cubs Acquire Juan Pierre

[riverside sluggers]

Cubs reach deal for Marlins' Pierre

GM Hendry confirms meeting with Marlins, mum on trade

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

 

DALLAS -- The Chicago Cubs are expected to land their leadoff man Wednesday, according to a high-ranking baseball official. The Cubs, who lost in the bidding for free agent Rafael Furcal, reached agreement with the Florida Marlins late Tuesday on a trade that would reportedly net Chicago center fielder Juan Pierre in exchange for a package that includes Double-A pitching prospects Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.

 

The Texas Rangers were also in the final mix for Pierre, who batted .276 in 162 games with the Marlins in 2005. Earlier Tuesday, Cubs GM Jim Hendry wouldn't confirm that the Cubs were after Pierre, but did confirm that he met with the Marlins, who continue to unload players at a rapid-fire pace. "If we're fortunate that they will cooperate, we'll be happy," Hendry said. And since the Marlins did, the Cubs should be, as Chicago's leadoff spot was a problem in 2005. The team tried eight different players there, and they batted a collective .245.

 

In other news Tuesday, Hendry dismissed a rumor in which the Cubs were sending Mark Prior to Philadelphia for outfielder Bobby Abreu. Carlos Zambrano also is not on the trading block. "Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior are not going to be traded by the Chicago Cubs," Hendry said. Finding a leadoff hitter has been one of Hendry's top priorities since losing out in the Furcal sweepstakes. The shortstop decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has agreed in principle to a three-year, $39.5 million deal.

 

Sources close to the negotiations said the Cubs dangled three options, including a five-year, $47.5 million offer.

 

I wonder how this will change the Yankees pursuit of Damon.

[Cityofchampions33]

Well Boras said that negotiations went "good" and comin from him that means a lot, so hopefully they'll rap it up quick. It's said to be 4 years with a salary north of 40 mill

[MANNYHOF24]

This deal will help the Cubs alot and should help rise Lee and Ramirez's RBi totals

[Ray10]

Wow Florida really is getting rid of alot of young talent.

[Moose]

Wow Florida really is getting rid of alot of young talent.

 

They're getting rid of anyone who makes millions of $$$.

[riverside sluggers]

Rotoworld indicates another Marlins trade could be happening soon that would send Jeff Conine to the Orioles.

[BoSox84]

Cubs should be happy finally get the lead off guy they didnt get in Corey Patterson

[26 to 6]

Well Boras said that negotiations went "good" and comin from him that means a lot, so hopefully they'll rap it up quick. It's said to be 4 years with a salary north of 40 mill

To the Yankees or the Sox?? I really dont want him. If we pay him we might as well overpay for Nomar as our utility guy.

 

The only reason I wanted Damon at one poibt is because I LOVE having ex-Sox in pinstripes. But Embree and Bellhorn are gone so its really not worth having another version of Bernie Williams in a few years.

 

I was hoping WE would get Pierre, He would fill our leadoff role and be our CFer for a few years until Melky is ready. A guy like Damon cant just be pushed to the side for a rookie.

 

But appearantly the CDubs are shopping Corey Patterson, who I would have no problem taking to platoon with Crosby. Its a shame what happened to Patterson, he was so highly touted in his early years, he's fallen apart.

[Bostons_Finest]

Renyel Pinto is my cousin! woop he the future watch out for him.

 

VENEZUELA!

[Sizzlin22]

The problem with signing Damon ifor 4 years is he'll probabaly only be good for the first 2, maybe 3 years of that deal. After that he'll hit a sharp decline that almost all CF's hit. Remember Bernie Williams last year? It's kinda the same deal. So the question is, is he worth it?