Cubs trade DeRosa

Mark DeRosa to the Indians for 3 pitching prospects. In 2006 two Ranger scrubs had career years right before filing for free agency. Unfortunately, the Angels not only got the more expensive one, they didn't get the one who could actually keep up the new level of play. Last year DeRosa hit .285 with power (21 homers), patience, and solid D at multiple positions. Normally I wouldn't expect a contending team to trade a player like him, but the Cubs have another solid 2B in Mike Fontenot, and apparently need to free up some money.

For 2009 the 34 year old DeRosa projects as an average hitter at an important defensive position, which should be worth 8-10 million. He's being paid 5.5 million according to Cot's. One pitcher, Jeff Stevens, struck out a bunch of guys at the AA and AAA levels. He's worth 1.7 million by my player evaluation system, for whatever that's worth. The other two pitchers pitched in the low minors in 2008, but are worth something, essentially being lottery picks.

All in all, the trade looks like fair value for both teams. It allows Chicago to focus their resources on other positions (maybe Milton Bradley) and Cleveland to upgrade the offense in the infield and improve through defensive realignment as Peralta goes to third and Cabrera to short.