Interesting proposed trade involving the Cubs by Jim Bowden on ESPN.com (Insider)
1B/OF Bryan LaHair to the Cleveland Indians for 3B Lonnie Chisenhall and RHP Nick Hagadone
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Bryan LaHairJonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesLaHair could fetch a nice return package from the Indians.
LaHair first opened eyes when he posted a .377 OBP with five doubles and two home runs after being called up from Triple-A in September. He’s continued that performance with a great start to 2012, hitting 308/.396/.582 with 10 doubles, 10 home runs and 22 RBIs. With tremendous makeup and adjustability, his performance looks legit. However, at age 29, he probably won’t be on the North Side when they’re ready to win.
This shouldn’t be viewed as a sell-high opportunity, because LaHair should be productive for the next two to three years. He’s just a late bloomer who got late opportunities in his career.
This trade offers the Indians the chance to acquire another bat if they want to keep pace with the Tigers and Chicago White Sox through the summer. Even a healthy Grady Sizemore won’t solve all their offensive woes, not if Shin-Soo Choo remains in the leadoff spot. Hitting Felipe Lopez fourth and Shelley Duncan fifth is just not going to cut it.
Last year the Indians paid a heavy price to acquire Ubaldo Jimenez, dealing prized pitching prospects and former No. 1 picks Drew Pomeranz and Alex White. Because of that, they have displayed the willingness to do what it takes to help this team get over the top. To get LaHair will require the Indians to overpay once again.
Chisenhall hasn’t lived up to his offensive or defensive potential, but in time he will become at least average at third base and come close to a .300 hitter with 40 doubles annually. When Jack Hannahan gets healthy, he’ll be back at third base because the Indians love his glove and improving bat. Thus, Chisenhall could be moved, as painful as it might be for Indians fans.
Hagadone has a great arm, and despite some control issues can miss bats. He can help the Cubs right now in the bullpen, but in the long run has the ability to return to the starting rotation just as he did when he started his pro career with the Red Sox.
With the draft beginning Monday, Epstein, Hoyer and VP of scouting Jason McLeod will start shaping the Cubs’ future. After their last selection is made, the task at hand will be to take a step backward in order to take two steps forward. Fans might not like it, but let the wheeling and dealing begin at Wrigley Field.