The Cubs have traded Heilman to the Diamondbacks for two mid-level prospects. Actually anything they could get in return for Heilman is a plus. Heilman has never really lived up to his perceived potential for anyone and this was especially apparent with the Cubs last season. This guy could never throw strikes in clutch situations and sometimes hardly at all. He was reduced to being essentially a mop-up reliever and an expensive one at that.
The Cubs also appear to be close to signing John Grabow, who was a solid acquisition last year. Grabow is a consistent left-handed set-up man. Oddly enough, although I continue to be very critical of Jim Hendry's performance, I rather agree with his take on the Cubs' pitching. He seems content to pretty much stand pat, letting go of Harden and Gregg. relying on current talent to fill the gaps. This makes a lot of sense. Harden contributed very little last season and Gregg of course was a predicable disaster. One can make a case that despite some injuries and inconsistency, the Cubs pitching, in terms of quality starts particularly, was a little better last season than in 2008. They lost a lot of games last season that they should have won because of lack of offensive production.
I would not expect a lot of movement from the Cubs until Bradley is dumped.
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