The Cubs continued their post-All-Star streak, beating the Brewers again and moving 2 1/2 games up. Lackey pitched well for a change.
The Cubs also filled two minor holes in preparation for a playoff run. They added Justin Wilson, who has been functioning as Detroit's closer and doing pretty well. He is a left-hander, which will give the Cubs a pretty balanced bullpen and allow Montgomery to move into a long relief spot starter role. They also picked up the veteran catcher Avila, who is having a good year and will likely fill the role vacated by the abrupt departure of Miguel Montero.
The Cubs gave up a good major league ready prospect in Candelario. I liked Candelario even though he didn't produce much in his brief stints in the majors. However, lets face it, he was blocked at both his positions by Bryant and Rizzo, so he was unlikely to get much playing time ever with the Cubs. The other guy in the trade was a Class A prospect, Isaac Parades, a shortstop. He's supposed to be good, but, again, the Cubs have so many infield prospects that it hardly matters.
All in all, I like the deal. I also like that they struck first to get the best controllable starter available in Quintana. Things are looking up.
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