The Cubs struggled with the Astros, dropping two games. Zambrano stopped the would be sweep by pitching a shutout in game 3 of the series. Alfonso Soriano, who is starting to look like the Soriano of old, batted a very disappointing .192 for the series and made 3 errors. "He is going to be re-evaluated, and we are looking for a possible trade," said GM Hendry.
Expect much worse from Soriano as the tensions increase around the organization. As of right now Tyler Colvin is moving over to LF, as Marlon Byrd will step up full time now at CF, keeping J.D Drew at RF.
Alfonso Soriano's time was up in Chicago. Over-paid, unenthusiastic, and commitment issues were all words that some described Soriano with. The Cubs negotiated a 6 player trade with the Mets for Soriano. The Cubs traded 2B Blake DeWitt, LF Soriano, and AAA CF Joel Stewart. The Mets end of the deal was 2B Daniel Murphy, SS Reuben Tejada, and LF Nick Evans. Tejada will be sent to the minor leagues at the AAA level.
The Cubs' 25 man roster looks as followed: (starting pitchers and starters in bold) Dallas Braden
Matt Garza
Carlos Zambrano
Ryan Dempster
Randy Wells Rich Harden
Andrew Cashner
Casey Coleman
Scott Kazmir
Joba Chamberlain
Kerry Wood
Carlos Marmol Geovanny Soto
Carlos Pena
Daniel Murphy*
Aramis Ramirez
Starlin Castro Darwin Barney Tyler Colvin Nick Evans* Marlon Byrd
J.D Drew Brad Snyder
Koyie Hill
The Cubs sign 2B David Eckstien to a one year, $900K deal. This move comes after the Cubs trade away former 2B Blake DeWitt in a multiplayer deal. Eckstien isn't expected to come in and play every day, with experience he will help mentor the young newly acquired Daniel Murphy. Eckstien who was a former Cardinal mocks current Cardinal Ryan Theriot and says he is now "on the right side of the rivalry."