Cubs Get Gorzelanny and Grabow

So the Cubs finally made a trade, acquiring Sloth Gorzelanny and John Grabow from Pittsburgh for Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio, and a minor leaguer. With this deal the Cubs gain two lefties for the bullpen.

Hart got the win for the Cubs today in what ended up being his final performance for Chicago. At least he has somewhere to go still. Russ Ortiz got tossed out on his ass by the Astros after giving up 9 runs in 2.1 innings pitched today. Maybe it's time to finally hang 'em up Russ. Hey you were a 20 game winner once, you had a good run, and you're not Shawn Estes*.

So John Grabow huh? It'll be nice to have another lefty in the pen, especially if we need Sean Marshall to step back in the rotation since our starters have been a little banged up. He's been decent for the Pirates, just know that he does walk batters quite a bit.

Gorzelanny has experience as a starter but served as a reliever earlier this season for Pittsburgh before being sent down to AAA Indianapolis. Gorzo has pitched quite well in the minors this season posting a 2.48 ERA in 15 starts and striking out 85 in 87 innings pitched. He'll certainly be a valuable asset to have either as a #5 starter or serving in long relief.

For what they gave up I'm pretty happy with this move. Now if Hendry could somehow get a 2B worth a damn I think the Cubs would be set.

*I alway confuse Ortiz wth Estes. Then I remember Ortiz was never the worst starting pitcher the Cubs ever had.