PIERRE SPEEDS TO CHICAGO
The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Florida Marlins for pitcher Sergio Mitre and minor-league pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been waiting the past few years for former first-rounder Corey Patterson to bust out in center field, but it just never happened. The acquisition of Pierre signals that they've finally decided to go in another direction. Where Patterson had more five-tool potential, you know exactly what you're getting with Pierre: all speed, no power. He always has the potential to lead the league in steals and can bunt himself aboard, while rarely striking out, so he'll take over leadoff duties in Chicago.
What does it give the Miami Marlins
Once again, the Fish have dealt a veteran for young pitching. Though Mitre has spent bits of the last three seasons in the majors, he's still just 24. He hasn't had much success yet in the majors, but his good sinker has helped bring him plenty of success in the minors. His experience puts him in good position to win a starting spot in the spring. Nolasco, another sinker specialist, had a breakthrough season this year at Double-A, being named Southern League Most Valuable Pitcher. He adds an impressive curveball and a little work on his change-up at Triple-A in 2006 could bring him to the majors as a starter or middle reliever before long. Pinto, a tall, lanky righty, may be the most promising prospect in this deal. The 23-year-old pitched alongside Nolasco at Double-A West Tenn for much of the year and used his electric, mid-90s heat, tossed from a three-quarters angle, to baffle hitters. He'll definitely get a shot at earning a rotation spot this spring.
Fantasy impact
