DEROSA TO CLEVELAND
The Cleveland Indians acquired infielder Mark DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs for pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
DeRosa brings a quality run-producing bat and a solid glove to Progressive Field, but just as importantly he is a versatile veteran who can provide leadership and stability. DeRosa will likely start at third base, but he also provides excellent insurance at several other infield and outfield spots. He has averaged 78 runs batted in per season over the past three years, and while the Indians have some talented youngsters throughout the lineup, DeRosa brings excellent relief in case any of them should struggle in 2009.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
Stevens, Archer, and Gaub are all minor-league pitching prospects, with Stevens the closest to reaching the majors but with Gaub possibly showing the most raw potential (having managed 100 strikeouts in just 64.0 innings of work at low Single-A Lake County last season). These arms won't likely make much of an impact anytime soon with the Cubs, but Chicago's biggest short-term benefit is the salary they save with the deal. DeRosa is set to make $5.5 million (and is in the final year of his contract) while recently-signed replacement Aaron Miles takes over DeRosa's second-base role (and at a more affordable rate of $4.9 Million over two seasons).
Fantasy impact
