Heil to the Chief

When I heard that the Cubs traded Ronny Cedeno and newly acquired Garrett Olsen to the Marlins for Aaron Heilman there was something I wanted to point out, but these guys beat me to it (not that anyone comes here first but whatever it makes me feel important).

So the Cubs traded Pie for Olsen and a single-a pitcher, then they couple Olsen with Cedeno for Aaron Heilman?

It made somewhat sense when the Cubs traded Pie for Olsen, not that much really but something at least, that obtaining major league ready young pitching could be what was needed for Peavy. Now that is totally out of the question as they have traded Pie and another valuable young prospect, Cedeno, for a 30 year old reliever who couldn't cut it in the Mets dreadful bullpen now turned starter

If Aaron Heilman the starter is part of your battle for the 5th spot in the rotation, why are there rumblings about the Cubs looking to trade Hill. At this point if it's a battle, is Hill any worse than the others? Because he clearly has little to no trade value.

The Cubs have no reason to think that they still won't be a top team in 2009, but moves like this are utterly questionable. Lou Pinella is a great manager, but part of his style is putting players in the doghouse, and the GMs then have to manage accordingly. Should teams take Lou Pinella even if it means potentially putting your higher level prospects in the doghouse where they may never come out? I think in the Cubs case maybe a hesitant yes, they're a veteran team that needs that extra push. But developing players is so important in baseball because you get similar if not better production at a significantly lower price. Dusty Baker favored his vets, and I guess it kinda worked in San Fran and Chicago (until they realized he hurt young arms and well favored veterans all the time), it will be interesting to see how that situation plays out in Cincinnati as they are loaded with good youngins.

All in all I can't say that what the Cubs are doing hurts them this year necessarily or that Pinella isn't helping the team for now, but they just traded 2 young prospects that are more valuable trade chips, for a questionable middle reliever. Those clearly aren't moves that are good for a franchise's future, let alone even the present. The Cubs were the favored team last year, and they could very well be that team again heading into the playoffs if their pitching holds up, and if that happens I don't want to hear anyone citing these moves as reasons for that. These are not 'winning' moves and I believe the team will do well in spite of them. Meanwhile the Orioles got a former top top prospect (Felix Pie) that still has potential for more or less nothing that was going to help the team, and the Mariners got a young middle infielder with potential for Aaron friggin Heilman. When the Mariners and Orioles are involved in trades that benefit themselves you know you messed up, or it just means each team is finally headed in the right direction.