Move 1: Acquired Catcher Miguel Montero [.243,13 HR,72 RBI] from Arizona in exchange for minor league Pitchers Jefferson Meija ,and Zack Godley. Montero,who is 31 years old,probably won't put up the offensive numbers he did when he made two all-star teams,but he's a big defensive upgrade to Wellington Castillo.
Move 2: Signed LHP Jon Lester to a six year contract,worth $155 Million. I'm sure there are a few incentives included in the deal,but I haven't seen them yet. I am not a fan of long term deals like this. History has shown us that most of these deals turn out to be busts,but I have a feeling Lester [16-11,2.46 ERA,220/48 K/BB] will be an exception.
Now,lets look at what these moves will potentially do to the Cubs line up and rotation
Lineup
1-Alcantra,CF
2-Coghlan,LF
3-Montero,C
4-Rizzo,1B
5-Castro,SS
6-Soler,RF
7-Valbuena/Bryant,3B
8-Baez,2B
9-Pitcher
Rotation
1-Lester 16-11,2.46 ERA,220/48 K/BB with Oak and Bos
2-Arrieta 10-5,2.53,167/41 BB/K
3-Wood? 8-13,5.03 ERA,146/76 BB/K [Wood's name has come up in trade rumors]
4-Hendricks 7-2,2.46 ERA,47/15 BB/K
5-Wada 4-4,3.25 ERA,57/19 BB/K
other possibilities
Turner 6-11,6.13 ERA,71/33 BB/K with MIA and CHC
Dubrount 4-5,5.54,51/33 BB/K with BOS and CHC
Straily 1-3,6.75 ERA,47/24 BB/K with OAK and CHC
Jackson 6-15,6.33 ERA,123/63 BB/K [Jackson probably won't be back...]
