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July 31, 2012

Transaction Analysis

Cubs Deal Soto, Maholm UPDATED AGAIN

by Colin Wyers and Kevin Goldstein

IN THIS ISSUE

American League

Texas Rangers

National League

Atlanta Braves
Chicago Cubs

TEXAS RANGERS
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Acquired C-R Geovany Soto from the Chicago Cubs for RHP Jacob Brigham. [7/30]

The Rangers had the luxury of not having to make any deals, and they now have the luxury of taking the time to figure out how playing time will shake out with Geovany Soto in house. Yorvit Torrealba has been designated for assignment, so it’s pretty clear whose roster spot he’ll be taking, but Napoli has been handling the bulk of the duties at catcher for the Rangers so far. It’s possible that Soto will take an (expanded) backup role in Texas, catching when Napoli has a day off or is filling in at first or DH. Or Soto could take over the majority of catching, freeing Napoli to play other positions more often. If it’s the latter, the obvious choice would be to bench Michael Young; the sound you just heard was millions of sportswriters crying out in terror.

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8 comments have been left for this article.

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Jivas

(649)

KG: reports have Arodys Vizcaino going to the Cubs. If that is true, is my current excitement warranted? Because I'm *really* excited!

Jul 30, 2012 20:52 PM

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rating: 0

saltycubsfan

(62427)

Kevin, c'mon now, give us the goods on Vizcaino. Do you think he should be projected as a starter going forward? Has his name been brought up in trade rumors with the Cubs at all before tonight?

Jul 30, 2012 21:14 PM

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Richard Bergstrom

(36532)

I like the trades overall. It's interesting how many Tommy John recipients the Cubs acquired in this batch, but I feel they got some good value for their "lesser" trade chits.

Also, the Dempster situation might've ruffled the Braves feathers wrong so I'm glad the Cubs were able to complete a trade with them to avoid any lingering hard feelings. After all, with a new front office in place, the Braves might've been hesitant to engage in future deals with the Cubs. Granted , this is all assumption, but still...

Jul 30, 2012 21:46 PM

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juiced

(41014)

Cubs won that trade with the Braves. Maholm is a soft tossing lefty and Johnson has no role with that outfield. Vizcaino is a good young arm.

Jul 30, 2012 22:45 PM

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frampton

(870)

Well, the Braves got what they needed in the short run, (i.e., a veteran pitcher and an outfielder off the bench), and gave up a superfluous pitching prospect. As Dan Evans writes, maybe they will be pilloried in a year or three, but they're playing for a playoff berth in 2012, and if they make it, could well be worth it for the Braves. Any Cubs' advantage won't show itself until 2014 at the earliest.

Jul 30, 2012 22:59 PM

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rating: 4

Sean

(33374)

My first thought when people jump to conclusions of who "won" a trade is that the person doesn't really grasp the concept of market exchanges. If both parties are better off -- as they clearly both believe -- then they both win. Start from that point and go from there.

Jul 31, 2012 01:25 AM

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AugustanTray

(66705)

The acquisition of Soto is interesting at least.

Jul 31, 2012 06:09 AM

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stepsinsc

(33767)

Do you have a newsletter? If so, I'd love to subscribe.

Jul 31, 2012 11:58 AM

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rating: -2

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