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Chasing Cubtober: Angel Pa-GONE!
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The Chicago Cubs opened up another roster spot on Saturday by trading outfielder Angel Pagan to the New York Mets for two minor leaguers.
Pagan was originally acquired from the Mets before the 2006 season and hit .255 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs in his 148 games with the Cubs.
Pagan, a switch-hitter, was primarily used as the Cubs fourth outfielder because of his ability to play all three outfield spots while also being the Cubs best speed option off the bench.
The minor leaguers acquired by the Cubs from the Mets were reliever Ryan Meyers and outfielder Corey Coles.
Meyers is a 6-foot-5-inch 22-year-old right handed pitcher who struck out 55 batters in 51 2/3 innings while converting 13 saves and posting a 2.14 ERA while spending most of the year at Class A Savannah.
After seeing how manager Lou Piniella called up minor leaguers seemingly with no regard, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Meyers get a cup of coffee with the big club.
Coles is a left-handed hitting outfielder was a fifth-round draft pick in 2003 and an All-Star at Class A in 2006. Coles spent most of 2007 in Double A where he hit .296.
Coles could turn out to be a better version of Pagan. Rotowire.com says that Coles is a “prototypical leadoff hitter, who uses his speed to put pressure on the defense.” He posted a .407 on-base percentage in 2006, partially due to the 48 walks he drew.
The Cubs starting outfield looks to be set with Alfonso Soriano in left field, Kosuke Fukudome in right field and (despite his winter ball struggles) Felix Pie in center field. The Cubs also have Matt Murton and Sam Fuld in the fold coming off the bench, so Pagan was the odd man out.
