Cubs Claim Jeff Bianchi Off Waivers

According to CubsInsider, the Cubs have claimed infielder Jeff Bianchi off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. Bianchi is a career minor leaguer. Bianchi has played in 491 games in the minors, posting a .281 average, 31 home runs, 251 runs batted in and 78 stolen bases.

Bianchi missed a few seasons as he underwent Tommy John Surgery and Labrum surgery. He’s a 25 year old right-handed hitter.

Bianchi was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 2nd round (50th overall) during the 2005 draft. From I get… I think the Royals had high hopes for Bianchi as they added him to the 40 man-roster to protect him from the Rule V draft in 2009. But I think injuries caught up to Bianchi and the Royals decided to clear a spot on the 40-man roster by designating him for assignment after the 2011 season.

If anything… the Cubs just added depth in their minors or maybe a player that can off the bench. As of right now, the Cubs did lose Ryan Flaherty and Marwin Gonzalez to the Rule V draft. So.. they need players to fill out their Triple A squad. Also, the Cubs traded 2B DJ LeMahieu to the Rockies… so more depth is a need right now.

So… I guess we will see what Jeff Bianchi is soon enough.