Scott Hairston to Washington

Late last night, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Chicago Cubs have shipped outfielder Scott Hairston to the Washington Nationals for a prospect in Single-A. We learned this morning that the prospect the Cubs acquired was 21-year old right-handed pitcher Ivan Pineyro.

The Nationals will pay the rest of Hairston’s contract this year and the Cubs will only pay about 500,00 of the 2.5 million owe to Hairston next season. Along with Hairston and Pineyro, both teams will receive a player to be named later of whom will not affect the deal, per GM Jed Hoyer.

Pineyro is an interesting young pitcher to keep an eye on. Keith Law of ESPN.com says Pineyro could be a guy that could be ‘something’ and a great get for a bench guy.  Pineyro will head to High-A Daytona Cubs.

Hairston was not having a great season for the Cubs and has had limited plate appearances. Hairston was strictly playing against left-handed pitchers. Even with limited at-bats, Hairston has showed some pop by hitting 8 home runs.

To be honest, I’m surprise by the trade and didn’t think Hairston will be traded. Since Hairston was struggling and still had a year on his contract. But the Cubs did well by acquiring a young pitcher with promise. The Cubs were not shopping Hairston, however. GM Mike Rizzo kept calling about Hairston and a deal was finally struck.

John Arguello over at Cubs Den brings up a great point; the pitcher the Cubs acquire for a bench guy was better than all 3 pitching prospects the Miami Marlins received for Ricky Nolasco. If you think about it, that’s just sad.

As the corresponding move, the Cubs will call-up Brooks Raley. Raley will be up for a few days to help the bullpen that is taxed. The Cubs will then call-up a right-handed hitter. The player could be Junior Lake, but that’s still a mystery. The Cubs thought of bringing up Lake, but don’t want to mess up his develope time. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, says Lake is in the Cubs plan next year and he will platoon in right field.

So far, the Cubs have made 3 traded this year and all 3 are considered wins. Theo and Co. are doing good and more trades will be on the way … for sure!

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