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Ryan Freel (and Farney) to the Cubs

May 8, 2009 by wpbc Leave a Comment

3:45 UPDATE: The Baltimore Sun reports the deal is done.

Ryan Freel enjoys a beverage and time with the fans

This afternoon the rumors are circulating that Jim Hendry is about to make another deal with his former boss Andy MacPhail. Speculation has the Cubs parting with the ‘car leaper’ Joey Gathright and adding the versatile Ryan Freel. Freel can play 2B, 3B, and all three OF spots. He’s got some speed (not as much as Gathright) but he’d give Lou some of the options he had last season when DeRosa was on the team.

Ken Rosenthal from FOX SPORTS reports:

The Cubs, seeking more versatility for their bench, are talking to the Orioles about a trade for disgruntled utility man Ryan Freel, according to major-league sources.

Outfielder Joey Gathright cleared outright waivers on Friday, giving the Cubs the freedom to send him to the minors. The demotion of Gathright would clear a roster spot for Freel if the Cubs complete the trade.

Freel, 33, plays all three outfield positions, plus second and third base. The revival of Kosuke Fukudome and emergence of Micah Hoffpauir have left the Cubs more in need of an infielder than an outfielder.

The Orioles are believed to be talking to other teams as well about Freel, who has approximately $3.3 million remaining in 2009 salary.

Image from cincinnatireds.com

Freel’s not afraid to mix it up on the field.

Freel is disgruntled in Baltimore, and nothing stops disgruntled like time with a winning ballclub. So the Cubs would be a good fit for Freel and hopefully he’ll be a good fit for Lou with his speed on the bench.

Freel has a career OBP of .357 and he has had three seasons with 35+ steals. Of course his role with the Cubs would be that of utilityman.

photo from thewaywardoriole.com

Freel’s not afraid to dive for balls or get the uniform dirty. The scrap factor is through the roof on this rumored deal.

Deadspin detailed Freel’s imaginary friend Farney back in 2006.

Cash neutral deal: This according to Rosenthal–

The deal is cash-neutral, according to one source. The Cubs will pay the balance of Gathright’s $800,000 salary for 2009 with the O’s paying the balance of Freel’s — about $3.3 million.