Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry pulled off a small trade with Frank Wren and the Atlanta Braves Thursday afternoon by sending Single A southpaw pitching prospect Ryan Buchter in exchange for veteran Rodrigo Lopez.

Buchter, 24, has solid numbers so far this season. So far he has compiled a 4-0 record, with one save, and 3.38 ERA. Even for a Single A pitching prospect, those numbers are solid, and should not be ignored by any means. Of course, a great number of players have solid numbers in the minors, and then are garbage in the majors. However, Buchter, in my opinion has the potential to be a good young player in Atlanta.

Lopez, 36, was in AAA ball with the Braves Organization, located in Gwinnett. The only reason I can see Jim Hendry having interest in Lopez is his performance in the minors this year, where he is 6-1, with a 2.59 ERA. The reason I say this is because his major league numbers are not great. 75-82 in 9 years on the big stage. Most recently, last season he was 7-16 with an era of 5.00 with the Diamondbacks. Lopez has had many stops in his major league career which include San Diego, Baltimore, Colorado, Arizona, and now the north side of Chicago.

I always hesitate the dealing of prospects, especially of lower class ones, due to the fact that they are very young and the potential of them are so enormous. With the Cubs sending some of their best prospects and biggest potential ones this off season for Starting Pitcher Matt Garza, they have already sent me up a wall when it comes to minor league management. Even with this being a Single A player, not known by many, every major leaguer starts somewhere. This move was obviously made due to the poor performance of the bullpen this season, which has been a complete joke. I really liked what Buchter has to offer the Cubs in the future, but I guess it wasn't enough for Jim Hendry. Rodrigo Lopez step on the rubber, and lets see what you can do!