Updating an earlier post, the Cubs have traded outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (and about $3.9 million) to the Indians for prospects Abner Abreu and Carlton Smith.
It appears that the Cubs agreed to chip in a significant portion of Fukudome's contract (the Indians will pay only about $800K), in order to get back better prospects in return. However, even an $800,000 Fukudome couldn't garner a top prospect.
Abner Abreu was ranked #23 on Baseball America Top 30 Indians prospects prior to the 2010 season, but dropped off the list this year. He was hitting just .244/.294/.429 at High A Kingston, but shows an interesting combo of power (12 homers) and speed (19 steals). His weakness is his ability to make consistent contact (102 K's in 336 AB).
Carlton Smith was a 21st round pick in the 2004 draft. Although drafted as a starter, he was converted to the pen in 2009 and has posted mixed results since. This year, he has a 4.50 ERA in 46 IP with a 46/20 K/BB ratio. He pro...
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