Update: Freel Traded to Cubs

The Orioles and Cubs have completed a trade that would send utility player Ryan Freel to the Cubs for outfielder Joey Gathright. It was originally reported that Gathright was being demoted, but the two teams were able to pull off a quick exchange after he cleared waivers. The deal is cash-neutral, a source told Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal. So the Orioles will pay Ryan Freel's 3.3 million dollar salary and the Cubs will pay Joey Gathright's 800,000 dollar salary.

Freel gives the Cubs someone familiar with the division, having played with the Reds for six seasons prior to be traded to the Orioles in the Ramon Hernadez deal. He is very versatile, and we'll fit right in with teammates Reed Johnson and Aaron Miles, who all are defensive minded and aggressive at the plate. The irony behind this trade is that Felix Pie, who was traded to make room for Gathright, and Gathright are now teammates on the Orioles.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.