The Cubs have done some strange moves this week.
The Cubs re-signed 35 year old OF Darnell McDonald to a minor league contract. He was a non-tender as he was arbitration eligible. Why the Cubs want to keep an old player on their AAA roster prior to the release of other non-tender players from other clubs is strange. If arbitration-eligible players are non-tendered by their clubs, they become free agents.
The Cubs also released former Red Sox P Daniel Bard. Bard has been horrible in winter ball: walking 9 players and getting just one out.
The Cubs just acquired first baseman Mat Gamel, but did not offer him a contract. Gamel, who was once a prized Brewer prospect, has been injury prone and ineffective during his career.
Also, the Cubs did not tender relief pitcher Chang-Yong Lim. Lim played in 6 games for the Cubs last season, and had a 5.40 ERA and 2.600 WHIP.
Before the deadline, the Cubs tendered contracts to pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, Pedro Strop, James Russell, infielders Darwin Barney and Luis Valbuena and outfielder Nate Schierholtz.
The Cubs also announced that they signed catcher George Kottaras ($1.075M) and infielder Donnie Murphy ($825K).
The Cubs signed LOOGY reliever Wesley Wright for $1.425 million. Wright appears to be a James Russell clone in regard to bullpen role. Why the Cubs have two bullpen lefties in the same role will be something to be worked out in spring training.
Chicago's protected roster now stands at 38 players.
