Boredom set in. To relieve it, the Cubs made a trade. A trade that is like substituting one brand of pasta for another - - - you still get wet noodles in the end.
The Cubs received Marlin OF Justin Ruggiano in exchange for outfielder Brian Bogusevic.
Ruggiano, 31, did not repeat his breakout
2012 campaign ( he hit.313/.374/.535 with 13 homers and 14
steals in 91 games) in 2013 (222/.298/.396 with career bests in homers (18) and
stolen bases (15) in a career-high 472 plate appearances.)
Bogusevic, 29, batted above his mean in 2013 with .273/.323/.462 with 6 HR, 16 RBI in 155
PAs for the Cubs. He is a career .236/.313/.370 hitter in 773
trips to the plate.
Both players can play all outfield positions, but Bogusevic is a better overall defender. Ruggiano has more power than Bogusevic.
Bogusevic is not yet arbitration eligible, while Ruggiano is
projected to earn $1.8MM this season.
This is a classic change of scenery trade of bench players who may be able to platoon with their new club. Ruggiano gives the Cubs another right handed OF bat to join Junior Lake. This is not an impact trade for either club. It is a weak press release to the fan base that their team is still trying to improve for next season.
