Recent Signings and their Implications for the Cubs

Recent Signings and their Implications for the Cubs

The Cubbies just recently signed two veteran hitters to minor league contracts this week. I believe these signings will have crucial implications on the current 25 man roster for the Cubs. The Cubs signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney and utility player Donnie Murphy. Ryan Sweeney has played for the White Sox, the Red Sox and the A’s. Donnie Murphy has played for the Brewers and the Marlins. I like both signings and believe that both signings will have an impact on the Cubs, especially the Sweeney signing.

Ryan Sweeney is a veteran corner outfielder who bats left-handed and is a good fielder and contact hitter. I think the Cubs signed Ryan Sweeney to a minor league contract to replace Alfonso Soriano if they can find a trade for him. If I was the GM of the Cubs I would trade Soriano to Baltimore because they need a right-handed power hitter and also because the Orioles have depth in pitching prospects which the Cubs need. I believe that Sweeney can be Soriano’s replacement because Sweeney could be a better defender than Soriano and Sweeney could offer better batting presences against RHPs than Soriano can.

The signing of Donnie Murphy offers the Cubs a backup player if Brent Lillibridge or Alberto Gonzalez struggle in the majors. Murphy is originally a second baseman, but he can play shortstop or third base. I believe Murphy was signed because Lillibridge had a difficult time at the plate in the series against the Pirates and had an error as well.