The Captain headed to Bronx Bombers

It is a dark day and the end of an era. Sure, the Cubs had already traded a couple of minor pieces as part of their anticipated sell off, but it didn’t really feel real, not until now.

I haven’t had much of a chance to go over the return the Cubs received in exchange. Both prospects rated in the top 12 of the Yankees system and appear to have a high upside. RHP Alexander Vizaíno has only just gotten on the mound recently this season, and 18-year old outfielder Kevin Alcantara hasn’t played outside the complex level. I’ll update as I gather more.

Cubs Ship Tepera across town

The Cubs could not have asked for more out of their somewhat unexpected three-headed bullpen monster featuring Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Chafin and Ryan Tepera.

Kimbrel finished last season pitching as well as he ever has in his career, and then carried that momentum into this year, where he has somehow been even better. A trade deadline acquisition last season, veteran Andrew Chafin barely got to show Cubs fans what he offered as he was on the IL when that trade went down and only pitched a few games late in the year. He was healthy and ready to go this spring after re-signing with the club, and he too found a new level of success this season.

It was a bit more of a surprise to see Ryan Tepera become just as dominant this season. Sure, he’s always flashed very good stuff, but injuries and control issues have tended to hold him back. From day one of this season however, he was light’s out for the Cubs.

And now, he follows Chafin out the door. His trip will not be as arduous. While Chafin was shipped to the West Coast, Tepera is only being sent to the Southside.

In exchange, the Cubs received former 5th round pick LHP Bailey Horn.