The Cubs traded Craig Monroe to Minnesota a couple of days ago. Monroe’s departure wasn’t a surprise for the majority, though it’s quite amazing Hendry found a taker. He hit .204 with one home run and four RBIs after being traded from Detroit in August for pitching prospect Clay Rapada, and he knew the handwriting was on the wall when he was left off the Cubs’ postseason roster. Since Monroe was going to be non-tendered and made a free agent next month, the Cubs opted to get a low-level prospect from the Twins instead of nothing.
For a player to be named, the Cubs have shed three veteran outfielders who would have cost nearly $15 million if they had returned in 2008.