The Cubs have acquired 30-year old righty reliever Kevin Gregg from the Marlins for 21-year old righty Jose Ceda. Gregg pitched in 72 games (0 starts) for the Marlins last season and he was 7-8 with 29 saves, a 3.41 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. He has now pitched in 271 games (8 starts) in his major league career and he is 18-21 with 62 saves, a 4.00 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. With the Cubs not re-signing Kerry Wood, Gregg could be in line for some saves with the Cubs in 2009.

21-year old righty reliever Jose Ceda was the Cubs’ #4 rated prospect heading into the 2008 season according to Baseball America. He pitched in 37 games (12 starts) in A+AA ball last season and he was 4-3 with 9 saves, a 3.83 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Ceda whiffed 95 batters in only 84.2 innings last season showing what kind of stuff he really has. This was a high price for the Cubs to pay but Gregg should help them in the very near future while Ceda might need some time to develop.