The Cubs have acquired 27-year old righty swinging IF/OF Jeff Baker from the Rockies in return for 23-year old righty reliever Alberto Alburquerque. Baker only has played in 12 games for the Rockies this season (due to injury) and he was 3 for 23 (.130 avg, .384 OPS) with 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Baker has played in 231 games in his major league career and he is 144 for 561 (.257 avg, .771 OPS) with 91 runs scored, 22 homers, 88 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. With the Cubs not hitting the ball at all Baker should get his big chance to show what he can do. Alburquerque has pitched in 24 games (0 starts) in A-ball this season and he is 1-0 with 2 saves, a 2.08 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. This was a good move for the Cubs.

The Cubs have designated 33-year old utility man Ryan Freel for assignment. Freel played in 14 games for the Cubs this season and he was 4 for 28 (.143 avg, .369 OPS) with 1 run scored, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base. This just hasn’t been Freel’s year as he has played in 23 games with the O’s and Cubs in which he is 6 for 43 (.140 avg) with 3 runs scored, 2 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Freel has a career batting average of .269 (.726 OPS) in 526 games so he will likely do better with whatever team gives him a chance next.

UPDATE: The Cubs have traded Ryan Freel and cash to the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later.