Cubs Trade Lilly, Theriot To Dodgers

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 31, 2010 7:18PM

The trade deadline is less than two hours away and while we wait to see what moves the Sox make, the Cubs have made their big move, sending pitcher Ted Lilly, infielder Ryan Theriot, and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Blake DeWitt and two prospects, pitchers Brett Wallach and Kyle Smit. DeWitt and Theriot are almost identical, the exception being that DeWitt is younger (24 as opposed to Theriot's 30) and cheaper. Lilly's 3-8 record this year has been underscored by lack of run support - second worst for any major league pitcher. Bleed Cubbie Blue speculates this will mean a return to the rotation very soon for Carlos Zambrano and that Jeff Samardizja will be brought up from Iowa to take a spot in the bullpen. Not a whole lot is known about the youngsters Wallach and Smit. The Cubs will also send $2.5 million to the Dodgers to help cover part of Lilly's salary.

It's not the best move in the world, but it signals the youth movement we expected from the Cubs given the team's age and durability issues heading into this season. The Cubs ship two veterans - Theriot is 30, Lilly is 34 - for three players under the age of 25. Between this and Derrek Lee's nixed trade to the Angels earlier this week, it's unlikely the Cubs will make any other moves.