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Cubs Fire Sale Begins

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 2, 2013 7:05PM

The Cubs were expected to be sellers as the July 31 on-waiver trading deadline approaches and started the horse trading Tuesday, trading embattled closer Carlos Marmol to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pitcher Scott Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger were sent to Baltimore and they don't have far to travel to meet with their new team; the Orioles are in town for a series against the White Sox.

Marmol was sent to the Dodgers along with cash considerations and the 92nd slot in the International Free Agent pool (a $209,700 value) for Matt Guerrier, who was designated for assignment by Los Angeles Monday. Guerrier, like Marmol, has struggled this season with a 4.80 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 30 innings. He's set to earn $2 million the rest of the season.

The Cubs received right handed pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop, as well as the Orioles’ third and fourth international signing bonus slots. Feldman emerged as a reliable starter with a 7-6 record in 15 starts, a 3.42 ERA and a .234 BAA.

The Cubs also acquired the second and third international signing bonus slots from the Houston Astros for Double-A INF Ronald Torreyes. Overall, the Cubs have set themselves up to be aggressive pursuing international players in free agency by stockpiling the IFA slots, and Marmol's contract is now off the books.