Levine: Cubs Acqurie OF Dexter Fowler From Astros
By Bruce Levine-
(CBS) The Cubs have added the everyday center fielder they've been looking for.
Chicago has traded for Houston outfielder Dexter Fowler. In return, the Cubs are sending right-hander Dan Straily and infielder Luis Valbuena back to the Astros.
Valbuena's exit would open up third base in Chicago, which elite prospect Kris Bryant is set to fill. Bryant's expected to be called up in May, if not sooner.
The 28-year-old Fowler hit .276 with a superb .375 on-base percentage last season. Cubs brass has emphasized the need to add players who have high on-base percentages after the team's collective mark was .300 in 2014. Presumably, Fowler would becomes Chicago's lead-off hitter.
Fowler also had 61 runs, 35 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 116 games with Houston last season. He doesn't have much power, hitting just eight homers last season, but that's not the focus for the Cubs.
A switch hitter, Fowler has a career .366 on-base percentage.
Fowler won't come cheap. He recently filed for $10.8 million in arbitration, while the Astros countered with $8.5 million. Fowler can be a free agent after the 2015 season.
The 29-year-old Valbuena hit .249 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs in 149 games for the Cubs in 2014. Straily, 26, has a career 4.54 ERA in 48 big league appearances across three seasons.
Late last week, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told the Spiegel and Mannelly Show that he'd be content with young Arismendy Alcantara being a versatile super-sub of sorts. Alcantara can play center field or second base, and he also has experience at shortstop and third base in the minor leagues.
Jorge Soler and Chris Coghlan are also expected to be regulars in the Cubs' outfield.