More on the Miles trade and the players the Cubs got.

Ok the details of the Aaron Miles trade are out...

The Cubs will pay $1 million of the $2.7 Miles is owed this coming season. 

I hate the idea of eating money...especially with the Bradley contract still sitting out there...but I think this was the best the Cubs could have hoped for for a player that batted below .200 this past season.

About the two prospects:
 
Outfielder/1B  Matthew Spencer:

He was in AA last season with a line of .294/9/62 and an OBS of .808.  He's a left hander will be 24 years old in January.

Right handed pitcher Ronny Morla:

He was in Low A last season and with a 1-7 record and a 4.86 ERA. He's 21 years old out of the Dominican Republic.  He had 12 starts and 5 relief appearances. 

Matthew Spencer was ranked as one of the mid-ranged prospects for the A's...probably not in the top ten. Morla isn't mentioned as a top 50 prospect, but the few scouting reports out there state he is quite a talent.  He's probably just the right type of kid to bring in if you are trying to restrengthen a farm system, even if he doesn't ever make it to the majors.   

About the main acquisition in this deal: Pitcher Jeff Gray...

He is 28 years old, and made his major league debut in 2008...he's only logged 31 innings in the majors.  Gray is a hard thrower and has been used as a closer in the minor leagues. 

In the end, the Cubs didn't get a whole lot here, but they did get rid of Miles, and did help bolster the farm system.  Gray will probably make the 2010 team as a middle reliever and if he doesn't make the team, he'll start the season in Iowa.

Now, with Miles and Fox both gone, the Cubs do have an infield slot that is open.  Look for them to try to bring in another utility player before spring training.