Mark DeRosa traded to Cleveland Indians

Both ESPN 1000 and the Cubs have had a busy day. We just learned that the North Siders have traded former Cubs second baseman and ESPN 1000 contributor, Mark DeRosa, to the Cleveland Indians for three young pitchers.

The Cubs will receive RHP Jeff Stevens, RHP Chris Archer and LHP John Gaub. All three young pitchers are strikeout artists. Stevens averaged over 13 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in his stints at double-A, and triple-A last season. Beyond saving money, the key to this trade are adding to the inventory of young pitchers that could be available to use in a trade for Padres' ace Jake Peavy.

It's been known for a long time that San Diego general manager Kevin Towers is looking for pitching back in any potential deal for Peavy. With Ronny Cedeno and Felix Pie both out of options (this means they cannot be sent back to the minor leagues without clearing waivers), both of them could be used along with some of this young pitching inventory to obtain Peavy.

A Peavy deal is still predicated on approval by the Cubs' next ownership, in which they would have to sign off on the $63 million Peavy is owed over the next four years. Once again, Hendry has saved $11 million over the last two days. That money will go towards the $4.5 million that Aaron Miles will make over the next two years and Milton Bradley's contract, which should be finished in the next 10 days or so.