Two and a half months after they picked him up from the Tigers to bolster their attack against left-handed pitching, the Cubs traded outfielder Craig Monroe to Minnesota, where he will be a candidate to split time in left field...and bolster the Twins' attack against left-handed pitching.

In exchange for the arbitration-eligible Monroe, the Cubs will receive a player to be named, likely a low-level minor leaguer. Not a "prospect"; just a minor leaguer.

Maybe Monroe will bolster for Ron Gardenhire more effectively than he did for Lou Piniella. As a Cub, Monroe--who, you'll recall, was left off the post-season roster--hit just .204, with 1 HR and 4 RBI in 49 AB.