07-30-2009, 09:56 PM
Looks like Fuld is on his way back to the Cubs
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The Cubs will add outfielder Sam Fuld to the roster Friday, apparently satisfied the left-handed hitter can fill the role of the right-handed Reed Johnson.
With Cubs' general manager Jim Hendry spending the last 24 hours acquiring left-handed pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny, he has little time trying to pick up a backup outfielder before the interleague trading deadline expires at 3 p.m. Friday.
"We'll always keep our options open until end of it," Hendry said. "I hope something pops up between now and 3, but I wouldn't count on it. I don't have anything going like this [trade]."
Fuld and fellow center-fielder Kosuke Fukudome are both left-handed hitters but, according to Hendry, "If the other guys hit, one more left-handed guy who plays great defense or is an athletic guy in the lineup isn't going to make or break you.
"The way it was going, Reed was starting probably less than 25 percent of the time anyhow."
Fuld accompanied the team on its charter flight to Miami, although he won't be activated until just before the game against the Marlins. <b>He will replace reliever Mitch Atkins, who was sent to Iowa.</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The Cubs will add outfielder Sam Fuld to the roster Friday, apparently satisfied the left-handed hitter can fill the role of the right-handed Reed Johnson.
With Cubs' general manager Jim Hendry spending the last 24 hours acquiring left-handed pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny, he has little time trying to pick up a backup outfielder before the interleague trading deadline expires at 3 p.m. Friday.
"We'll always keep our options open until end of it," Hendry said. "I hope something pops up between now and 3, but I wouldn't count on it. I don't have anything going like this [trade]."
Fuld and fellow center-fielder Kosuke Fukudome are both left-handed hitters but, according to Hendry, "If the other guys hit, one more left-handed guy who plays great defense or is an athletic guy in the lineup isn't going to make or break you.
"The way it was going, Reed was starting probably less than 25 percent of the time anyhow."
Fuld accompanied the team on its charter flight to Miami, although he won't be activated until just before the game against the Marlins. <b>He will replace reliever Mitch Atkins, who was sent to Iowa.</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->