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Reports are that the Cubs are going to carry 5 outfielders and Cedeno is staying up along with Fontenot. That means that Murton will be sent down to Iowa or traded. This is a shame.

I feel so bad for Murton. They've been messing with this guy for years. I really hope he gets traded to a team where he will have more at bats. He's a pretty good offensive player and very patient too.

He is the type of player that the Cubs have been saying they are targeting. I guess it all boils down to his inability to play a position other than LF and hitting from the right side.

hes not very good defensively at all

From the Cubs point of view they feel that he does not fit in anywhere because the two outfield corner spots are filled already. I would like to keep him on the bench because he has a very solid bat.

Personally I would rather see Fontenot or Cedeno get sent down...they are sort of redundent as they can both backup the MI positions plus Cedeno can play CF. I just think Murton is a better bat off the bench. But I guess it makes sense as most teams only keep 5 outfielders...plus if Aram needs time off it would probably be DeRosa moving to 3rd and one of them playing 2B. In the end Johnson took Murtons job...more flexible as he can play decently in all 3 outfield spots and platoon with Pie. Ward is the big pinch hit bat plus even he can play both corner OF and 1B.

I guess if we ever get Roberts...one of the MI backups would go as DeRosa would take over that role.

Cedeno is the only backup at SS since they apparently won't play DeRosa there.

Fontenot is the only backup at 2nd since Theriot is starting at short. Had to keep both.

Murton's defensive limitations make it tough to justify keeping him up. He should be dealt.

ChicagoTRS wrote:Personally I would rather see Fontenot or Cedeno get sent down...they are sort of redundent as they can both backup the MI positions plus Cedeno can play CF. I just think Murton is a better bat off the bench. But I guess it makes sense as most teams only keep 5 outfielders...plus if Aram needs time off it would probably be DeRosa moving to 3rd and one of them playing 2B. In the end Johnson took Murtons job...more flexible as he can play decently in all 3 outfield spots and platoon with Pie. Ward is the big pinch hit bat plus even he can play both corner OF and 1B.

I guess if we ever get Roberts...one of the MI backups would go as DeRosa would take over that role.

Cedeno can't play CF. They tried that and it didn't work and they moved him right back to the IF. Murton is a great bat off the bench but like everyone is saying, where else can he play? Cedeno is also out of options so they have to keep him or trade him.

I could see the Cubs trading Cedeno and signing Cintron to another deal. And Murton has to be on his way out the door now. The only question now is what will they get for him. I doubt anything, which is a shame.

too bad for murton

Rosenthal indicates that the Padres and the Rays are pursuing Matt Murton but the Cubs are holding out for a top pitching prospect in return, knowing Murton will be a starter on another club. Rosenthal quotes one GM as saying that the price "is way too high as of now". As many as five teams have shown interest in Murton.

Source: MLBTR

If we can get a good relief pitcher or even 4th or 5th starter for Murton it will be fantastic.

I wouldn't want to get a relief pitcher because we are already semi-deep there,. If Hendry can create a package of some sort for a starter who's better than Dempster and Marquis, then I'd be all for it.

Or Theriot + Murton for Khalil Greene.