According to a report on Yahoo.com, the Cubs have traded Omar Infante and Will Ohman to the Atlanta Braves for right-handed pitcher Jose Ascanio.
The Cubs received Omar Infante from the Detroit Tigers for Jacque Jones and cash on November 12th. Infante was rumored to be in the mix for a utility role off of Lou Piniella’s bench next season. The Rockies were rumored to be interested in Will Ohman but rumors began floating on Tuesday morning about the Braves interest in Ohman. Ohman’s days with the Cubs appeared to be over last season when he did not accept his demotion to Triple-A after being ineffective out of the pen. Ohman’s comments about the Cubs training staff about his arm did not go over well with his teammates. He eventually reported to Iowa but when he was recalled he had to carry the bag for the bullpen….a duty that is typically handed out to a rookie.
Will Ohman was 2-4 last season with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. The Cubs signed Ohman to a 2-year deal last year worth $2.5 million and is owed $1.6 million in 2008. Omar Infante is arbitration eligible for 2008, he made $1.3 million in 2007. The report on Yahoo Sports speculates the deal will save the Cubs $3 million dollars in salary for 2008.
Jose Ascanio is a 22-year old right-handed reliever (May 2, 1985) and pitched in 13 games out of the Braves’ bullpen last season. Ascanio has less than 3 years of major league service time.
Ascanio was 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP in 16 innings….11 runs, 9 earned, on 17 hits with 13 strikeouts, 6 walks and 3 home runs allowed. Ascanio was 17-9 with a 3.58 ERA in 123 career games in the minors (10 starts) with a 1.29 WHIP.
The deal is expected to be made official later on Tuesday.