Two days after being designated for assignment the Cubs traded Scott Eyre to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league pitching prospect Brian Schlitter on Thursday. Eyre fell out of favor with Lou Piniella at the beginning of the 2007 and after righting his ship and accepting a new name from his manager, Stevie Ire, the southpaw turned his season around. Eyre was one of the reasons behind the Cubs’ turnaround a year ago but according to several reports earlier in the week became a victim of the numbers’ game. Scott Eyre signed a 3-year deal before the 2006 season and will become a free agent at the end of this year. Eyre was one of the colorful characters in the Cubs’ clubhouse and, along with Ryan Dempster, one of the most entertaining players at the annual Cubs’ Convention.
The Cubs received High-A pitcher Brian Schlitter, the 16th round pick of the Phillies in the 2007 draft. He was 4-3 in 31 games, all out of the pen, with a 2.42 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. In 44 2/3 innings this season, Schlitter walked 21 and struck out 53. The 6’5″ tall right-hander will turn 23 in December.