Tigers Dump Craig Monroe on Chicago Cubs

Craig Monroe is back in the pennant race today after the Detroit Tigers traded him along with some cash to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later.

The 30-year-old slumping outfielder, who had lost his job in left to Marcus Thames, was batting just .222 with 11 homers and 55 RBIs in 99 games with the Tigers.

He was designated for assignment last Friday and replaced by out-fielding prospect of badassery, Cameron Maybin.

The 20-year-old Maybin was batting .304 with the Class-A Lakeland Flying Tigers in 83 games this season and had a .400 average with 4 homers and 8 RBIs in 6 games with the AA Erie Sea Wolves.

The revitalized, NL Central-leading Cubs are to send a player to Detroit by Oct. 15th.

It's not over 'til it's over, however, and the Tigers are knocking down the door in the AL Central and wild-card chase.


[MLB] | [Bless You Boys] | [The Cub Reporter]

Cameron Maybin Sent Down for Seasoning

The Detroit Tigers' top pick in the 2005 draft, outfielder Cameron Maybin, joined 10 other prospects who were sent down to the clubs' minor league system on Monday.

Maybin, 19, is expected to begin the season with the Class-A Lakeland Flying Tigers after batting .429 in 17 Grapefruit League games, displaying both power and speed.

Manager Jim Leyland said that Maybin could probably play at the major league level right now, but the talented Tigers have the luxury of bringing him up slowly.

Throughout the 2005-06 seasons, Maybin earned a few honors and awards, including a Futures' game selection in July followed by MID Prospect of the Year and Post-Season All-Star Awards in August. Then, Baseball America recognized him as a Low Class-A All-Star in September and MiLB.com gave him the Best Class-A Playoff Performer Award in November.

The club also optioned catcher Mike Rabelo and outfielder Brent Clevlen to the AAA Toledo Mudhens.

Right-handed pitchers Craig Dingman and Dennis Tankersley; lefty Joey Eischen; infielders Brent Dlugach, Mike Hessman and Kevin Hooper and outfielder Brandon Watson were all sent to minor league camp to be assigned later.

[Detroit Tigers News]