Former UM C Jake Fox traded by Cubs to Oakland
Per ESPN Chicago, former UM catcher Jake Fox has been traded by the Cubs (along with 2B Aaron Miles) to Oakland for three prospects. The Cubs drafted Fox in the 3rd round in 2003.
This is possibly great news for Fox, who played a few different positions for the Cubbies this year, but mostly 3B and OF. While he put up some decent stats (.259, 11 HR, 44 RBI in 82 games, courtesy Baseball Reference) this year, they never really gave him much of a chance. He's got a pretty good chance to start somewhere for the A's and make something of himself.
A Colbert-ian tip of the cap to Oakland for potentially giving him the shot he deserves, and similarly a wag of the finger to the Cubs, who've now traded UM baseball alumni Rich Hill and Fox.
EDIT: full details, according to Rotoworld: "Athletics acquired INF/OF Jake Fox, 2B Aaron Miles and $1 million from the Cubs for RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Ronny Morla and INF/OF Matt Spencer."
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 PM ^
It's good to hear he'll get a legit shot somewhere. That leaves the Chicago teams with zero Wolverines, with three being traded West in the last 8 months, and Rich Hill headed east about 2 years ago.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:22 PM ^
That's right. Former P/QB Clayton Richard went to San Diego in the Jake Peavy deal (after the White Sox under-appreciated him), and 2B Chris Getz got banished to the Royals despite his overall solid play for the White Sox (not that I hate to see Getz leave the South Side, can't stand the White Sox). Good luck to all of them next season.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 PM ^
don't forget about bobby scales...he got significant PT with the cubbies this year.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:37 PM ^
Good point, looks like Scales played in 51 games and hit .242/3/15 in 124 ABs. I stand by my Chicago wag of the finger--they were morons for taking on Milton Bradley.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 PM ^
Whoops. I forget he's there sometimes. Always was overshadowed by some of the other Michigan guys in the Chicago area.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:08 PM ^
Shoot, I really liked him as a Cub. Too bad they didn't use him too well, and good luck to him in Oakland. Hopefully the Cubbies get some solid players out of this one.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 PM ^
I'm a huge fan of both the cubs and jake fox. But it's really better for both of them that a trade happened, especially a trade to the AL. Fox is a potentially great hitter but not a fielder. If he doesn't improve his fielding, he's still a great DH prospect for the AL. Also, when the cubs trade you to another team--believe me--it's a virtual lock that you'll become a star. Sadly, that's a lifelong lesson that we cubs fans learn.
But hopefully, the Cubs will get something out of the deal too. Just wait 'til next year.
The Cubs were great in 1908.
They'll win again in 2010
-------- I hope
December 4th, 2009 at 3:11 PM ^
I'm a little bummed since I'm a huge Cubs fan and it was fun to see him play. That said, he's a great guy and hopefully the trade will be very good for him.