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Cubs searching for a new leadoff man

MILWAUKEE — With Kosuke Fukudome traded to Cleveland Thursday, the Cubs will be in search of a new leadoff man.

Fukudome was the Cubs' best on-base percentage hitter at .374. Now, it appears manager Mike Quade will mix and match from the likes of Starlin Castro (.330 OBP), Darwin Barney (.325) and Tony Campana (.297).

Against some left-handed starting pitchers, it's possible Jeff Baker (.314 OBP) could leadoff, as he has done five times this season.

“Obviously, Castro's an option, Barney's an option, Campy is an option,” Quade said. “Those three, I'll probably focus on right now, and we'll see where we'll go.”

Castro has done most of his hitting out of the No. 2 spot in the order of late, with Barney batting eighth.

Prospecting: Although neither of the prospects the Cubs received for Kosuke Fukudome appears on any top-prospect lists for the Cleveland Indians, the Cubs see upside in both.

The Cubs got Class AAA right-handed pitcher Carlton Smith and outfielder Abner Abreu from the Indians.

Smith, 25, is a right-hander who is 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA at Class AAA Columbus. In 46 innings pitched, he's given up 45 hits while walking 20 and striking out 46. He was a 21st-round draft choice in 2004.

Abreu, 21, has a hitting line of .244/.294/.429 at Class A Kinston. The 6-foot-3, 187-pound right-handed batter has 16 doubles, 5 triples, 12 homers and 35 RBI.

The Cubs feel Abreu is the key to the deal. Although his on-base percentage leaves something to be desired, the Cubs point out that he's young. They also say he's a #8220;plus#8221; defender who is developing power.

#8220;Stan Zielinski, who is one of our finest scouts as documented over the years ... has the Cleveland system and had it when we acquired Chris Archer,#8221; general manager Jim Hendry said, referring to a pitcher the Cubs sent to Tampa Bay last winter for Matt Garza. #8220;He's very high on Abreu. He gave some young Mike Cameron (comparisons) of how he looks and how he is athletically. He still has a ways to go. But obviously, a guy who has a chance to have a future.

#8220;The right-hander is a hard sinkerball guy that could be a contributor at the major-league level.#8221;

Mixed day for Wells:Randy Wells gave up 8 hits and 4 runs Thursday in the Cubs' 4-2 loss to the Brewers, as they were swept at Miller Park. Wells (2-4, 6.16 ERA) had the most trouble with Ryan Braun, who was 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and 2 RBI.

#8220;Today, I felt pretty good,#8221; Wells said. #8220;I was down in the zone, pounding the zone. I pitches when I had to. I just let Braun beat me.#8221;

Parting words: Kosuke Fukudome said he would like to continue playing in the major leagues next year if another team wants him. For now, it's on to Cleveland.

#8220;I know there is a lake; Lake Erie is right next to it,#8221; he said. #8220;And it looks like Chicago.#8221;

Fukudome said he enjoyed the fans in the right-field bleachers.

#8220;If I have another opportunity to stand in the same position again, I'd really like to do it,#8221; he said.