Monroe brings bat, experience
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Cubs had looked at Craig Monroe in the past.
On Thursday, they finally landed him, obtaining the right-handed hitting outfielder from the Detroit Tigers, along with cash considerations, for a player to be named.
The 30-year-old Monroe will join the Cubs for tonight's game at Arizona.
"He's got a lot of value against left-handed pitching," said Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, who was beaming over the trade. "He's not having a great year, numbers-wise, against the righties, but he's still swinging the bat great against the lefties. He's still got 50-something RBIs. We're looking for a little more veteran help against the lefties.
"Our young players have been terrific, but I think going into September, it would be nice to give us a guy who's done it before, been there, who had a world-class second half last year."
Overall this year, Monroe is batting .222 with 11 homers, 55 RBI and a .264 on-base percentage. Against lefties, he's batting .302 with 5 homers, 22 RBI and a .542 slugging percentage. He has struggled badly against right-handed pitchers, batting .190 with 6 homers and a .244 OBP.
Monroe played on last year's American League championship team with Detroit, setting career highs with 28 homers, 35 doubles and 92 RBI in 147 games. In the postseason, he hit 5 home runs.
"He's 30 years old, so he's certainly got a lot left in the tank," Hendry said. "Our scouts feel that he can really add something to the table, especially against lefties. After that, his time will be dictated by how he does."
The Cubs likely will send outfielder Jake Fox back to Class AAA Iowa to make room for Monroe. They've designated minor-league outfielder Buck Coats for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
The Tigers will pick up approximately $600,000 of the $900,000 left on the salary of Monroe, who is arbitration eligible in the upcoming off-season. Detroit recently designated Monroe for assignment.
"He's a good athlete, a good outfielder, and he's got some pop," manager Lou Piniella said. "We're going to use him primarily against left-handers. He's a good bat coming off the bench with experience. The teams we're playing here, they all have left-hand starters in their rotation."
Cubs bench coach Alan Trammell managed Monroe with the Tigers from 2003-05.
"I like him," Trammell said. "He worked very hard to improve. To me, he's an above average outfielder. He can actually play all three positions. He's more of a corner guy, but he has played some center.
"In a pinch, you can put him there if you have a double switch. He had some pretty productive years as a hitter.
"As far as what kind of person he is, a great guy. He'll fit in real well."