Cubs trade Monroe to Twins

First it was Cliff Floyd, then it was Jacque Jones, now another Cubs outfielder is hitting the road.

Minnesota acquired Craig Monroe from the Cubs on Tuesday for a player to be named. The 30-year-old outfielder batted .219 with 12 homers and 59 RBI last season for the Tigers and the Cubs, who obtained him Aug. 23 after Detroit designated him for assignment.

Before going to the Cubs, Monroe tormented the Twins during his four-plus seasons with Detroit in the AL Central. He has hit .322 with 13 home runs in 283 career at-bats against Minnesota, including a .304 average in 35 games at the Metrodome.

"He has had a lot of success in this building," new Twins general manager Bill Smith said with a chuckle. "What he gives us is a proven run producer and a right-handed bat."

Monroe batted .204 (10-for-49) with a home run and 4 RBI in 23 games with the Cubs after the club acquired him from Detroit, along with a cash consideration, Aug. 23 for a player to be named.

The Cubs sent left-handed pitcher Clay Rapada to Detroit on Aug. 30 to complete the deal.

• Additionally, the Cubs activated right-handed pitchers Angel Guzman and Mark Prior from the 60-day disabled list, bringing their major-league roster to 38 players.