The Cubs sent outfielder Buck Coats to the Reds for a player to be named, and also announced the Tigers have claimed lefty Clay Rapada off waivers, which completes an earlier trade.The transaction involving Rapada satisfies the Aug. 23 trade in which Chicago obtained outfielder Craig Monroe and cash considerations in exchange for a player to be named.

Coats, 25, was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 18th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft. He hit .303 this year with Triple-A Iowa, with 21 doubles, 11 home runs and 59 RBIs.

Rapada, 26, was 7-2 with 17 saves and a 3.58 ERA in 55 relief appearances for Iowa.

Craig Monroe has been traded to the Chicago Cubs this morning as Jim Hendry tries to find someone that can hit some left handed pitching.  Monroe was released by the Tigers a few days ago as he struggled most of this year after putting up good numbers for them the past few years.

We can only expect Monroe to see action when a left hander is throwing against the Cubs.  There is no way you let him bat against right handers as he absolutely blows against righties. 

The Cubs will be sending a player to be named later to the Tigers.  Damn, that guy gets traded a lot lol.

The Cubs optioned shortstop Ronny Cedeno to Triple-A Iowa and designated catcher Koyie Hill for assignment after the game against the Cardinals on Monday.  It is being rumored that Cliff Floyd and Henry Blanco will replace them on the active roster.

Floyd is back with the team after being with his family during his fathers health problems and death.  Floyd says that it is great being back with the team, and a much needed relief at this time.

Blanco joins the team after having some back and neck problems which has kept him out most of the season.  He was 2-10 during a minor league rehab which isn’t that great but we know he is on the team for his defense more then his offense.

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Carlos Zambrano and the Chicago Cubs agreed on a new contract extension as Big Z signed a 5-year 91.5 million contract to keep him in a Cub uniform and off the free agent market at the end of the season.

I like that this got done before the end of the season, I don’t know if the Cubs could have signed Zambrano if he had choosen free agency.  They can’t get into another bidding war after shelling out all that money to Alfonso Soriano.

Good job Hendry and company!