Movin' on up to the NL East side

Some more updates on former Cubs:

Ricky Nolasco, Marlins

Traded by the Cubs (along with two others) in 2005 for Juan Pierre, Nolasco went on to win 11 games in 2006, see very little time in the majors in 2007, and have a stellar 2008 (15-8, 3.52). The 26-year-old found himself back in the minors on May 22 of this year, but has improved upon his ugly 3-6, 7.15 line since being recalled on June 7. Many of his statistics have hit career highs this season, but Nolasco is young and has shown ability in the past.

Angel Pagan, Mets

Traded last January for two minor-leaguers, Pagan played in just 31 games for the Mets last year, spending time on both the 15-day DL and the 60-day DL. His struggles with injury have continued this year, as he's currently enduring his second stint on the DL (groin injury). He produced at a decent clip while on the field, going 14-for-42 with three RBI and four stolen bases.

Scott Eyre, Phillies

Scotty Ire, as Lou Piniella calls him, pitched 19 games for the Cubs last year and sucked. He then got traded to the Phillies, pitched 19 games, and was awesome. 7.15 ERA for the Cubs, 1.88 for the Phillies. He also pitched three solid innings in the postseason and was of course rewarded with a World Series ring. He was off to a solid start this year with a 2.57 ERA in 14 games, but landed on the DL June 12 (strained calf).

Matt Stairs, Phillies


A Cub way back in 2001, Stairs is now on his 11th major league team. Mostly a pinch-hitter this year, the 41-year-old is hitting .282 with 3 HR and 11 RBI.



Corey Patterson, Nationals

At one point a can't-miss prospect for the Cubs, Patterson was unceremoniously traded to Baltimore for two minor-leaguers in 2006; the '06 season would be his last good one, at least to this point. His .276/16/53 line may have made Jim Hendry a little nervous, but his .239/18/79 line in the 2+ years since isn't nearly as impressive. He was signed by Dusty Baker's Reds for the 2008 season, released, and then signed by the Nationals prior to this season. He's played in only five games and is batting .133.