re: Cubs trade for Astros' Dexter Fowler

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Valbuena was solid butCubs needed a veteran OF

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Bingo. Cubs have been after a veteran outfielder since the winter meetings, they needed some speed, they needed higher OBP and they wanted a true leadoff man. They got all of those in one player.

Obviously a move the Cubs felt strongly about since they gave up Straily (a major league ready starting pitcher) and 2 years of Luis Valbuena for 1 year of Fowler.

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After all Valbuena was a waiver pickup by Cubs.

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And improved pretty significantly in his time in Chicago and became a very under appreciated player that produces a quality at bat almost every PA and sees a ton of pitches.