Yesterday, the Cubs traded away a once-beloved veteran whose very effective seasons helped lead them to 88 wins in 2001 and the Central Division crown in 2003. However, a subpar season in 2004 filled with controversy led the Cubs to trade him away to the American League for a fringe major-leaguer and two prospects. Cubs fans were excited about the deal, claiming addition by subtraction of his personality from the team.
Yes,
Kyle Farnsworth, appliance-kicker extraordinaire, was sent to the Tigers for reliever
Roberto Novoa and two minor-leaguers.
I'm actually a little more disappointed about Farnsworth leaving the division than I am about Sosa, since he was such a goofy and flaky dude. You never knew if he was going to pitch solid relief in
a comeback win, give up a So Taguchi
game-tying blast, or cross up the catcher to allow the winning run on a
passed ball on any given day. Kyle, you will be missed.