The Florida Marlins continue to slash the payroll as they have traded 30-year old righty reliever Kevin Gregg to the Cubs for 21-year old righty pitcher Jose Ceda. Gregg pitched in 72 games (0 starts) for the Marlins last season and he was 7-8 with 29 saves, a 3.41 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. In two years with the Marlins, Gregg pitched in 146 games (0 starts) in which he was 7-13 with 61 saves, a 3.48 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Matt Lindstrom replaced Gregg as the closer late last season for the Marlins and he has a huge upside which made Gregg expendable.

21-year old righty Jose Ceda was the Cubs #4 prospect heading into the 2008 season according to Baseball America. He pitched in 37 games (12 starts) in A+AA ball last season and he was 4-3 with 9 saves, a 3.83 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Ceda only allowed 67 hits while whiffing 95 batters in 84.2 innings last season which showed just how nasty his stuff can be. This was actually a good trade for both teams as the Marlins get help for the future while Gregg should help out the Cubs now.