Theo Epstein’s first full year as Cubs President of Baseball Operations brought a fair number of free-agent signings, though nothing major, and a few minor trades.
One deal, though, set the tone for Theo’s leadership.
And there was a trade that was unique in Cubs — and possibly MLB — history.
January 6: Acquired Anthony Rizzo and Zach Cates from the Padres for Andrew Cashner and Kyung Min Na
There were some who worried about this deal at the time it was made, thinking Cashner could turn into a top rotation starter. And Rizzo had not performed well in a 49-game trial for the Padres in ‘11 (.