CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs made their first move of the trade season in acquiring left-handed pitcher Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday for Triple-A slugger Dan Vogelbach. The teams exchanged a couple of minor league pitchers as well. Let’s break down how Montgomery can help the Cubs and what it means for them as they move toward the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
Common-sense deal: The Cubs needed a lefty in the bullpen in a bad way. It remains to be seen if Montgomery is the right lefty, but at least he fills an immediate hole and the Cubs have time to make another move.