JEWISH BASEBALL NEWS — The Chicago Cubs will send CF Sam Fuld to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a multi-player trade centered around Rays SP Matt Garza, ESPN.com reported today (1/7/2011).

The trade may signal renewed life for Fuld, a 29-year-old defensive specialist who has spent most of his professional career in the minors and was stuck behind a long line of standout players on the Cub’ outfield depth chart. Best known for his hustle, highlight-reel catches, and smarts (he’s a Stanford alum), Fuld is an on-base afficionado who nevertheless lacks the home-run power that many MLB teams want from their oufielders.

While playing for the “AAA” Iowa Cubs in 2010, he hit .272 with 4 HRs and 27 RBIs in 368 at-bats. Thanks to a great walk-to-strikeout ratio (66 BBs and 37 Ks), Fuld had a .383 on-base percentage. He had only 28 at-bats for the Cubs in 2010 (and a meager .143 batting average) but hit .299 in a longer stint the year before.

Just as Fuld is on his way to St. Petersburg, Rays RF Gabe Kapler may be on the way out. A 35-year-old free agent, Kapler hit just .210 with the Rays this year in a utility role.

Thanks to JBN reader Jessica R. for the tip on Fuld’s trade.

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