Cubs Trade Tyler Colvin, DJ LeMahieu for Ian Stewart, Casey Weathers

The Chicago Cubs have concluded a trade with the Colorado Rockies, acquiring 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers in exchange for 2B/3B D.J. LeMahieu and OF Tyler Colvin.

Colvin struggled finding playing time under Mike Quade last season and seemed unlikely to fair any better in 2012. For Colvin, this trade gives him a change of scenery and a chance to re-discover his rookie form.

I had LeMahieu penciled in as the Cubs regular second baseman next season, and thought his high average swing and smart base running could work as a number two hitter. The Cubs, however, were apparently never convinced that his somewhat limited range would work at second. They saw him as a third baseman with not enough power to play an infield corner. Many scouts expect that LeMahieu is a utility infielder long term, and probably not a regular starter on most teams.

In exchange for these two players, the Cubs got a lot of potential.

Ian Stewart, at one time, was considered one of the best bats in the minors. Even though he is only 26, the third baseman has never quite lived up to that promise. Hampered by injuries in recent seasons, this trade gives Stewart a change of scenery and a chance to earn a starting job at second or third. At best, Stewart brings average to above average defense and 20+ HR power to a team badly in need of some power bats.

Casey Weathers, in my opinion, the most interesting player in this trade. Weathers is a reliever who was expected to jump quickly from college to a major league bullpen despite not starting to pitch until he left high school. His career was derailed by arm surgery, which cost him about two years. His lack of experience shows up in his walk rates, but his power stuff makes him a clear closer candidate. He was listed as the Rockies #14 prospect by Baseball America heading into the 2011 season, and that was despite barely pitching in two years.

Stewart will likely have to earn his playing time with the Cubs, but he could work at second or third. Weathers will spend some time in the minors, but if all goes well we could expect to see him in 2013.