Morning Marquee: Cubs land Dexter Fowler for Luis Valbuena, Dan Straily

The Chicago Cubs may have found their leadoff man, even if he could be a one-year rental. Dexter Fowler fits the need the Cubs had for a top of the lineup guy that gets on base, and the price paid wasn’t that bad. Luis Valbuena was a waiver wire pick up in 2012, and Dan Straily was part of the deal with Oakland last year, but he wasn’t going to get an opportunity with the Cubs. So now the Cubs inherit Fowler’s arbitration case, but they also could look to extend him past this year.

The Detroit Tigers and David Price agreed to a record-breaking arbitration settlement, as the two sides agreed to a one-year, $19.75 million deal. The contract beats out Max Scherzer‘s from last season, which was $15.5 million. There wasn’t much to dispute that the Tigers would come to an agreement with Price, and after Scherzer signed with the Nationals it seemed like it was a foregone conclusion.

After the trade with the Cubs, it appears the Houston Astros are looking to add the Giants Ryan Vogelsong, according to sources. The Astros have revamped their roster, adding names like Valbuena, Evan Gattis, Pat Neshek and Jed Lowrie. The Astros finished 70-92 last season, and are hoping for a turnaround similar to what the Cubs are trying to do. Both teams have arguable the best farm systems in the league right now, and are both looking to turn the corner this season after several down years.

Here’s the rest of what you may have missed around the league:

‘Cubs trade Valbuena, Straily for Astros’ Fowler’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs sign Daniel Bard, invite him to Spring Training’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Price agrees to record arbitration deal with Tigers’ – Motor City Bengals

‘Vogelsong about to sign with Astros?’ – Climbing Tal’s Hill

‘Could the Cubs trade of Valbuena be a sign?’ – Cubbies Crib