Chicago Cubs News: Dexter Fowler officially says goodbye

Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler warms up before game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler warms up before game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Chicago Cubs’ fans. Dexter Fowler signed with the rival St. Louis Cardinals. But it won’t change what he did for and meant to this team.

There was always hope that somehow the Chicago Cubs would pull a surprise on the league again and sign Dexter Fowler again. This time, it didn’t happen. Fowler signed a long-term deal with the Cardinals, something the Cubs weren’t ready to give him. It’s not a knock on his ability. The Cubs are very aware of what he can do. But they believe that Albert Almora is next in line, and they don’t want to block him. You’ll always be a Cub to us, Dexter.

The shift in power at the backend of the Cubs bullpen continues. From Hector Rondon to Aroldis Chapman–now to Wade Davis. The team also signed former Boston closer Koji Uehara, giving the team several options to save games. After seeing the bullpen tire a bit throughout the year, the plan is to have a plethora of options in the pen.

Fowler’s move to St. Louis is nothing new. Last year, Jason Heyward and John Lackey came from the rival Cardinals–helping the Cubs win the World Series. It started many years ago, most notably with Luis Tiant in 1978 when he went from Boston to New York. Fowler wasn’t the first, and he won’t be the last to change alliances within the division.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Fowler remains loved even after signing with the Cards’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Davis in as Chapman signs mega deal with Yankees’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Free agents who joined rival team’ – MLB.com

‘Rodney joins Diamondbacks on one-year deal’ – Venom Strikes

‘Yankees, Chapman, Cashman: A choreographed ballet’ – Call to the Pen

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