The love affair between Cubs fans and popular outfielder Tony Campana is headed for the rocks just in time for Valentine's Day.
The Cubs today announced last year's team stolen base leader has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster for newly signed outfielder Scott Hairston (two years, $5 million).
That gives the Cubs 10 days to trade or waive Campana, the clear fan favorite during last month's Cubs Convention but a player whose one great tool - speed - went underutilized because of a persistent inability to reach base. His only chance of sticking with the club is if he's unable to be traded and clears waivers.
``It was a difficult call for us,'' said team president Theo Epstein, whose front office took almost two weeks to make a roster move for Hairston after agreeing to terms. ``We preferred not to take a pitcher off at this juncture.
``Obviously, [Campana] is one of the best base runners in the league and could be a weapon for a contending team in a certain role.''
This is an error unless the cubs plan to obtain a speedy centerfielder
Certainly Campana is an excellent base-runner and has speed to burn, but what good does that do if he is rarely on base? The Cubs need more power, and Campana definitely does not offer that.I enjoyed watchimg him last year when he happened to get on base but cannot really regret his being gone.