Going... Going...

All indications are that Sammy Sosa is an ex-Cub. Multiple sources including the AP, WGN TV, WSCR, ESPN Radio and ESPN.com are all reporting that Sosa and cash are headed to Baltimore for Jerry Hairston, Jr. and other prospects. Tim Kurkjian reports that the deal is done so long as all physicals are passed.

First things first. Thanks for 12 great years Sammy. Now, get lost.

Hairston is an interesting acquisition. He would play left and bat leadoff. Let me be the first to say, THANK GOD! PATTERSON WILL BAT 7TH!!! Click on the link and look at Hairston. Look at the ABs with a count of 0-0. He only had 9 at bats that ended with that count. That means, this guy works the count. What about Korey? 104 ABs ended after 1 pitch. Hairston's OBP rose each of the last three years. He's been injured, but they were broken bones, not chronic injuries like muscle pulls.

I like the move.

Thsi deal leaves a big gap in right. The hot rumor is that some of the acquired prospects, plus some others, will be moved to the Devil Rays for Aubrey Huff. That, or something similar, needs to happen.

Now, just like last summer with Nomar, I have something to say to Jim Hendry.

Excellent, sir. Balls out.

You are probably pretty tired, right? Well, you should be. Go on home, get a nice hot bath. Rest up... 15 minutes. Then get your ass back in gear. The Cubs are under a lot of pressure to win, you know, and you put them there. Nothing's riding on this except the last 100 years of failure, your reputation, the Tribune Corporation share price, and maybe the future of the country. Not that any of that matters, but if you don’t find a right fielder, I'm going to get mad.

Goodnight.

Updating

The Washington Post now has the story and they include the names of the minor leaguers.

Hairston is the only player with major league experience who would be sent to Chicago. The others are prospects, including second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher David Crouthers. The Cubs are also going to add a substantial amount of money to deal to cover Sosa's contract.