Thanks For the Memories-Greg Maddux to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Greg Maddux HAS been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. No details have been released yet, but ESPN 1000's (Chicago) Bruce Levine reports that deal has gone through. It's still pending MLB approval since there will be more than $1 million in cash exchanged.

Shortstop Cesar Izturis is the player coming to Chicago from the Dodgers.

Also as part of the deal, the Cubs sent the Dodgers $2 million according to Maddux's agent, Scott Boras.

Maddux started the season 5-0 for the Cubs, but has only won 4 games since. His record is now 9-11 with a 4.69 ERA. His numbers should improve at Dodger Stadium, where balls that are home runs at Wrigley Field become flyouts at Chavez Ravine.

Cesar Izturis missed the first three months of this season due to Tommy John surgery last September. He is hitting .252 in 32 games so far this season with a .302 on base percentage.

So in other words, he's the perfect Cub. He can't get on base, and he can't hit for power or drive in runs.

How is Izturis an improvement over current shortstop Ronny Cedeno? I'm guessing the team is planning on moving Izturis to second base, where he made the first start of his career there on Sunday.

This is the second time Cub fans have had to say goodbye to Maddux, who started his career with the Cubs before leaving for Atlanta as a free agent in 1992. While in Atlanta he won 3 of his 4 Cy Young awards. All 4 were in consecutive seasons. (1992-95)