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The Cubs took a large step towards the future today when they promoted third baseman Josh Vitters and outfielder Brett Jackson to the major league team. To make room for them, infielder Jeff Baker was traded to Detroit for two players to be named later and outfielder Tony Campana was sent down to Iowa.
Both Vitters and Jackson were first round picks of the Cubs' previous regime: Vitters in 2007 and Jackson in 2009. Currently, Vitters is hitting .304/.356/.513 with 17 home runs and 68 RBI for the Iowa Cubs. Jackson, also playing for Iowa, is hitting .256/.338/..479 with 15 home runs and 27 steals.
Both Jackson and VItters are expected to play regularly as the Cubs decide what role they will play in the team's future. Jackson will start iin center field today and bat second.
Jeff Baker came to the Cubs in 2009 in a trade with Colorado for (then) minor-league pitcher Al Alburquerque. Since then, he's been a solid utility player and pinch hitter for the Cubs. We all wish him the best the luck in Detroit.